What Is the Limitation of Dynamic QR Code?
Sally Wright
Jun 27, 2023
Dynamic QR codes have become a popular choice for businesses that want more flexibility from their printed marketing materials. Unlike static QR codes, dynamic QR codes allow you to change the destination content without creating and printing a new code.
That flexibility makes them useful for marketing campaigns, menus, product packaging, business cards, event promotions, and more. Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan analytics, giving businesses insight into when, where, and how people interact with their codes.
But dynamic QR codes aren't completely without limitations. They depend on a redirect service, an active destination, and proper management to provide the expected experience.
Understanding these limitations can help you avoid broken links, security problems, and other issues before putting a QR code on materials that may be used for months or even years.
TL;DR
- Dynamic QR codes can be updated after printing without replacing the physical code.
- They can provide scan tracking and analytics for marketing campaigns.
- Dynamic QR codes rely on a redirect service and an available online destination.
- They don't inherently expire, but a code can stop working if its service or destination becomes unavailable.
- Security, compatibility, and regular maintenance should be considered when using dynamic QR codes.
- Testing your QR codes before and after launch can help prevent scanning problems.
- QR Codes Unlimited lets you create dynamic QR codes for free.
What Are Dynamic QR Codes?
A dynamic QR code is a QR code that uses a redirect to send users to a destination such as a website, landing page, PDF, video, social media profile, or other online content.
The biggest difference between dynamic and static QR codes is what happens when you need to change the information.
A static QR code contains its destination information directly in the code. Once it's printed, that information can't be changed. If you need to use a different URL, you'll generally need to create and print a new QR code.
A dynamic QR code works differently. The printed code remains the same while the destination connected to it can be updated.
For example, a restaurant could print one dynamic QR code on its menus. If the menu URL changes later, the restaurant can update the destination instead of printing new menus. This is also useful for marketing campaigns. A business can redirect a PDF QR code from one promotional page to another as its campaign changes.
How Do Dynamic QR Codes Work?
Dynamic QR codes typically contain a short redirect URL. When someone scans the code, their device opens that URL, which then sends them to the current destination.
This redirect is what makes the QR code editable.
It also explains one of the main limitations of dynamic QR codes: the redirect needs to remain available for the code to work as intended.
If the redirect service is unavailable or the destination page has been removed, users may not reach the content you intended to share.
For businesses, this means choosing a reliable QR code platform and keeping linked content active are important parts of managing dynamic QR codes.
What Are the Limitations of Dynamic QR Codes?
Dynamic QR codes offer considerable flexibility, but there are a few things to consider before using them.
They Depend on a Redirect Service
A dynamic QR code relies on a redirect to reach its destination. Unlike a static QR code, the final URL isn't simply stored directly in the QR code itself.
This makes dynamic codes editable, but it also means the redirect service needs to remain functional.
For this reason, businesses should choose a QR code provider they can rely on, particularly when using QR codes on permanent materials such as packaging, signs, or printed documentation.
The Destination Still Needs to Work
Updating a dynamic QR code doesn't guarantee that the new destination will provide a good user experience.
If the landing page is deleted, the website goes offline, a PDF is moved, or a campaign page is no longer available, users may encounter a broken experience after scanning.
Before publishing a dynamic QR code, make sure the destination works correctly on mobile devices. It's also a good idea to review important QR codes periodically.
Internet Access Is Usually Required
A phone can scan a QR code for plain text without necessarily having an internet connection. However, accessing most dynamic QR code destinations requires an internet connection.
This is important when using QR codes at locations where cellular service or Wi-Fi may be unreliable.
If your audience is likely to scan a code in an area with limited connectivity, consider what information they need and whether the experience depends entirely on an online page.
Dynamic QR Codes Don't Inherently Expire
One common question is whether dynamic QR codes expire.
The QR code itself doesn't inherently expire simply because it is dynamic. However, a dynamic QR code can stop working if the redirect service becomes unavailable, the account or service is deactivated, or the destination content is removed.
That's why it's important to distinguish between an “expired QR code” and a QR code whose underlying service or destination is no longer available.
Regularly testing important QR codes can help identify these issues before customers do.
Security Requires Proper Management
A QR code doesn't automatically make a destination safe.
Businesses should use secure HTTPS destinations and verify every URL before publishing it. QR codes should also be managed through a reputable platform, and accounts used to control dynamic codes should be properly protected.
It's particularly important to review a dynamic QR code's destination when making changes. A small URL mistake can send users somewhere unexpected.
Older Devices May Have Compatibility Issues
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly through their built-in camera. However, older phones or outdated scanning applications may have more difficulty recognizing them.
The issue isn't necessarily specific to dynamic QR codes. The scanning experience can also depend on the device, camera, QR scanning software, and internet connection.
Testing your code across multiple devices before launching a campaign is a simple way to catch potential problems.
Dynamic vs. Static QR Codes: Which Should You Use?
The right choice depends on how you plan to use the QR code.
Static QR codes are useful when the information is unlikely to change. For example, you might use one to display permanent contact information or link to a fixed resource.
Dynamic QR codes are better suited to situations where the destination may change or where you want to monitor scans.
For marketing campaigns, product promotions, events, menus, and other changing content, the ability to update the destination without reprinting the QR code can save time and reduce unnecessary printing costs.
If the destination will never change and tracking isn't important, a static QR code may be all you need.
Best Practices for Using Dynamic QR Codes
A few simple practices can help you get more value from dynamic QR codes while reducing potential problems.
- Test before publishing. Scan the code using different smartphones and QR scanning applications. Make sure the destination loads correctly and is easy to use on a mobile screen.
- Check the destination regularly. Don't assume that a QR code will always lead to the correct page. Review important codes periodically, especially those used on permanent materials.
- Keep content updated. One advantage of a dynamic QR code is the ability to change its destination. Use that flexibility to keep your content accurate and relevant.
- Use secure destinations. Whenever possible, link users to HTTPS pages and verify the destination before distributing the QR code.
- Monitor scan activity. If analytics are available, review scan activity to understand whether your campaign is reaching its intended audience and identify unusual changes in engagement.
- Make scanning obvious. Add a short call to action such as “Scan to view the menu” or “Scan to get the offer.” A QR code without context may be ignored even when it works perfectly.
Why Use QR Codes Unlimited for Dynamic QR Codes?
For businesses that need editable QR codes, QR Codes Unlimited provides a convenient way to create dynamic QR codes without paying a subscription fee.
You can create a dynamic code, update its destination when needed, and use it across different marketing materials and campaigns.
This makes dynamic QR codes useful for businesses that don't want to reprint materials every time a URL or piece of content changes.
Conclusion
Dynamic QR codes aren't perfect, but their limitations are generally manageable with proper planning.
Their biggest advantage is flexibility. You can change the destination after printing, making them particularly useful for marketing campaigns, packaging, menus, business cards, signs, and other materials that aren't easy to replace.
At the same time, businesses should remember that dynamic QR codes depend on a working redirect service and an available destination. Security, connectivity, compatibility, and ongoing maintenance should also be considered.
Before launching a QR code campaign, test the code, check the destination, and continue monitoring important codes after they're published.
If you're ready to create a dynamic QR code, QR Codes Unlimited offers free dynamic QR code generation with no subscription required. For more guides, tips, and practical QR code use cases, explore the QR Codes Unlimited Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of dynamic QR codes?
Dynamic QR codes depend on a redirect service and an active destination. They also require proper management to ensure that the destination remains available and relevant.
Do dynamic QR codes expire?
Dynamic QR codes don't inherently expire. However, they can stop working if the redirect service or destination becomes unavailable.
Can I change a dynamic QR code after printing?
Yes. You can update the destination of a dynamic QR code without changing or reprinting the physical QR code.
Are dynamic QR codes safe?
Dynamic QR codes can be safe when they are managed properly. Use secure HTTPS destinations, verify URLs before publishing, and protect the account used to manage your QR codes.
Do dynamic QR codes require internet access?
Scanning can take place without an internet connection, but accessing the online destination usually requires internet access.
How can I make sure my dynamic QR code keeps working?
Test the QR code regularly, keep its destination active, and monitor the redirect and scan performance. Using a reliable QR code platform can also help you manage your codes more effectively.
