QR codes have become ubiquitous in recent years. You see them on products, advertisements, business cards, and more. A QR code is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to take the user to a website or provide other information. With QR codes so widespread, a natural question arises: Can a QR code be turned off?
What is a QR Code?
QR stands for “quick response.” QR codes were invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave. The black and white square patterns can be scanned by a smartphone camera using QR reader apps. Once scanned, the QR code provides instant information such as:
- A website URL
- Contact information
- Text
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Event details
- Coupons or discounts
- Product information
QR codes provide a quick and easy way for smartphones to access digital information. They have become extremely popular worldwide in the past decade with the rise in mobile internet usage.
How Do QR Codes Work?
A QR code is read using an app with a camera on a smartphone or tablet. The QR reader app on the device scans the code using the camera and interprets the information encoded in the code.
QR Code Structure
A QR code consists of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background. The squares represent binary code that contains data encoded about the QR code’s purpose. The binary patterns tell the QR reader app things like:
- The type of data (e.g. a URL, phone number, etc.)
- How to interpret the encoded data
- Error correction data to recover lost information
By scanning the intricate black and white pixel patterns, the QR reader extracts meaningful information.
Data Encoded
A QR code typically leads users to one of two things:
- A direct data value like text, an email address, phone number, etc.
- A URL link to a website page
Dynamic QR codes can store data in the code itself. Static QR codes simply link to an external URL. Some QR codes are configured to switch between static and dynamic data.
Can a QR Code Expire or Be Disabled?
Now that we’ve covered what QR codes are and how they work, we can address the main question – can QR codes be turned off or disabled?
The answer is yes, QR codes can expire or be deactivated. Here’s an overview of how:
Static QR Codes
For static QR codes that simply link to an external URL, the code itself cannot be turned off. However, if the URL link becomes broken or the linked website page is deleted, the QR code will no longer work. It will fail to take users to an active site.
The QR code still exists visually, but scans as inactive. The only way to fully deactivate a static QR code is to physically remove it from wherever it is displayed.
Dynamic QR Codes
Dynamic QR codes programmed to store data directly in the code can be created with built-in expiration dates. The creator can set a timeframe like 30 days or 1 year after which the code becomes unusable.
Dynamic codes can also be instantly disabled via the administrative dashboard of whatever tool or site was used to generate them. Dynamic codes can be toggled between active and inactive states on the fly as needed.
Switchable QR Codes
Switchable QR codes can be manually activated or deactivated by the owner. For example, a business might enable a code during business hours but turn it off when closed. An event organizer might activate a code leading up to an event but disable it after.
This on-off toggle makes switchable QR codes highly adaptable. The owner can update the code’s status instantly to fit their needs.
Reasons to Turn Off a QR Code
There are several reasons an individual or business might want to turn off or deactivate a QR code:
- The code is out of date – The linked content has changed or the code was created for a limited-time event or promotion.
- The URL is broken – The page the code links to was removed.
- Privacy concerns – The QR code reveals information the owner no longer wishes to make public.
- Misuse – The code is being scanned for unintended or malicious purposes.
- Business closed – A business that created a code has shut down.
- Irrelevant content – The information provided via the code is no longer useful or relevant.
- Temporary code – The code was generated for a defined short-term period no longer in effect.
Being able to disable or turn off a live code provides control over how long it remains usable. Code creators can update or tailor when and how the code functions.
How to “Turn Off” a QR Code
The specific method to disable a QR code depends on whether it is:
- Static code – Links to external URL
- Dynamic code – Stores data directly
- Switchable code – Toggles on/off
Here are the steps for each:
Turn Off Static QR Code
Since static QR codes only link out to a URL, they cannot be controlled directly. You must either:
- Physically remove or cover up the code so it can’t be scanned.
- Delete the website page the code links to.
- Redirect the page to an error or deactivated message.
These make the code inactive even if still visible and scannable.
Turn Off Dynamic QR Code
If a dynamic QR code was created through a QR code generator site or app, you likely manage it through an administrative dashboard. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your QR code generator account.
- Locate the dashboard to manage existing codes.
- Find the specific code you want to deactivate.
- Toggle the code status to inactive/disabled.
The code will immediately stop working when scanned. The design remains, but the programmed data is blocked.
Turn Off Switchable QR Code
For switchable QR codes that toggle on/off, use these steps:
- Log in to your QR code generator account.
- Access the dashboard to manage existing codes.
- Find the specific switchable code.
- Toggle the code status to inactive/disabled.
The on/off switch instantly deactivates the code when set to “off.” You can just as easily toggle it “on” again when needed.
Best Practices
When using a QR code for your business or event, keep these best practices in mind:
- Provide valuable and relevant content – Don’t let your QR code links go stale.
- Use dynamic or switchable codes – Avoid static codes with no controls.
- Monitor analytics – Track scans to see if your code is inactive.
- Change reused codes – Don’t let temporary codes linger.
- Delete unused codes – Clean up old codes you don’t need.
- Educate staff – Train employees to manage codes if applicable.
Following these tips will allow you to maximize the benefit of your QR codes. You’ll also be able to seamlessly turn them off when required.
Conclusion
QR codes are a powerful, convenient tool for mobile users. They can access rich content by simply scanning your code. However, there are times when you may need to deactivate a code that is outdated or no longer desired.
While static QR codes can’t be controlled directly, dynamic and switchable QR codes can be turned on or off in real-time. With the right QR code generator platform, you have full command over your code’s status and availability.
By understanding how to easily toggle QR codes on and off, you can utilize them for all kinds of temporary or permanent needs. The versatility of controlling their availability makes QR codes an adaptable addition to marketing campaigns, businesses, events and more.