Do QR Codes Expire? The Complete Guide to QR Code Lifespan

One of the most common questions people ask about QR codes is whether they expire. The short answer is: it depends on the type of QR code. Let's break down everything you need to know about QR code lifespan and what affects whether your codes will keep working.

Static QR Codes Never Expire

Static QR codes encode data directly into the pattern of black and white modules. Once generated, the information is permanently embedded in the code itself. There is no server, no subscription, and no external dependency. As long as the physical or digital image of the QR code exists and is scannable, it will work forever.

This is the type of QR code that Quick QR generates. When you create a QR code with our tool, the URL or text is encoded directly into the image. There is nothing that can expire because the data lives within the code pattern itself.

Think of it like engraving text on a metal plate. The text doesn't expire — it's physically there as long as the plate exists. Static QR codes work the same way.

Dynamic QR Codes Can Expire

Dynamic QR codes work differently. Instead of encoding your destination URL directly, they encode a short redirect URL that points to a server. When someone scans the code, they first hit the redirect server, which then forwards them to the final destination.

This means dynamic QR codes depend on a third-party service to keep working. They can stop functioning if:

• The QR code service provider shuts down or discontinues the service • Your subscription or free plan expires • The provider sets an expiration date on the redirect • The redirect server experiences downtime • The company changes its URL structure

Many QR code services offer dynamic codes on free trials or limited plans, meaning your codes could stop working once the trial period ends or you exceed scan limits.

Why Some QR Codes Seem to Stop Working

Even static QR codes can appear to stop working, but it's not because the code itself expired. Here are the real reasons:

1. The Destination URL Changed or Died If your QR code points to a website that no longer exists, has been redesigned with different URLs, or the domain expired, the code will scan successfully but lead to a dead page. The QR code still works — the destination doesn't.

2. Physical Damage Printed QR codes can become unreadable due to wear, fading, water damage, or being partially covered. QR codes have built-in error correction, but excessive damage will prevent scanning.

3. The Code Is Too Small or Low Quality QR codes printed too small or at low resolution may not scan reliably, especially with older smartphone cameras. This isn't expiration — it's a quality issue from the start.

4. The Linked Service Changed If your QR code links to a social media profile, a Google Form, or any third-party service, changes to that service can break the link even though the QR code itself is fine.

How to Make Sure Your QR Codes Last

Follow these best practices to ensure your QR codes remain functional for as long as you need them:

Use Permanent URLs Point your QR codes to URLs you control and plan to maintain. Avoid linking to temporary pages, campaign-specific URLs that might be removed, or third-party services that could change their URL structure.

Choose Static Over Dynamic When Possible If you don't need tracking or the ability to change the destination, static QR codes are the most reliable choice. They have zero dependencies on external services.

Use Your Own Domain When possible, link to a page on your own website or domain. You have full control over keeping that URL active and can set up redirects if you need to change the page later.

Print at Sufficient Size and Quality Ensure your QR codes are printed at a minimum size of 2x2 cm (about 0.8x0.8 inches) and at high resolution. Use appropriate error correction levels — higher levels make codes more resilient to damage.

Test Before Deploying Always scan your QR codes with multiple devices before printing or publishing. Verify that the destination loads correctly and the code scans quickly from a reasonable distance.

Keep Backups Save the original QR code image files in high resolution. If you need to reprint or reuse them, having the original ensures consistent quality.

Static vs. Dynamic: Expiration Comparison

Here's a quick comparison of how expiration works for each type:

Static QR Codes: • Expiration: Never • Dependencies: None • Cost: Usually free • Works offline: Yes • Maintenance: None required

Dynamic QR Codes: • Expiration: Depends on the provider • Dependencies: Redirect server, subscription • Cost: Usually paid (subscription) • Works offline: No (needs server) • Maintenance: Must keep subscription active

What About QR Codes on Products and Packaging?

QR codes on product packaging are a special concern because products can remain on shelves and in homes for years. For product packaging, always use static QR codes pointing to stable URLs on your company's domain. This ensures the codes will still work years after the product was manufactured.

If you must use a dynamic QR code for tracking purposes, make sure you have a long-term plan for maintaining the redirect service.

Quick QR: Free Codes That Never Expire

At Quick QR, we generate static QR codes that are completely free and never expire. There's no account required, no subscription to maintain, and no risk of your codes suddenly stopping. The QR codes you create with us are yours to keep and use forever.

We believe QR codes should be simple, reliable, and permanent. That's why we chose the static approach — your data is encoded directly into the code, with no middleman and no expiration date.

Conclusion

Static QR codes don't expire — they work as long as the encoded destination remains accessible. Dynamic QR codes can expire depending on the service provider and your subscription status. For the most reliable, long-lasting QR codes, choose static codes, use permanent URLs, and ensure proper print quality. With Quick QR, you can create free static QR codes that will work indefinitely, giving you peace of mind that your codes will always be there when you need them.