How To Create a QR Code That Doesn’t Expire?

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So, you’ve planned your next big campaign, created your QR Code, and shared it with your audience. But now you’re wondering—will the QR Code always work, or could it expire before your campaign ends?

The answer is it depends!

What many refer to as a “permanent QR Code” is a static QR Code. Static QR Codes don’t expire because they encode information directly into the code. However, you cannot edit the content, URL, or other details once the code is created.

On the other hand, dynamic QR Codes are editable and hence permanent. You can use them for long-term campaigns without worrying about expiry—and to achieve that, you must have a subscription to the QR Code service.

In this article, we’ll explore QR Code expiry, how to reactivate an expired QR Code, and how to create a never-expired QR Code.

What is an expired QR Code?

How to create a QR Code that doesn’t expire?

Frequently asked questions

What is an expired QR Code?

In simple words, an expired QR Code is one that you can’t use anymore. However, QR Codes expire for a very particular reason, which depends on the type of QR Code you choose.

There are two types of QR Codes: static QR Codes and dynamic QR Codes:

A static QR Code expires if the embedded URL breaks, the content is removed, or the QR Code is damaged. Once it expires, there’s no way to revive it other than creating a new QR Code.

A dynamic QR Code primarily expires if your subscription to a QR Code service ends, scan limits are reached, or the platform deactivates it. But because you can edit a dynamic QR Code once it expires, there are fewer reasons why it may stop working, making them a better choice for long-term strategic use cases.

Let’s look at the differences between the expiration of static and dynamic QR Codes in more detail.

️🪄Make a QR Code that doesn’t expire. It takes only a few minutes.

Static vs. dynamic QR Code expiration

Below is a quick overview of how static and dynamic QR Codes expire:

Static QR Code

Cause of expiry	Action to take
Outdated information: The information encoded into the QR Code becomes irrelevant (e.g., expired coupons, outdated event details).	Recreate a new QR Code code with the updated information.
Broken links: The website or resource linked to the QR Code no longer exists or is inaccessible.	Update the link to a valid destination or create a new QR Code with the correct link.
Physical damage: The QR Code is damaged, making scanning difficult or impossible.	Reprint the QR Code or create a new one.

Dynamic QR Code

Cause of expiry	Action to take
Account inactivity: If the account associated with the dynamic QR Code is inactive or the subscription expires, the code may stop functioning.	Reactivate the account or renew the subscription.
Scan limit reached: Some dynamic QR Codes have a limited number of scans. Once this limit is reached, the code may stop working.	Contact the QR Code provider to increase the scan limit or create a new QR code.
Account deletion: If the account associated with the dynamic QR Code is deleted, the code will no longer function.	Recreate the QR Code using a new account.
Service discontinuation: If the service provider that hosts the dynamic QR Code discontinues their service, the code may stop working.	Migrate to a different QR Code provider or recreate the code using a different service.

How long do QR Codes last?

A static QR Code lasts indefinitely unless the linked content becomes inaccessible. Dynamic QR Codes last as long as the subscription or platform remains active.

For example, a static QR Code linked to a webpage will stop working if the webpage is deleted. In contrast, a dynamic QR Code from Uniqode (or any other QR Code generator) will only stop functioning if the subscription expires.

What happens if a QR Code expires?

When a QR Code “expires,” people can no longer scan it to access any linked content. This typically occurs if the URL it points to is inactive or if a dynamic QR Code is disabled because the subscription has ended.

In contrast, static QR Codes don’t technically expire as long as the linked content remains available.

Can you reactivate an expired QR Code?

If a dynamic QR Code expires, you can reactivate it by renewing the subscription or fixing platform issues. However, if a static QR Code code stops working, you cannot reactivate it, and you’ll need to create a new one.

💡Pro Tip: Choosing between static and dynamic QR Codes? Here’s a table to help you decide:

How does QR Code expiration work on different platforms?

Apart from standalone QR Code generators, platforms such as Google, Microsoft, and Canva offer QR Code creation tools integrated within their ecosystems.

While these are convenient and tailored to their specific services, they differ in flexibility, management options, and other features. Here’s a breakdown of how QR Code expiration works on these platforms to help you choose the best solution.

Google QR Codes

Usually, Google QR Codes are static, contain fixed data, and do not expire. However, they stop working if you delete, move, or change sharing permissions for the linked file.

To create a Google QR Code that doesn’t expire, you can use a platform like Uniqode to generate a dynamic QR Code. These QR Codes can be updated with new content and remain functional indefinitely, providing greater flexibility and long-term usability.

Microsoft QR Codes

QR Codes created using Microsoft tools such as Microsoft Edge or Dynamics 365 Marketing do not expire unless the content or link they point to becomes inaccessible. However, if third-party services are used within Microsoft apps, their expiration depends on the provider’s policies.

Canva QR Codes

QR Codes generated by Canva are static and don’t expire; they depend on the valid link content. Like Google, Canva integrates with third-party tools (e.g., Uniqode) for dynamic codes. Free features are limited, and extended use requires a subscription.

How to create a QR Code that doesn’t expire?

Static QR Codes expire once you’ve deployed them for a specific use case. In the truest sense, a dynamic QR Code never expires. You can create a dynamic QR Code with a generator like Uniqode.

Before you proceed…

You’ll need to sign up for a free trial on Uniqode to create a free dynamic QR Code. No credit card is required.

Go to Uniqode and click “START FREE TRIAL”.

Step 1: Click “+CREATE” and choose your campaign type

Once on the dashboard, click “+CREATE” and choose “QR Code.”

For this example, we’re choosing “Website” as our campaign type. You can select it under the “Create a Dynamic QR Code” section.

Step 2: Paste the URL and customize your QR Code

Paste your website or content link in the white box and click “NEXT”.

Choose from various design elements and select a design for your QR Code.
Once done, click “NEXT”.

Step 3: Download your permanent QR Code

Your permanent QR Code is ready for download. Test your QR Code before deploying.

You’ll find your QR Code on the dashboard when you select “QR Codes” from the left column.

Which QR Codes are the best option for long-term campaigns?

Dynamic QR Codes are ideal for long-term campaigns because they keep you flexible and in control:

You can update QR Code content without reprinting

Track scan details such as who scanned your code, when, and where, to understand your audience better

Link to any content you want—websites, videos, PDFs, and more

Save time and money by reusing the same QR Code across multiple campaigns without starting over

Create QR Codes supporting multiple content formats and customizable designs

Track QR Code performance to gather valuable insights and refine your strategies for better results

Make dynamic QR Codes that don’t expire

In conclusion, while QR Codes do not technically expire, their functionality can vary based on type. Dynamic QR Codes may appear to “expire” if subscriptions end, scan limits are reached, or campaign settings are paused.

However, static QR Codes never expire as long as the linked content remains accessible, making them ideal for unchanging, long-term use.

Sign up on Uniqode to create permanent, dynamic QR Codes with ease. Design long-term QR Code campaigns that support multiple content formats and customizable designs. Once your QR Codes are launched, track their performance to gather valuable insights and refine your strategies.

Get started today! 👇

Frequently asked questions

1. Do QR Codes expire?

QR Codes don’t expire, but dynamic QR Codes can stop working if the subscription ends, scan limits are reached, or the service is deactivated. Static QR Codes last forever as long as the linked content stays online.

2. How can I tell if a QR Code has expired?

If a QR Code doesn’t work or shows an error page, it might mean the linked content is gone or the dynamic QR Code is no longer active.

3. Do free QR Codes expire?

Free static QR Codes never expire if the linked content is still available. Free dynamic QR Codes might stop working if they are part of a trial or have limits.

4. Is there a free QR Code that doesn’t expire?

Uniqode’s QR Code generator lets you create permanent, dynamic QR Codes that don’t expire. Enjoy a free 14-day trial by signing up today!

Author Details

Suhotra Roychoudhury

Suhotra is a content marketer who has always been interested in how technology is rapidly changing the modern world. Presently, he is documenting the growth of QR Codes as a solution to bridge the physical and digital worlds. His insights help brands integrate QR Codes into their marketing strategy successfully. You can find more of his work around QR Codes here. When not documenting or writing, he loves photography and cycling.

https://www.uniqode.com/

suhotra.c@uniqode.com