QR Code Tracking:
Know When and Where People Scan
Regular QR codes are a black box. You print them, put them out there, and hope for the best. Trackable QR codes show you exactly what's happening β every scan, every location, every device.
14-day trial β’ 5 QR codes β’ Full tracking access
How Does QR Code Tracking Work?
QR code tracking works by routing scans through a server before redirecting to your destination URL. When someone scans a trackable QR code, the request hits the tracking server first. The server logs information about the scan β timestamp, approximate location based on IP address, device type, browser β and then instantly redirects the user to wherever you want them to go. The whole process takes milliseconds, so the person scanning never notices.
This is different from static QR codes, which encode the destination URL directly. A static QR code that points to yoursite.com/menu will always go directly there with no intermediary. That means no tracking is possible β the QR code is just a visual encoding of the URL, and there's no server in the middle to log anything.
The tracking server approach is what makes dynamic QR codes "dynamic." Not only can you track scans, but you can also change where the QR code points without reprinting it. The printed code always points to the tracking server, and you control the final destination from your dashboard.
What Data Can You Track?
For Every Scan:
- π Timestamp β Date and time of the scan
- π Location β City, state, and country
- π± Device β Mobile, tablet, or desktop
- π» Operating System β iOS, Android, Windows, etc.
- π Browser β Safari, Chrome, and version
Summary Stats:
- π Total scans β Every scan counted
- π₯ Unique visitors β Counted by IP address
- π Last scan β Most recent activity
- π₯ CSV export β Download your data anytime
Location is determined by IP address lookup, which is typically accurate to the city level.
Can You Track Any QR Code?
No. Only dynamic QR codes can be tracked. Here's the difference:
Static QR Codes
- β URL encoded directly in the code
- β No tracking possible
- β Cannot change destination after printing
- β Works forever, no subscription needed
Dynamic QR Codes
- β Routes through tracking server
- β Full scan tracking and analytics
- β Change destination anytime
- β’ Requires active subscription for tracking
Why Track Your QR Codes?
See Which Locations Perform
If you have QR codes in multiple locations β different store windows, different flyer distributions, different product packages β tracking tells you which ones are actually getting scanned.
Know When People Engage
Are your QR codes getting scanned on weekdays or weekends? Morning or evening? Time data helps you understand when your audience is most active.
Verify Your Print Materials Work
Nothing worse than printing 10,000 flyers and not knowing if anyone used the QR code. Tracking gives you confirmation that your print investment is paying off.
Report on Campaign Performance
Export your scan data to CSV and include it in reports. Show stakeholders exactly how many people engaged with your QR code campaigns.
How to Start Tracking QR Codes
Create Your QR Code
Sign up for a free trial and create a dynamic QR code. Enter your destination URL and customize the design if you want.
Download and Deploy
Download your QR code as PNG, SVG, or PDF. Add it to your flyers, packaging, business cards, or signage.
Check Your Dashboard
Log in anytime to see your scan data. Total scans, unique visitors, locations, devices β it's all there.
Start Tracking Your QR Codes
Create trackable QR codes in seconds
14-day free trial with full tracking access
No credit card required β’ Cancel anytime
QR Code Tracking Questions
Can you track who specifically scanned a QR code?
You can see device type, location, and browser, but not personal identity. QR tracking shows anonymous scan data unless the person voluntarily identifies themselves (like filling out a form after scanning).
How accurate is the location tracking?
Location is determined by IP address, which is typically accurate to the city level. You'll know if someone scanned from Dallas vs. Houston, but not their exact street address.
Can I track a QR code I already printed?
Only if it was created as a dynamic QR code. Static QR codes that encode the URL directly cannot be tracked retroactively β there's no tracking server in the middle to capture data.
Does tracking slow down the redirect?
No. The tracking happens in milliseconds. The person scanning your QR code won't notice any delay β they'll be redirected to your destination almost instantly.
What's the difference between total scans and unique visitors?
Total scans counts every scan. Unique visitors counts distinct IP addresses. If one person scans your code 5 times, that's 5 total scans but 1 unique visitor.