Dynamic vs Static QR Codes
10 min read
Choosing between dynamic and static QR codes is one of the most important decisions you'll make when creating a QR code. This comprehensive guide explains how each type works, when to use them, and helps you make the right choice for your specific needs.
The Fundamental Difference
Dynamic QR Codes
Encode a short redirect URL that points to our servers. When scanned, we redirect to your actual destination. This intermediary step enables tracking, editing, and advanced features.
Redirects to: your-actual-url.com
Best for: Marketing, menus, campaigns, anything that might change.
Static QR Codes
Encode the actual data directly in the QR pattern itself. No servers involved—the information goes straight from the code to the scanning device.
Device reads: Connect to WiFi directly
Best for: WiFi, vCards, phone numbers, offline/privacy-critical use.
How Dynamic QR Codes Work
Understanding the technical flow helps you appreciate why dynamic codes offer so many features:
You create a QR code
We generate a unique short URL (e.g., qr.quality-qr.app/abc123) and store your destination URL in our database.
The QR pattern encodes the short URL
Because it's a short URL, the QR code pattern is simpler and easier to scan than encoding a long destination directly.
User scans the code
Their device opens our short URL, which hits our edge servers deployed globally for instant response times.
We log analytics and redirect
In milliseconds, we record the scan (location, device, time), check any rules (scan limits, scheduling), and redirect to your destination.
Why This Enables Powerful Features
Because every scan passes through our servers, we can track analytics, change the destination anytime, set expiration dates, limit scans, A/B test different URLs, and more—all without changing the printed QR code.
How Static QR Codes Work
Static QR codes are fundamentally simpler but have important trade-offs:
You create a QR code
The entire payload (WiFi credentials, contact info, URL) is encoded directly into the QR pattern using standard formats like vCard, WiFi config, or plain text.
User scans the code
The device's camera app decodes the pattern and extracts the data directly. No network request is made to any server.
Device acts on the data
Depending on the data type, the device might connect to WiFi, add a contact, open a URL in the browser, or compose an email—all without any intermediary.
The Trade-off
Because no server is involved, static QR codes cannot be tracked, edited, or controlled after creation. If you need to change the content, you must create and distribute a new QR code.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Dynamic | Static |
|---|---|---|
| Track scan analytics | ||
| Edit destination after creation | ||
| Set scan limits | ||
| Schedule activation/expiration | ||
| Shorter URL in QR code | ||
| A/B testing support | ||
| Version history & rollback | ||
| Works without internet | ||
| Privacy-friendly (no server requests) | ||
| Faster scan (no redirect) | ||
| Works if service goes offline |
When to Use Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic codes shine when you need flexibility, tracking, or the ability to update content:
Marketing Campaigns
Track engagement across different channels, measure ROI, and optimize placement based on scan data.
Example: Print flyers with QR codes linking to promotions, then track which locations perform best.
Menus & Price Lists
Update menu items and prices instantly without reprinting. Perfect for restaurants facing supply chain changes or seasonal offerings.
Example: Update your menu QR code to reflect daily specials or remove out-of-stock items.
Limited-Time Offers
Create promotional QR codes that automatically expire after a certain date or number of scans.
Example: Flash sale codes that work only for the first 100 customers or expire at midnight.
Multi-Language Content
Redirect users to different pages based on their location or device language settings.
Example: One QR code that shows English content to US visitors and Spanish to Mexican visitors.
App Download Links
Single QR code that detects iOS vs Android and redirects to the appropriate app store.
Example: Promotional materials with one QR code for all platforms.
Document Distribution
Share PDFs and documents that you can update without changing the QR code on printed materials.
Example: Product manuals that get updated with new safety information or features.
When to Use Static QR Codes
Static codes are the right choice when offline functionality or privacy is paramount:
WiFi Network Sharing
Encode network credentials directly in the QR code. Works offline and doesn't require internet to connect.
Example: Guest WiFi QR code in a hotel lobby or coffee shop.
Business Cards (vCard)
Digital business cards that add contact information directly to the scanner's phone without any server.
Example: QR code on your business card that adds your contact info with one scan.
Phone Numbers
Scan-to-call functionality that works anywhere, even without internet connection.
Example: Emergency contact QR code or customer service hotline on product packaging.
Email Composition
Pre-filled email templates that open in the user's email app with subject and body already set.
Example: Support request QR code that opens email with product serial number pre-filled.
Calendar Events
Event invitations that add directly to the user's calendar app without any server dependency.
Example: Conference badge with QR code to add session schedule to attendee's calendar.
Privacy-Sensitive Information
When you don't want any third-party servers involved in the data transfer.
Example: Internal company information or sensitive authentication codes.
QR Types Available on Quality QR
Quality QR supports 12 different QR code types, each optimized for its purpose:
Dynamic/Trackable Types (5)
Quick Decision Guide
Not sure which to choose? Find your scenario below:
| Scenario | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant menu | Dynamic | Menus change frequently; update prices and items without reprinting table tents. |
| Business card contact info | Static | vCard data works offline and adds contact directly to phone. |
| Event promotional flyer | Dynamic | Track which distribution channels drive ticket sales. |
| WiFi password sharing | Static | WiFi QR codes must work offline to connect devices. |
| Product packaging link | Dynamic | Update manuals, recall notices, or warranty info after printing. |
| Emergency contact number | Static | Must work without internet in emergency situations. |
| Marketing campaign tracking | Dynamic | Essential for measuring ROI and optimizing placement. |
| Internal company document | Static | Privacy-sensitive; avoid third-party server involvement. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a static QR code to dynamic later?
No, the type is determined at creation. Static QR codes encode data directly in the pattern, while dynamic codes encode a redirect URL. You would need to create a new dynamic QR code. This is why we recommend starting with dynamic codes if you're unsure—you can always leave analytics disabled if you don't need tracking.
Do dynamic QR codes stop working if Quality QR goes offline?
Dynamic codes rely on our redirect service to function. However, Quality QR is deployed globally on Cloudflare's edge network with 99.99% uptime. For mission-critical offline scenarios, consider using static QR codes instead.
Are dynamic QR codes larger or more complex?
Actually, dynamic QR codes are typically smaller and simpler because they encode a short redirect URL rather than the full destination. A WiFi password or long URL encoded statically creates a denser, harder-to-scan pattern.
Can I track scans on a static QR code?
No, static QR codes don't pass through any server—the data goes directly from the QR pattern to the scanning device. This is a fundamental limitation of how static codes work, but it's also their strength for privacy-focused use cases.
Which type is better for print materials?
Dynamic QR codes are usually better for print because you can fix mistakes or update content without reprinting. The only exception is when the content truly never changes (like WiFi passwords) or when offline functionality is essential.
Do dynamic QR codes have a scan limit?
Not by default—dynamic QR codes support unlimited scans on all plans. However, Pro and Business plans can optionally enable scan limits for use cases like single-use vouchers or limited promotions.
What happens to my dynamic QR codes if I cancel my subscription?
Your dynamic QR codes continue to work indefinitely even on the free plan. We don't hold your QR codes hostage—they'll keep redirecting to your destination. You'll just lose access to advanced features like analytics history beyond 7 days.
Related Guides
Understanding QR Code Analytics
Learn how to track scans, measure campaigns, and export data.
Scan Limits Guide
Create single-use or limited-scan QR codes for vouchers and offers.
Time-Based Scheduling
Schedule QR codes to activate or expire at specific times.
A/B Testing with QR Codes
Test different destinations to optimize conversion rates.
Ready to create your QR code?
Quality QR offers both dynamic and static QR codes with a generous free tier. Start with dynamic if you're unsure—you get all the flexibility with no commitment.