Can I track scans on static QR codes?

No. Static QR codes encode the destination URL directly in the pattern, so there's no redirect or tracking mechanism. You need dynamic QR codes for scan tracking. If you've already printed static codes, you'd need to reprint with dynamic codes to enable tracking.

What data is collected when someone scans a QR code?

Dynamic QR code tracking typically captures: timestamp, approximate geographic location (city/country based on IP), device type and operating system, browser, and total vs. unique scan counts. No personal data like names or phone numbers is collected.

Is QR code tracking available in real time?

Yes. Quality QR's analytics dashboard updates in real time—you can see scans as they happen. This is useful for monitoring live campaigns, events, and promotions where immediate feedback matters.

Does QR code tracking respect user privacy?

QR code tracking uses IP-based geolocation and device headers—no cookies, no personal data collection, no user identification. It's similar to standard web server analytics. Quality QR is GDPR-compliant and doesn't share scan data with third parties.

QR Code Tracking: How to Monitor Scans and Measure Campaign Success

QR code tracking turns a simple scannable code into a measurable marketing channel. With the right setup, every scan tells you who scanned, where, when, and on what device—giving you the data you need to measure ROI and optimize campaigns.

Why Track QR Codes?

Printing a QR code on a flyer without tracking is like running ads without analytics. You're spending money but have no idea what's working. QR code tracking answers critical questions:

How many people scanned your code?
Where are scanners located (city, country)?
What devices are they using?
What time of day gets the most scans?
Which physical locations drive the most engagement?
Is your campaign performing better than last month?

Without tracking, you're guessing. With it, you have data to back every decision.

How QR Code Tracking Works

Tracking requires dynamic QR codes. Here's the mechanism:

A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL (e.g., qr.example.com/abc123) instead of the final destination
When someone scans, their device hits the redirect URL first
The tracking server logs metadata—IP-based location, device type, timestamp, referrer
The user is instantly redirected to the final destination URL
All this happens in milliseconds—the user doesn't notice any delay

Static QR codes encode the final URL directly, so there's no redirect step and no way to capture scan data.

Key Metrics to Track

Total Scans vs. Unique Scans

Total scans counts every scan, including repeat scans from the same person. Unique scans counts individual users. A QR code with 1,000 total scans but only 200 unique scans means people are scanning repeatedly—common for menus or recurring-use codes.

Geographic Data

See which cities and countries your scans come from. This is invaluable for localized campaigns. If you placed QR codes in five cities, you can see which location drives the most engagement and allocate budget accordingly.

Device Breakdown

Know the split between iOS and Android users. This affects your landing page design—if 80% of your scanners use iPhones, prioritize iOS testing and consider iOS-specific features like Apple Wallet passes.

Time-Based Patterns

Track when scans happen—by hour, day, and week. A restaurant QR menu might peak at lunch and dinner. A billboard might peak during rush hour. Use this data to time your campaigns and content updates.

Setting Up QR Code Tracking

Step 1: Create a Dynamic QR Code

In Quality QR's generator, select any QR code type and ensure you choose 'Dynamic' mode. This enables tracking automatically.

Step 2: Deploy Your QR Code

Place your QR code on physical materials (print, packaging, signage) or digital channels (email, social media, presentations). For physical placements, record where each code is placed so you can correlate scan data with locations.

Step 3: Monitor Your Dashboard

Quality QR's analytics dashboard updates in real time. You'll see scan counts, geographic distribution, device breakdown, and time-based trends. Set up the view that matters most for your use case.

Step 4: Analyze and Optimize

Use the data to make decisions:
Low scans? Reposition the code, make it larger, or add a call-to-action frame
High scans but low conversions? The landing page needs work—not the QR code
One location outperforming others? Replicate what's working there

Real-World Campaign Tracking Examples

Retail chain with 50 stores: Placed unique QR codes at each store entrance linking to a feedback survey. Tracked which stores generated the most responses, identified underperforming locations, and adjusted in-store signage. Result: 340% increase in survey completions over 3 months.

Event marketing: Used QR codes on conference banners, sponsor booths, and printed schedules. Each placement had a unique code. Post-event analytics showed booth QR codes got 5x more scans than banner codes, informing next year's sponsorship placement strategy.

Advanced Analytics Techniques

UTM Parameters

Append UTM parameters to your destination URLs for deeper tracking in Google Analytics. Combine QR scan data with website behavior data to see the full funnel—from scan to conversion.

A/B Testing

Create two QR codes with different destinations or designs, place them in similar locations, and compare performance. Quality QR's analytics makes it easy to compare scan counts and engagement between variants.

Multi-Channel Attribution

Use unique QR codes per channel (print ad vs. packaging vs. event) to attribute conversions to specific touchpoints. This data feeds into your overall marketing attribution model.

Start tracking your QR code campaigns today—create a free dynamic code with full analytics on Quality QR.