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Whether a QR code expires depends entirely on how it was created. Static QR codes are permanent. The destination URL is baked directly into the pattern of black and white modules, so the code works as long as that URL is online - no expiration date, no subscription required.
Dynamic QR codes are a different story.They point to an intermediary redirect URL controlled by a provider. If that provider shuts down, changes pricing, or your plan lapses, the redirect breaks and the QR code effectively "expires."
If you've ever scanned a QR code and landed on an error page, one of these issues is likely the culprit:
A static QR code embeds the full destination URL directly into its pattern. There is no middleman, no redirect server, and no subscription to maintain. When someone scans it, their device reads the URL straight from the image and opens it in a browser.
This makes static codes the most reliable option for anything printed - business cards, flyers, product packaging, signage, or billboards. The code will keep working for years, decades, or longer.
Learn more about the differences in our static vs dynamic QR codes guide.
Dynamic QR codes add a redirect layer between the code and the destination. Instead of encoding your URL, they encode a short link controlled by the QR provider. This lets you change the destination later and track scan analytics - but it comes with trade-offs.
The simplest way to ensure your QR code never expires is to use a static QR code generator. Link2QR generates 100% static codes - your URL is encoded directly into the image, with no redirect service in between.
Looking for a generator built specifically for permanent codes? Check out our QR code generator with no expiration.
If a QR code you created has stopped working, here's what to do:
Static free QR codes from Link2QR never expire. The URL is encoded directly into the QR pattern, so no third-party service needs to remain online for the code to keep working.
Static QR codes last forever - as long as the destination URL stays live. Dynamic QR codes depend on the provider's plan and may stop working when a subscription lapses or the service shuts down.
Yes. Use a static QR code generator like Link2QR. Static codes encode the destination URL directly into the image, eliminating any dependency on a redirect service.
Common causes include: the QR code provider shut down or changed its redirect URLs, your dynamic QR subscription expired, the redirect service experienced downtime, or the destination URL was taken offline.
Not if they were created as static QR codes. A static code on a business card will continue to work indefinitely, so it's the safest choice for printed materials with a long shelf life.
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