Do QR Codes Expire?
No, QR codes do not expire. A QR code is an image that encodes data. The image itself has no expiration date. When people report that a QR code "stopped working," the issue is almost always that the service behind the QR code was discontinued — not that the code itself expired.
Why People Think QR Codes Expire
Limitation: Static QR codes cannot be edited after creation. If you need to change the destination, you must generate a new QR code and reprint it.
The Solution: Lifetime Dynamic QR Codes
You don't have to choose between "expiring" dynamic codes and "uneditable" static codes. We offer a third option: Lifetime Dynamic QR Codes.
- Dynamic: Edit the destination URL anytime.
- Lifetime: Pay once, own it forever. No expiration.
- Subscription ended: Many QR code services require monthly or yearly payments. When payment stops, the redirect stops working.
- Free trial expired: Some services offer "free" QR codes that only work for 7-30 days before requiring payment.
- Scan limits reached: Certain providers cap the number of scans. Once exceeded, the code stops redirecting.
- Redirect server shut down: If the company hosting the redirect goes out of business, the QR code breaks.
In all of these cases, the QR code image remains unchanged. What failed was the service, not the code.
Static QR Codes and Expiration
Static QR codes never expire.
A static QR code encodes a URL directly into the image pattern. When scanned, the phone reads the URL from the image itself. No external server is involved.
Because static QR codes do not depend on any service, they work indefinitely. The only way a static QR code can "break" is if the destination URL itself becomes invalid (for example, if a website is taken down).
Dynamic QR Codes and Expiration
Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL that points to a server. The server then forwards the user to the final destination. This allows the destination to be changed without reprinting the QR code.
Whether a dynamic QR code "expires" depends entirely on the service provider:
- Subscription-based services: The redirect stops working when the subscription ends.
- One-time payment services: The redirect continues working indefinitely because there is no recurring fee to cancel.
The QR code image itself does not expire in either case. What changes is whether the redirect service remains active.
What Actually Causes a QR Code to Stop Working
- Subscription or trial period ends: The redirect service is disabled by the provider.
- Scan limit exceeded: The provider refuses additional redirects after a quota is reached.
- Service provider shuts down: The company hosting the redirect ceases operations.
- Destination URL is invalid: The website or resource the QR code points to no longer exists.
- QR code is damaged or unreadable: Physical damage to the printed code prevents scanning.
Only the last two items relate to the QR code itself. The first three are service-related failures.
QR Codes and Printed Materials
QR code expiration matters most when codes are printed on physical materials. Unlike digital codes, printed codes cannot be updated. If a redirect service fails, reprinting is the only option.
This is especially relevant for:
- Product packaging: Labels printed in large quantities before distribution.
- Signage: Physical signs installed in retail stores, offices, or public spaces.
- Business cards: Materials distributed over months or years.
- Compliance labels: Safety or regulatory information on equipment.
- Memorial markers: QR codes on headstones, plaques, or monuments.
- Books and publications: Printed media with long shelf lives.
For printed use cases, choosing a QR code service that does not rely on recurring payments is important for long-term reliability.
How to Ensure Your QR Code Never Expires
To avoid QR code failures:
When to use static QR codes:
- When the destination URL will never change.
- When you need a free, permanent solution.
- When you do not need scan tracking.
When to use dynamic QR codes:
- When you may need to update the destination URL later.
- When you want to track scan counts.
- When the printed material will be in circulation for a long time.
Questions to ask before choosing a provider:
- Is there a recurring subscription, or is it a one-time payment?
- What happens if I stop paying?
- Are there scan limits?
- How long has the company been operating?
How LifetimeQRCodes.com Approaches QR Code Longevity
LifetimeQRCodes.com offers static QR codes for free and editable QR codes for a one-time payment of $29 per code. There are no subscriptions, no scan limits, and no expiration dates. Editable codes remain active indefinitely because there is no recurring fee to cancel. The service is designed for printed materials that need to remain functional for years.
Common Questions
Do QR codes expire?
No. QR codes are images that encode data. They do not have an expiration date. What can expire is the service behind a dynamic QR code.
Can a QR code stop working?
Yes, but not because the code expired. A QR code stops working if the redirect service is disabled, the destination URL is invalid, or the code is physically damaged.
Do free QR codes expire?
Static QR codes do not expire. Some "free" dynamic QR codes from certain services expire after a trial period or scan limit. This is a service limitation, not a property of the QR code itself.
Can a QR code be permanent?
Yes. Static QR codes are inherently permanent. Dynamic QR codes can also be permanent if the service behind them does not require recurring payment.
Are QR codes safe for long-term printing?
Yes, if you use static QR codes or dynamic QR codes from a provider that does not require ongoing payments. For printed materials, choose a one-time payment model to ensure the code remains active for the life of the material.
See the Platform In Action
Manage your permanent assets through an enterprise-grade dashboard designed for simplicity and power.
Lifetime QR Codes Analytics
See scans, devices, and top links at a glance — no subscription required.
Total scans
12,407
+26% vs previous period
Unique visitors
8,291
Last 24h
412
Avg scans / QR
4
Peak
Wednesday 14:00–15:00
Last 7 days
Daily scans
By device
By OS
Top regions
Top QR codes
- Menu – Main3,124
- Business Card vCard2,891
- Product Page2,103
- Event RSVP1,842
- PDF – Brochure1,247
Need a QR Code That Never Expires?
Static QR codes are free. Editable QR codes are $29 one-time. No subscriptions.
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