Password Protecting a QR Code

What Is Password Protection?

Password protection adds a lock screen between your QR code scan and your destination content. When a user scans the code, instead of being taken directly to the destination URL or page, they see a password entry prompt. Only users who enter the correct password are granted access and redirected to the content.

This feature is ideal when you want to distribute a QR code broadly — on printed materials, event tickets, or posters — but restrict the actual content to a specific audience who has been given the password separately.

How to Add a Password to a QR Code

1. Open My QR Codes and select the code you want to protect.
2. Click Edit to open the QR code editor.
3. Go to the Advanced Settings tab.
4. Locate the Password Protection section and toggle it on.
5. Enter the password you want to require. Choose something memorable for your intended audience but not easily guessable by others.
6. Click Save to apply the protection.

Once saved, the password gate is active immediately. Any existing scans of the physical QR code will now encounter the password prompt.

How the Password Prompt Appears on Scan

When a scanner opens a password-protected QR code, they see a clean prompt page displayed in their browser before reaching any destination content. The page:

• Shows a branded lock screen with a password input field.
• Displays a short message (which you can optionally customize) explaining that this content is protected.
• Provides a Submit button to verify the entered password.

If the scanner enters the correct password, they are immediately redirected to your QR code destination. If they enter an incorrect password, they receive an error message and are prompted to try again. There is no lockout after failed attempts by default, though this may change based on your plan.

Changing the Password

You can update the password on a protected QR code at any time without reprinting or redistributing the code. To change the password:

1. Open the QR code editor and navigate to Advanced Settings.
2. In the Password Protection section, clear the current password field and enter the new password.
3. Click Save.

The new password takes effect immediately. Anyone who previously knew the old password will need the new password to access the content again. Make sure to communicate password changes to your intended audience before updating.

Removing Password Protection

To remove the password gate and make the QR code destination publicly accessible again:

1. Open the QR code editor and go to Advanced Settings.
2. Toggle the Password Protection switch to the off position.
3. Click Save.

After saving, scanners will be taken directly to the destination without any password prompt. Your analytics data and all other settings remain unchanged.

Common Use Cases

• Internal documents and resources — Share QR codes linking to internal wikis, SOPs, or process guides on printed posters in the office without exposing the content to visitors or the general public.
• Private event information — Send invitees a QR code linking to venue details, schedules, or exclusive content, protected so only ticket holders with the password can access it.
• Staff-only resources — Place QR codes on employee-facing signage or handbooks that link to HR portals, training videos, or internal tools, with the password distributed through internal channels.
• Exclusive offers and coupon codes — Distribute QR codes on physical materials for a select group, with a password required to unlock the offer, preventing code sharing from undermining the exclusivity.
• Press and media kits — Share a QR code in press releases that links to a protected media kit page containing high-resolution images, press releases, and brand assets intended for journalists only.