QR code blog
Articles about QR codes: how they work, how to scan and fix them, and where they get used. Search or filter by topic below, or browse the in-depth guides.
49 articles
- Basics
What is a QR code, and how does it actually work?
A plain-English guide to what a QR code is, how it encodes and recovers data, and why it took over the world.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Basics
How to scan a QR code on any phone
Scan any QR code in seconds on iPhone or Android — including from screenshots and saved photos — with fixes for when it won’t work.
7 min · Sep 2026 - Basics
Static vs dynamic QR codes: which one do you actually need?
Static codes encode your data directly and never expire. Dynamic codes route through a server, can be edited and tracked — but can also stop working. Here is how to choose.
7 min · Jun 2026 - Troubleshooting
Why is my QR code not scanning? A complete troubleshooting guide
A QR code that won’t scan usually fails for one of eight reasons. Work down this fault-tree — size, quiet zone, contrast, resolution, glare, logo, damage, dead link — to find yours.
8 min · Aug 2026 - Troubleshooting
QR code not working on iPhone? Here's how to fix it
Your iPhone scans QR codes with the built-in Camera app — no third-party app needed. If nothing happens, it's almost always one of a few settings: scanning switched off, the frame not filled, a suppressed banner, or a blocked link.
7 min · Sep 2026 - Troubleshooting
QR code not working on Android? Here's how to fix it
Android has no single built-in QR scanner: Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus and Xiaomi each hide the setting differently. Switch scanning on in the Camera app, or use Google Lens, the method that works on every phone.
7 min · Sep 2026 - Troubleshooting
“No usable data found”: fixing the iPhone QR code error
“No usable data found” means your iPhone saw something QR-shaped but couldn’t decode a valid payload from it. It’s nearly always a bad frame, poor light or a damaged code — and it’s quick to fix.
6 min · Sep 2026 - Troubleshooting
QR code not scanning when printed? The print-specific fixes
The digital file scans perfectly, but the printed version is dead. That gap is almost always physical — resolution, size, lost margin, ink spread or glare. Here is what to check before the press runs.
8 min · Sep 2026 - Troubleshooting
Dynamic QR code not working? Why the redirect stopped, and how to fix it
A printed dynamic QR code that no longer resolves is a redirect problem, not a scanning one. The commonest cause by far: the provider lapsed the free trial or subscription and switched the redirect off.
7 min · Jul 2026 - Basics
Do QR codes expire? Static never, dynamic can
QR codes themselves never expire — the pattern is just data. What expires is the subscription behind a dynamic code. Here is how to tell, and how to make one that lasts.
7 min · Sep 2026 - Developers
How to add QR codes to your app with the free OpenQR API
A developer's on-ramp to the OpenQR REST API: get a free key, call /v1/qr to render SVG or PNG, handle errors and rate limits, and embed a QR onto a server-rendered invoice.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Editable QR codes and scan analytics with the OpenQR API
Dynamic codes are oqr.to short links you can repoint anytime — no reprinting. Here's the full CRUD plus the scan-analytics endpoint, with worked examples.
10 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Pull QR scan data with the OpenQR analytics API
One endpoint — GET /v1/dynamic/{id}/scans — returns lifetime totals, a zero-filled daily series and country/device/referrer breakdowns. Here's how to read it, chart it, export it and alert on it.
11 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
The OpenQR MCP server: QR codes your AI agent can create, edit and measure
Point any MCP-capable agent at https://openqr.uk/mcp with a Bearer key and it can generate, edit, bulk-create, style and read scans on QR codes. 18 tools, one hosted endpoint, no glue code.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
The OpenQR TypeScript SDK: a typed client for QR codes
A zero-dependency TypeScript client over the OpenQR REST API: generate, dynamic CRUD, scans, folders, themes, and a typed OpenQRError. Works in Node ≥18, edge runtimes and the browser. Full method reference.
10 min · Aug 2026 - Developers
Generate and manage QR codes at scale: bulk + folders
Create up to 200 dynamic codes per request, file them into folders, list and export them — the ops layer for generating QR codes by the hundred.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Build a branded link shortener with the OpenQR dynamic API
A dynamic QR code is a re-pointable short link with click analytics baked in. That's exactly a link shortener — and every link is also a scannable QR. Here's a complete shortener built on the OpenQR API.
12 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Rotate and schedule dynamic QR destinations programmatically
One printed code, many destinations over time. PATCH /v1/dynamic/{id} on a schedule to time-box a launch, rotate a daily offer, or hand a venue code off to a new page each session — with per-window scan data.
11 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
How to generate QR codes in Python
Generate QR codes in Python without bundling a library: call the free OpenQR REST API with requests, save PNG or SVG, read the key from an env var, and embed codes in Flask, Django, PDFs or email.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
How to generate QR codes in PHP
Generate QR codes in PHP without bundling a library: call the free OpenQR REST API with cURL or Guzzle, save PNG or SVG, read the key from getenv(), and embed codes in pages, PDFs and email.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
How to generate QR codes in Go
Generate QR codes in Go without bundling a library: call the free OpenQR REST API with net/http, save PNG or SVG, read the key from an env var, serve the bytes from an http.Handler, and reach for dynamic codes when you need them trackable.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
How to generate QR codes in React
Generate QR codes in React without leaking your API key: call the free OpenQR REST API from a backend route, render an <img> that points at your own endpoint, and keep the oqr_ key server-side. Full Next.js Route Handler and component examples.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
How to generate QR codes in Google Sheets
Two honest ways to make QR codes in Google Sheets with the free OpenQR API: the =IMAGE() mental model (and why it can't authenticate), and a small Apps Script that does it properly — one code per row.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Building QR generation into LLM apps and automations
Two ways to put QR codes inside software that thinks: an MCP server for agents and a REST API for deterministic backends. Here is when to use each, with real code.
10 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Generating and re-pointing QR codes in n8n
The n8n-nodes-openqr community node wraps the OpenQR REST API as drag-and-drop steps. Here's how to install it and build a real generate → re-point → track workflow.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Generating and re-pointing QR codes in Make.com
Make has no dedicated OpenQR app, but the API is plain HTTP — so Make's HTTP and Images modules drive the whole thing. Here's a generate → re-point → track scenario, module by module.
10 min · Jun 2026 - Developers
Generating and managing QR codes in Zapier with OpenQR
The OpenQR Zapier app does full dynamic-code management — a New Dynamic Code trigger, five creates (static, dynamic, update, delete, folder) and two searches (find + scan analytics) — connecting QR codes to 7,000+ apps with no code.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Basics
Are QR codes safe? What to watch for, and how to scan with confidence
QR codes are inert images — the risk is always the destination. Here are the real threats, how to scan safely, and why codes you generate yourself are safe.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Basics
QR code vs barcode: which one do you actually need?
QR codes vs traditional barcodes — how 1D and 2D codes differ in capacity, resilience and use, and which to choose.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Basics
NFC vs QR code: a practical comparison
NFC tags vs QR codes — how each works, what they cost, hardware support, security and the situations where one clearly beats the other.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Basics
How to track QR code scans (and the honest catch)
The honest answer to tracking QR scans: static codes can't be counted directly. Use a dynamic code or a trackable link with UTM tags — here are the trade-offs.
9 min · Jun 2026 - How-to
How to run a QR code campaign
One shared destination, a labelled dynamic code per placement, scan counts kept apart by placement. How to build, print and read a campaign in OpenQR.
8 min · Sep 2026 - Design
Do QR code colours affect scanning?
Yes, colour affects scanning — but you can use brand colours safely if you respect contrast. Here are the rules, the safe palettes and the mistakes that break codes.
7 min · Jun 2026 - Design
Transparent QR codes
A transparent QR code drops the white background so the code sits cleanly on any design — but only scans if whatever shows through stays light. Here’s how to make one properly.
7 min · Jun 2026 - How-to
How to Add a QR Code to a Document (Word, Docs, PowerPoint, Canva, PDF)
How to insert a QR code into Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, Canva and PDFs — including which file format to choose and how big to make it so it stays scannable.
8 min · Sep 2026 - Use cases
QR code marketing ideas
A QR code is the cheapest bridge there is between an offline moment and an online action. Here are 15+ concrete ways to use them in marketing, plus the CTA copy and measurement that make them pay off.
10 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Small Businesses
A no-nonsense guide to QR codes for small businesses: the uses that earn reviews, sales and follows, how to create one for free, and the mistakes to avoid.
9 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Hotels: Wi-Fi, Menus and the Digital Compendium
A practical guide to QR codes for hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments: in-room Wi-Fi, the digital compendium, room-service and breakfast menus, local guides, check-in info and review requests, plus which codes should be static and which dynamic, and how to size and print them for every room.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Email Signatures: What Works and What Doesn't
A practical guide to QR codes in email signatures — vCard, booking, portfolio and review codes — with honest advice on when they actually get scanned, image blocking, sizing, fallbacks and rolling one out across a team.
7 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR codes for Instagram
A QR code turns any printed surface (a flyer, shop window, packaging or business card) into a one-tap route to your Instagram. Here’s how to make one that scans reliably and points where you want.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR codes for product packaging
A code on the box turns packaging into a channel: instructions, proof of authenticity, reviews and one-tap reorders. Here’s what to link to, how to size it on small or curved surfaces, and the error-correction settings that keep it reliable.
10 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR codes for weddings
From RSVPs and photo sharing to registries, playlists and seating, a few well-placed QR codes make a wedding smoother for everyone. Here’s how to make and size them.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Real Estate: For-Sale Signs, Window Cards and Brochures
A practical guide to using QR codes across estate agency marketing: for-sale signs sized for kerbside scanning, plus window cards, brochures and virtual tours.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Events and Posters: Tickets, Check-in and Programmes
Everything you need to put QR codes on event posters, tickets and programmes — including how big the code must be for the distance people scan from, where to place it, and how to test it before print.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Churches: Giving, Service Times and Staying Connected
A practical guide to QR codes for churches: giving, service times, newsletters, sermons, events and welcome cards, plus where to place them in bulletins, on screens and noticeboards, and how to share hall Wi-Fi.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Nonprofits and Fundraising: Donate in One Tap
A practical guide to QR codes for charities and fundraisers: donation codes, campaign posters, events, volunteer sign-ups and Gift Aid links, with the testing that stops a failed code costing donations.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Schools and Teachers: Classroom Ideas That Work
A practical guide to QR codes for schools and teachers: homework links, resources, parent comms, library, displays and worksheets, plus guest Wi-Fi for visitors and safeguarding tips for what you link to.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Gyms and Fitness Studios
Practical ways gyms and fitness studios put QR codes to work: booking classes, signing up members, demoing equipment, sharing Wi-Fi and collecting feedback, with placement tips.
8 min · Jun 2026 - Use cases
QR Codes for Tradespeople
A practical guide for plumbers, electricians and builders: putting QR codes on vans, invoices and quote forms to win reviews, leads and repeat work.
8 min · Jun 2026