QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years as an easy way to encode information that can be quickly scanned and decoded by smartphones. From sharing website URLs to product information, QR codes provide a convenient digital connection between the physical and online world. With their widespread use, one common question is: how many times can you scan a QR code before it stops working?
What is a QR code?
QR code stands for “Quick Response” code. It is a type of matrix barcode that was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave. QR codes consist of black and white pixel patterns that encode data such as text, URLs, contact information, calendars events, and more.
To read a QR code, you need a smartphone or tablet with a camera and a QR code reader app installed. When you open the app and point your camera at the QR code, the app will decode the information embedded in the code. Many newer model smartphones have built-in QR code reading capability as well.
Compared to standard one-dimensional barcodes, QR codes can hold significantly more data due to their two-dimensional structure. The amount of data depends on the QR code version ranging from a couple dozen to over 7,000 alphanumeric characters.
Durability factors
There are several factors that can affect the durability and scan-ability of a QR code over time:
Print quality
QR codes that are cleanly and sharply printed have better scan accuracy and longevity. Blurry or low resolution printing introduces errors into the QR code that may prevent scanning after repeated use. Laser printing or professional offset printing methods yield high quality QR codes.
Substrate material
The material the QR code is printed on also impacts durability. Codes printed on glossy paper or plastic substrates hold up better to wear than those directly on cardboard or fabrics. The texture and opacity of the substrate can also affect scan ability if the code isn’t sufficiently visible.
Environment
QR codes exposed to direct sunlight, heat, high humidity, or wet conditions will degrade faster than codes kept in moderate indoor environments. For outdoor use, special inks and laminate overlays help protect the QR code from environmental damage.
Physical wear
Scratches, fading, tearing, grease marks, and dirt on the QR code can interfere with the scanner’s ability to accurately read the pattern. QR codes printed on frequently handled objects or surfaces require more durable substrates and overlays.
QR code size
Larger QR codes are more scan-able at distances and under less than ideal conditions. Minimum recommended size is 1 inch by 1 inch. Large QR codes also accumulate more damage before becoming unreadable.
QR code complexity
Simple QR codes with fewer data modules packed into the code can withstand more damage than complex codes before becoming unscannable. Complex QR codes may become unreadable with only a small amount of damage.
How many scans are possible?
With ideal conditions, a high quality QR code printed on glossy paper or plastic may scan over 10,000 times. However, for QR codes printed on posters, flyers, cardboard packaging, or other less durable materials, 500-1000 scans would be considered normal limits.
QR codes on frequently handled objects or exposed to harsh environments will have much lower scan limits. For example, a QR code printed on a paper coffee cup may only scan 100 times before it becomes too damaged to read.
There are many variables that affect QR code durability, so giving an exact scan life count is difficult. However, the following table provides some approximate scan life estimates based on use case:
| QR Code Use Case | Estimated Scans |
|---|---|
| Brochures / flyers | 500-1000 scans |
| Posters | 1000-3000 scans |
| Magazines / newspapers | 3000-5000 scans |
| Billboards | 5000-10,000 scans |
| Plastic packaging | 10,000+ scans |
| Paper coffee cups | 100-500 scans |
| Fabric apparel | 500-2000 scans |
| Event badges | 500-1000 scans |
Tips to increase QR code durability
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your QR codes, consider the following tips:
Print with high quality methods
Use laser printers, offset printing, or professional printing shops for the cleanest and most durable print results.
Use glossy or plastic substrates
The smoother surface and increased rigidity resist wear better than paper or cardboard.
Apply a laminate overlay
Laminating your QR codes protects against environmental factors and physical damage.
Print large QR codes
Large codes are easier to scan and can suffer more damage before becoming unreadable.
Simple QR code versions
Use the lowest version QR code that fits your data needs to minimize complexity.
Place codes in protected locations
Avoid direct sun exposure, heat sources, high humidity, and locations prone to scratches or liquids.
Monitor condition
Periodically check your frequently scanned QR codes for damage and replace if scan ability declines.
QR code scan tracking
To get data on real world QR code scan numbers, you can use a QR code tracking service. By generating a unique scannable QR code through the tracking platform, you can monitor metrics like:
- Number of scans
- Locations of scans
- Days and times scanned
Popular QR code tracking options include:
Google Analytics
Link your QR code to Google Analytics to see scans alongside your other web traffic data.
QR code management platforms
Systems like QR Tiger, QR Code Monkey, and Kaywa let you track QR code scans.
Link shorteners
Bitly and other shortened URL services provide QR code scan analytics.
With scan data, you can better understand QR code effectiveness and replacement cycles. You may find certain QR codes need more durability or should be re-generated more frequently based on usage.
QR code best practices
To create quality QR codes optimized for scans, follow these best practices:
- Use a minimum size of 1 inch by 1 inch for adequate scan ability.
- Choose lower QR code versions when possible to minimize complexity.
- Print QR codes on glossy paper or polyester label substrates for durability.
- Avoid folding or creasing through the QR code area.
- Apply scratch-resistant lamination for frequently handled codes.
- Be sure the color contrast between foreground and background is high.
- Place QR codes out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Generate a new code if an old one becomes damaged or deteriorated.
- Use a QR code tracking service to monitor scan numbers and analytics.
Conclusion
The lifespan of a QR code depends on many factors: print quality, materials used, size, complexity, environment, and handling. With ideal conditions, codes may last for thousands of scans. On more fragile materials, QR code durability may only be a few hundred scans.
To maximize the working life of your QR codes, follow best practices for high quality and durable printing. Larger, simpler codes placed in protected locations will also maintain scan ability over more uses. If QR code performance declines, generate fresh codes. QR code tracking gives you data to manage replacement rates and analytics.
By understanding the durability factors and using quality printing methods, QR codes can be an effective way to bridge physical and digital experiences over their functional lifetime.