One of the most frequent concerns for businesses investing in print marketing is: 'Will this QR code stop working in a few months?' The short answer is: It depends on the type of code you generate.
Static QR Codes: Permanent by Design
Static QR codes, like the ones generated on QR Code Pulse, do not expire. Because the information is hard-coded into the pattern itself, the code will remain functional as long as the underlying data (like a website URL) exists. There is no server-side redirect that can be turned off.
Dynamic QR Codes: Subscription Dependent
Dynamic QR codes work differently. They point to a redirect URL managed by a service provider. If your subscription with that provider expires, or if the service goes out of business, the QR code will stop working. This is why choosing a reliable platform is crucial for dynamic campaigns.
How to Ensure Your QR Codes Never Break
- Use Static codes for permanent data like WiFi or vCards.
- For URLs, ensure your hosting and domain are always active.
- Download your codes in vector formats (SVG) to avoid pixelation issues over time.