Dynamic QR code stopped working
If a dynamic QR code stopped working, start with three areas:
- The QR code status and redirect path
- The destination page
- Campaign controls and access settings
Check the QR code status
Open Manage and find the QR code. Confirm that it has not been archived, deleted, or paused.
Archived QR codes are removed from the main Manage tab but still available under the Archived tab. Deleted QR codes are permanently removed from the dashboard. There is no way to retrieve them. If a QR code was archived or deleted during cleanup, check whether another teammate changed it.
Test the destination URL directly
Open the destination URL directly in a browser. If the destination page is unavailable or private, the QR code may be working correctly while the destination is failing.
Check for:
- Website downtime.
- A deleted page.
- A private or unpublished page.
- A URL that now requires login.
- A redirect loop on the destination website.
If the destination changed, update the dynamic QR code in QRSurge.
Review campaign settings
Scheduling and expiration settings can limit when people can access a QR code. Open the QR code and review any start date, end date, or scan-count controls.
The QR code may not work as expected if:
- The start date is in the future.
- The end date has passed.
- A scan limit has been reached.
- The selected time zone does not match the campaign location.
Check pricing when you need current plan details for campaign controls or capacity.
Check passwords and smart rules
Password protection can require visitors to enter a password before continuing. Smart rules can redirect some visitors, show an inactive page, or request missing information.
Review the QR code settings for:
- Password protection.
- Passcode conditions in Smart Rules.
- Age or GPS prompts.
- Rules that display an inactive page.
- Date, time, country, or device rules that no longer match.
Check the custom domain
If the QR code uses a custom domain, open Custom domains and confirm that the domain is connected. DNS changes, proxy settings, or deleted records can break a branded scan link.
If the same QR code works on the default QRSurge domain but not on the branded domain, troubleshoot the custom domain first.