With QR codes becoming increasingly common for everything from restaurant menus to concert tickets, you may need to access your personal QR code for an event or activity. Fortunately, QR codes are easy to find as long as you know where to look.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera. QR codes store information such as text, URLs, contact info, calendar events and more. When scanned by a phone, this information can be automatically opened in the appropriate app. For example, scanning a QR code with a URL will automatically open that web page.
QR codes are commonly used for:
- Sharing contact info
- Accessing wifi networks
- Opening a URL
- Paying for items/services
- Event check-in and tickets
- Viewing restaurant menus
- Product information
- Boarding passes
With QR codes on everything from business cards to advertisements, you may need to access your personal QR code that’s associated with a specific service or account.
Where to find your personal QR code
If you need to locate a QR code assigned specifically to you, here are some places you may find it:
Emails/text messages
Many companies and services now use QR codes for easy access. When you sign up for a new account or purchase tickets, you may receive a welcome email or text containing your unique QR code. For example, you could get a QR code to streamline event check-in or as a concert ticket.
Be sure to check communications like:
- Sign-up confirmations
- Boarding passes
- Event/concert tickets
- Restaurant reservations
The QR code will likely be displayed as an image or PDF attachment. Save this so you can access it when needed.
Mobile apps
Many apps now integrate personalized QR codes for easy account access. Check the menu or settings of apps like:
- Airline apps
- Transit/train apps
- Rental car apps
- Hotel apps
- Event/concert apps
- Mobile tickets
- Boarding passes
You may find your QR code already loaded in the app. If not, there may be a way to generate or download it through the app settings or your account profile.
Websites
Like apps, many websites now provide personal QR codes associated with your account. Check places like:
- Airline website account profile
- Concert/event website or tickets page
- Restaurant website account page
- Museum/attraction website and tickets
- Loyalty program accounts
You may be able to access your QR code by logging into your account. It may be on your account dashboard, confirmation page or in your account settings.
Wallets
Digital wallets like Apple Wallet allow you to store tickets, passes and more. Open your wallet app and look for:
- Boarding passes
- Event/concert tickets
- Coupons
- Loyalty cards and passes
Tap the pass or ticket to open it and display your QR code. This provides easy access when you need it.
Printed tickets and passes
Don’t forget printed tickets and passes that may have been mailed to you or printed at home. Look for QR codes on things like:
- Concert tickets
- Event tickets
- Sporting event tickets
- Play tickets
- Movie tickets
- Museum/attraction tickets
Carefully check the printed ticket, even the backside, for your QR code.
How to scan and use your QR code
Once you’ve located your QR code, you’ll need to open a QR scanner to read it. Most smartphones have a built-in QR scanner through the camera app. Here’s how to use it:
- Open your smartphone camera.
- Point your camera at the QR code until it focuses.
- Tap the notification that pops up to open the link or info stored in the code.
- This may open a website, app, tickets or other stored information.
You can also download dedicated QR scanner apps from app stores. Popular options include:
- QR Code Reader
- QR Scanner
- Secure QR Scanner
- QR Code Scanner
Open the QR app and scan your code to access the information. The app will automatically open the link, info or app.
Once scanned, follow any provided instructions. You may need to:
- Show the scanned code screen to event staff
- Click a link to access tickets
- Log in to an app that opened
- Provide your name to check-in
QR codes provide a quick and easy way to pull up important information when you need it. You may want to save your code images to your smartphone photo album so they’re accessible in one place.
Locating lost QR codes
If you can no longer locate a QR code provided to you, don’t panic. You may be able to retrieve it.
First, check your email and texts to see if the code was sent originally in a communication. You can search for key terms like “QR code”, “ticket”, “boarding pass” or the company/event name. Filter by date range if needed.
If you can find the original communication, your code should be there. Save it somewhere easy to access like your phone’s photo album.
You can also try contacting the company directly through a website chat, email or phone call. Explain that you received a personal QR code but can no longer find it. Representatives should be able to simply resend your code.
As a last resort, you may need to cancel your original tickets/passes and purchase new ones. But in most cases, companies can easily look up and resend your QR code when needed.
Important QR code tips
To avoid problems accessing your QR codes, keep these tips in mind:
- Save your codes – When you receive a new QR code, save the image in your photos or take a screenshot so it’s easily accessible.
- Store in one place – Keep all your QR codes organized in one spot for quick access, like a QR code photo album.
- Don’t damage codes – Avoid damaging printed QR codes by keeping them away from moisture, heat and damage.
- Check expiration dates – Some QR codes expire after a certain date, so check details and save expired codes.
- Install a scanner app – Have a dedicated QR scanner installed to easily access all your codes.
QR code FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about QR codes:
How long do QR codes last?
There is no set expiration date for QR codes. Some last indefinitely, while some companies set shorter expiration dates for security purposes. Event tickets or boarding passes may only work for that specific event or flight. Check your QR code details to see if there is an expiration date.
Can QR codes expire?
Yes, QR codes can be set to expire by the company that issues them. They may be set to only work until a certain date and time. This is common for tickets, passes and coupons. The code will no longer scan or work past the expiration date.
Why won’t my QR code work?
If your QR code isn’t working, first double check that it hasn’t expired. Also try rescanning the code in case there was an issue with scanning it the first time. Make sure you are scanning the code properly by lining it up in your camera view. If it still doesn’t work, contact the company for help accessing your information.
Can someone steal my QR code?
It’s possible for someone else to access your QR code if they physically obtain the printed copy or digital image. To be safe, only share your digital codes where absolutely necessary. For printed codes, do not publicly post photos that display the full code.
How are QR codes unique?
While QR codes may look similar, each one contains different encoded information. Companies assign QR codes associated with your specific account and information. No two QR codes contain the exact same data.
Conclusion
QR codes provide a handy way to quickly access important information, tickets, and more. By locating your personal QR code in emails, apps, websites or printed tickets, you can scan it with your smartphone when needed. Keep your codes organized in one place and save any that have expiration dates. With a few simple tips, you can easily manage and scan your QR codes anytime.