Do QR codes expire? How to get one that doesn't
A static QR code never expires: the link or text is stored in the printed pattern, so it works as long as the print is readable. A dynamic QR code stores a short link on the provider's domain, so it works only while that provider keeps the link active. A code that stopped working when a trial or plan ended was a dynamic code.
Static vs dynamic: which ones expire
| Static | Dynamic | |
|---|---|---|
| What the pattern holds | The final link, Wi-Fi details, contact card or text | A short redirect link, such as qex.me/AB3XK |
| Expires? | No. Nothing to switch off | Only if the provider deactivates the short link |
| Change the destination later? | No | Yes, from the account that owns it |
| Scan counts | No | Yes |
A static code still points at whatever it encodes. If that web page is deleted or moved, the code scans fine and leads to an error page. That is the destination failing, not the code.
What makes a QR code stop working
| Cause | Affects | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Free trial ended or paid plan cancelled, and the provider switches codes off | Dynamic | Reactivate that account, or reprint with a code from a provider that keeps free codes on |
| Free-plan scan cap reached | Dynamic, on providers that cap scans | Upgrade with that provider or reprint |
| The provider shuts down or its short-link domain lapses | Dynamic | Reprint soon: a lapsed domain can be registered by someone else, who then controls where every print goes |
| The owner paused the code, or the provider blocked it after a safety check | Dynamic | Unpause it, or appeal with the provider |
| The destination page was deleted, moved or made private | Both | Restore the page, redirect its old address, or (dynamic) point the code somewhere new |
| Print damaged, too small, low contrast or cropped | Both | Reprint. See QR code not scanning? |
Check whether yours can expire
- Scan it and read the link the camera offers before opening it. Your own website address, Wi-Fi details or a contact card means static: it will not expire.
- A short link on a QR service's domain means dynamic. Find which account made it and read that provider's plan terms for what happens when a trial or plan ends.
- Check you can sign in to that account. If nobody can, you cannot change or renew the code, and you should plan a reprint before it matters.
Comparisons with provider terms: Qex vs other QR generators.
A free QR generator whose codes don't expire
Qex free codes do not expire and have unlimited scans. Every active code redirects straight to its destination, on any plan, with no ad page. The free plan keeps 10 codes active once you save the workspace with an email (5 before), with 30 days of analytics.
- If you cancel Pro: Codes that are already active keep redirecting. Creating more uses the free cap (10, or 5 before an email). Device and country rules stop, because those run only while the workspace is Pro. Analytics in the dashboard go back to 30 days; older scans stay stored.
- If you never save the workspace: its codes keep redirecting, but the workspace lives only in the browser that started it. Clearing that browser's data loses the ability to edit them. Save it with an email to keep control on any device.
- What can still stop a Qex code: you pause it, a safety check blocks or briefly holds its destination (owners can appeal by email), or Qex stops operating. Like every dynamic code, it depends on the service behind it.
- Need no dependency at all? Turn scan tracking off in the builder to download a static code made in your browser. It never expires, but it cannot be edited.
Free dynamic QR code · Change a link after printing · Print checklist