QR Code Goes to Wrong Place

What to do when your QR code redirects somewhere unexpected.

Your QR code scans, but it goes somewhere you didn't expect. Here's how to figure out what's happening.

Dynamic Codes

Dynamic codes can be fixed without reprinting. Check your dashboard first.

  1. Log into your account
  2. Find the QR code
  3. Check the destination URL—is it what you intended?
  4. If not, edit it and save

This is the main reason to use dynamic codes. Fix destination mistakes without touching your printed materials.

Common Issues

Typo in URL: Check for missing https://, spelling errors, wrong domain extension (.com vs .org), or extra spaces.

Someone changed it: If you share account access, someone else might have updated the destination. Check the QR code's edit history.

Website redirect: Your URL might be redirecting to a different page. Test the URL directly in a browser to see where it actually lands.

Static Codes

Static codes have the destination permanently encoded in the pattern. You can't change them.

If a static code goes to the wrong place, the only fix is to create a new code with the correct URL and reprint your materials.

This is why we recommend dynamic codes for anything that might change. See dynamic vs static.

Website Issues (Not the QR Code)

Sometimes the code is correct, but the website is redirecting. Test by copying the destination URL into a browser and watching the address bar.

Common causes:

  • Page was moved (301 redirect)
  • Mobile-specific redirects
  • Geo-based redirects
  • A/B testing systems sending you to different pages

Fix: Update your QR code destination to the final URL, or fix the redirect on your website.

URL Details That Matter

Case sensitivity: Some servers treat example.com/Page and example.com/page as different URLs. Use the exact capitalization that works.

Trailing slashes: example.com/page and example.com/page/ might be different on some servers. Use whichever one actually works in a browser.

Confusion with Multiple Codes

If you have many QR codes, you might be looking at the wrong one, or you printed an old version.

Prevention: Name your codes clearly, use folders to organize them, and verify you're downloading the current version before printing.

Common Questions

Can I change where a static code goes? No. Static codes are permanent. Create a new one.

The code works for me but not others. Could be network-specific (VPN, corporate firewall), device-specific (browser differences), or geo-restrictions on your destination.

My dynamic code shows an error now. Check that the destination URL still exists. Websites change—pages get deleted, domains expire, paths get restructured.