Can I turn a static QR code into a dynamic one?

Not once it is printed: the content is fixed in the pattern. Make a new dynamic code and print that instead.

Do dynamic QR codes expire?

On DottyQR, a dynamic code works while it is active in your account. If you pause or delete it, printed copies stop working, so keep codes active for as long as they are out in the world.

Are dynamic QR codes slower to scan?

Scanning is the same. Opening the link adds one quick redirect through the short link before your page loads.

Which kinds of QR code can be dynamic?

On DottyQR, link codes. Wi-Fi, contact card, WhatsApp, email, phone, text and location codes are static, because their content has to be in the pattern for the phone to act on it.

Guide

Dynamic vs static QR codes: what’s the difference?

A static QR code holds its content in the pattern. A dynamic QR code holds a short link that you can point somewhere new and that counts its scans. Here’s how they differ, and when to use each.

Static QR codes

A static code stores what it’s for directly in its dots: a web address, Wi-Fi details or a contact card. A phone reads it and acts on it straight away, with no service in between.

That makes static codes simple and permanent: a static code works for as long as its content does. The catch is that nothing can change once it’s printed, and nobody can count its scans.

Dynamic QR codes

A dynamic code stores a short link instead. Scanning it opens the short link, which counts the scan and forwards the visitor to wherever the code currently points.

Because the destination lives behind the short link, you can change it after printing, pause the code, and see scans per day, unique scanners, locations and devices. The trade-off is that the code depends on the short link staying active.

Side by side

Question	Static	Dynamic
What the pattern holds	Your content itself: a link, Wi-Fi details or a contact card	A short link that forwards to your destination
Change it after printing	No: reprint to change it	Yes, any time
Count scans	No	Yes: per day, location and device
Pause it	No	Yes
Works with nothing in between	Yes: the phone reads the content directly	No: each scan passes through the short link
How long it works	For as long as its content does	For as long as the code is active
On DottyQR	Any code from the generator, free, no sign-up	Link codes, saved to a free account

When to use a static code

Wi-Fi details and contact cards, which have to be in the pattern for the phone to act on them.
Links that will never change, where you don’t need to count scans.
Codes that must keep working without depending on any service.

When to use a dynamic code

Print runs: menus, packaging, posters and flyers whose destination might change.
Campaigns, where you want to know how many people scanned, when and where.
Anything you might want to switch off later.

Making either on DottyQR

The generator on the homepage makes static codes with your logo, colours and a frame, free and with no sign-up. To make a link code dynamic, save it to a free account.

Make a QR code About QR code tracking

Questions

Can I turn a static QR code into a dynamic one?: Not once it is printed: the content is fixed in the pattern. Make a new dynamic code and print that instead.
Do dynamic QR codes expire?: On DottyQR, a dynamic code works while it is active in your account. If you pause or delete it, printed copies stop working, so keep codes active for as long as they are out in the world.
Are dynamic QR codes slower to scan?: Scanning is the same. Opening the link adds one quick redirect through the short link before your page loads.
Which kinds of QR code can be dynamic?: On DottyQR, link codes. Wi-Fi, contact card, WhatsApp, email, phone, text and location codes are static, because their content has to be in the pattern for the phone to act on it.