Do QR Codes Expire? The Complete Answer

The short answer: It depends on the type of QR code.

Static QR codes (like the ones we generate) never expire. Dynamic QR codes from subscription services can expire if you stop paying. Let's break down the difference.

Static QR Codes: Never Expire

A static QR code contains the destination URL directly encoded in the pattern itself. When someone scans it, their phone reads the URL from the code and opens it directly.

                Static QR codes last forever because:
                The URL is embedded in the code itself
No third-party server is involved
No subscription or account is required
The code works as long as the destination URL exists

            

This is the type of QR code you get from our free generator. Create it once, and it works forever — no fees, no expiration.

Dynamic QR Codes: May Expire

Dynamic QR codes don't contain the actual destination URL. Instead, they contain a short redirect URL that points to a service provider's server. That server then redirects to your actual destination.

Dynamic QR codes can expire because:

They depend on a third-party server staying online
Many services require paid subscriptions
If you stop paying, the redirect stops working
The service provider could go out of business

Comparison: Static vs Dynamic

✓ Static QR Codes

Never expire
Free forever
No account needed
Works independently
Cannot change destination

⚠ Dynamic QR Codes

Can expire
Often requires subscription
Account required
Depends on provider
Can change destination

When Would a QR Code Stop Working?

Even a "permanent" static QR code can stop working in certain situations:

The destination URL changes or is deleted — If your website moves or you delete the page, the QR code will lead to a 404 error
The domain expires — If you don't renew your website's domain name
The website goes offline — Server issues, hosting problems, or site shutdowns

In all these cases, the QR code itself still works perfectly — it's the destination that's broken.

How to Make Sure Your QR Codes Work Forever

Use static QR codes — No subscription means no expiration risk
Link to stable URLs — Use permanent pages, not temporary campaigns
Use your own domain — You control whether it stays online
Avoid URL shorteners with expiration — Some free shorteners delete links after inactivity
Test periodically — If you have printed materials in circulation, test your codes occasionally

Create QR Codes That Last Forever

Our static QR codes never expire. Free forever, no signup needed.

Generate Free QR Code

Summary

Static QR codes never expire — they work as long as the destination URL exists
Dynamic QR codes can expire — especially if tied to a paid subscription
The QR code itself doesn't expire — but the destination can become unavailable
Use static codes for permanent materials — business cards, signage, product packaging