Do QR Codes Expire? What Happens & How to Avoid It [2025]

Static QR codes never expire. They encode data directly into the pattern and will work for as long as the destination they point to exists.

Dynamic QR codes work as long as the redirect service does. If your subscription lapses or the provider shuts down, the redirect stops working.

The answer depends entirely on what type of code you're using.

Static vs. Dynamic: Understanding the Difference

Before we talk about expiration, you need to understand what type of QR code you have:

Static QR Codes

A static QR code embeds your data (usually a URL) directly into its pattern. When someone scans it, their phone reads the pattern and extracts the URL.

Key point: No third party is involved. The code contains the complete destination.

Expiration: Never. The pattern can't "expire" any more than a printed phone number can expire. As long as the website you linked to exists, the code works.

Dynamic QR Codes

A dynamic QR code embeds a short redirect URL (like qrc.sh/abc123) into the pattern. When scanned, the redirect service forwards users to your actual destination.

Key point: A third-party service handles the redirect.

Expiration: Works as long as the redirect service operates and your account is active. If you stop paying or the provider shuts down, the redirect stops working.

Why QR Codes "Expire" (When They Shouldn't)

Many people believe their QR codes expired when the real problem is something else:

The Destination Changed

The most common issue. You created a static code to company.com/promo2024. The page no longer exists. The code works perfectly—it just points to a 404 error.

Solution: Use dynamic codes for content that might change, or ensure your URLs are permanent.

Your Subscription Lapsed

For dynamic codes, if you stop paying, the redirect usually stops working. Some providers give a grace period; others cut off immediately.

Solution: Budget for ongoing costs if using dynamic codes for critical materials.

The Generator Imposed Artificial Limits

This is the predatory tactic. Many "free" QR code generators:

• Limit scans (e.g., "100 scans then stops working")
• Limit time (e.g., "works for 14 days")
• Expire codes to force you onto a paid plan

They created the expiration; it's not a natural limitation of QR codes.

Solution: Use a transparent provider that doesn't artificially limit codes.

The Code Was Physically Damaged

Scratches, fading, or water damage can make codes unscannable. This isn't expiration—it's physical destruction.

Solution: Use durable printing materials, laminate outdoor codes, and reprint damaged codes.

Will QR Codes Ever "Run Out"?

No. This is a common misconception.

QR codes aren't assigned from a central database like phone numbers or IP addresses. They're mathematical patterns generated from your data. There's no registry, no allocation system, no central authority.

A Version 40 QR code (the largest size) has more possible unique combinations than there are atoms in the observable universe. We could generate billions of unique codes every second for the lifetime of the universe and not exhaust the possibilities.

You'll never see a "sorry, we're out of QR codes" message.

How to Create Codes That Never Expire

For Permanent Links

Use a static QR code pointing to a stable URL:

1. Choose a URL that won't change (yourdomain.com/menu, not yourdomain.com/menu-winter-2024)
2. Use a generator that creates truly static codes (the URL is embedded, not redirected)
3. Download and store the code file—you own it forever

For Updatable Links

Use a dynamic QR code with a reliable provider:

1. Choose a reputable service with clear pricing
2. Understand what happens if you stop paying
3. Keep your subscription active
4. Maintain account access (don't lose login credentials)

Red Flags to Avoid

Be suspicious of generators that:

• Require a credit card for "free" codes
• Have unclear or hidden expiration policies
• Limit scans on the free tier
• Don't clearly explain static vs. dynamic
• Make it hard to find pricing information

What to Do If Your Code "Expired"

If It's a Static Code

Diagnose the problem:

1. Scan the code—does it still decode to a URL?
2. Visit that URL directly in a browser
3. If the URL works, the code works. Check your print quality.
4. If the URL is dead, the code is fine but the destination isn't.

Solutions:

• Fix the destination URL if possible (e.g., restore the page)
• Reprint with a new static code pointing to an active URL
• Next time, use a dynamic code if the destination might change

If It's a Dynamic Code

Check your account:

1. Log into the QR code platform
2. Is your subscription active?
3. Is the code still listed and active?
4. Does the redirect URL work?

Solutions:

• Renew your subscription if lapsed
• Contact support if codes stopped unexpectedly
• If the provider shut down, you'll need to reprint with new codes

Best Practices for Long-Lasting Codes

For Marketing Materials

Use dynamic codes. Campaigns change, URLs get updated, and you'll want tracking data. The subscription cost is worth the flexibility.

For Permanent Signage

Use static codes pointing to stable URLs you control. Don't rely on a third party for something that will be engraved or permanently installed.

For Business Cards

Use dynamic codes. Your contact info, website, or role might change. Dynamic codes let you update without reprinting.

For Physical Products

Consider static codes with permanent URLs. Products last years; you don't want to maintain a subscription for the lifetime of every product.

For Events and Tickets

Use dynamic codes for event tickets and registration. Even a single-day event benefits from the ability to update information if schedules change or venues shift. After the event, you can repurpose the code for future events.

For Restaurant Menus

Dynamic codes are essential. Menu items, prices, and availability change constantly. A dynamic code lets you update your digital menu without reprinting table cards or replacing permanent signage.

The Hidden Cost of "Free" QR Codes

When a generator offers "free" codes that expire, they're betting you'll be locked in when the expiration hits. Here's how this typically works:

The Trap

1. You create a "free" QR code
2. You print 1,000 flyers and distribute them
3. After 30 days (or 100 scans), your code stops working
4. The generator offers to "reactivate" your code—for a monthly fee
5. You're stuck: pay up, or reprint everything

The Real Cost

Let's say you printed 1,000 flyers at $0.50 each. That's $500. If the generator now charges $10/month to keep your code working, you're comparing:

• Option A: Pay $10/month forever
• Option B: Reprint at $500

After just 4 years, the "free" code costs more than reprinting. And if you've used the code on permanent signage, the math gets much worse.

How to Avoid It

1. Use a generator with transparent policies upfront
2. Verify that static codes are truly permanent
3. For dynamic codes, understand the pricing before printing anything
4. Keep backups of your QR code files—if a static code is truly static, you can use it anywhere

Planning for the Long Term

If you're deploying QR codes at scale, think about longevity:

URL Structure

Use stable, semantic URLs that won't change:

• Good: company.com/menu
• Bad: company.com/summer-menu-2024-v3

Domain Ownership

Ensure you control the domain in your QR codes. If you link to a third-party service that shuts down, your codes break.

Provider Reliability

For dynamic codes, assess the provider's stability:

• How long have they been in business?
• What's their track record for uptime?
• What happens to your codes if the company is acquired or shuts down?

Backup Strategy

For critical deployments:

• Keep records of all your QR codes and their destinations
• Store the original image files
• Document which physical materials contain which codes
• Have a plan for reprinting if needed

The Honest Truth About QR Code Expiration

QR code expiration is often an artificial problem created by generators who want to monetize free users.

Static codes, by their nature, cannot expire. The "expiration" some generators impose is a business decision, not a technical limitation.

At QR Code Maker, we're transparent:

• Static codes are free and never expire—the data is in the pattern, not our servers
• Dynamic codes require an active subscription—because the redirect runs through our infrastructure
• No artificial limits—we don't cap scans or impose time limits to force upgrades

You should know exactly what you're getting before you print 10,000 flyers.

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