How to create a QR code for app downloads
To create a QR code for app downloads, start with the store destination people should open. Then decide whether one QR code should send everyone to one page or route iOS and Android users separately.
Choose the app download destination
Use the official app store destination whenever possible. A store listing is more familiar than a generic landing page and usually gives scanners the clearest next step.
For Apple App Store links, QRSurge uses the app ID, such as id1234567890. For Google Play Store links, QRSurge uses the Android package name, such as com.example.app.
Should one QR code support both iOS and Android?
Use one store-specific App Store QR code when the campaign is only for one platform, such as an iOS-only launch or support material for a known device group.
Use a dynamic QR code with device OS smart rules when one printed QR code should send iOS visitors to the Apple App Store and Android visitors to Google Play. This is the better fit for public placements where you cannot control the scanner's device.
Desktop and unsupported devices need a fallback destination. A good fallback is a mobile landing page with both store badges, app details, and a short explanation of what the app does.
Create a store-specific App Store QR code
Use this path when the QR code only needs to point to one app store.
- Open the QR creator in QRSurge.
- In QR Code Type, choose an App Store QR type.
- In Platform, choose Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- In App ID, enter the Apple app ID or Android package name.
- In Design, customize the QR code for the final placement.
- Download the QR code and test it on the target device.
How to create one QR code for iOS and Android
Use this path when the same QR code needs to route scanners to different app stores by device.
- Create a dynamic Website QR code.
- Set the default Destination to a fallback app landing page with both store links.
- Open Smart Rules in the dynamic settings.
- Add a device OS rule for iOS and set the destination to the Apple App Store listing.
- Add a device OS rule for Android and set the destination to the Google Play listing.
- Keep the fallback destination for devices that do not match a rule.
- Download the QR code and test every route from real devices.
Use a fallback app landing page
A fallback page gives every scanner somewhere useful to land. It also gives you one place to explain the app before asking someone to install it.
Include the app name, a short value proposition, and both store badges. Add a short product preview or launch timing when useful.
If you are using a branded custom domain for the QR code, keep the custom dynamic link path readable. A path like download, app, or get-the-app is easier to trust than a random-looking short link.
Should the app QR code be static or dynamic?
Choose static only when the store destination is final, the campaign is low-risk, and you do not need QRSurge analytics or routing.
Choose dynamic for most app download campaigns. Dynamic QR codes let you track scans, update store links, and route visitors by device. The printed QR code can stay the same if the campaign destination changes.
For printed app campaigns, dynamic QR codes are usually the safer choice because app links, launch pages, and store availability can change after artwork is approved.
Test the app download flow
Test the downloaded QR code on the devices people will actually use. For a cross-platform campaign, test iPhone, Android, and desktop or tablet fallback behavior.
Check each route before launch:
- The store listing is public and correct.
- The fallback page works on mobile.
- The QR code scans from the final placement.
If the QR code opens the wrong store, review the app ID, device OS smart rules, and fallback destination before replacing the QR artwork.
Track app download campaign scans
QRSurge analytics can show scan totals, timing, and device trends for dynamic QR codes. This helps you understand which placements are getting attention and whether the campaign is mostly reaching iOS, Android, or mixed audiences.