How to Make a QR Code for App Downloads
One printed code, two app stores. The trick is to point the code at a link that detects the operating system, rather than forcing half your audience onto the wrong store page. You can do all of this free at liveqr.codes — no signup needed for a static code, and a one-time $1.99 upgrade unlocks unlimited dynamic codes with scan analytics.
Steps
- Collect both store URLs — Grab the App Store listing and the Google Play listing for your app. Verify both open the store app on a real phone.
- Create a device-aware landing page or smart link — Use a smart link service or a simple page that redirects iOS traffic to the App Store and everything else to Google Play, with a visible fallback for desktop.
- Encode that single link — Generate a URL QR code from the smart link so one printed asset serves every platform.
- Make the code dynamic — Dynamic codes let you swap the destination when the app moves, gets rebranded, or launches on a third platform, and they count scans per campaign.
- Test on iPhone, Android, and desktop — Confirm each device lands on the correct store and that the desktop fallback explains what to do.
Pro tips
- Show the app icon next to the code so people recognise it
- Track scans and store visits separately — they will not match exactly
- Deep link to the specific screen for campaigns, not just the home screen
Frequently asked questions
Can one QR code serve both app stores?
Yes, if it points at a link that redirects based on the operating system rather than at a single store listing.
Can I measure installs from the code?
You can measure scans and clicks. Attributing actual installs needs your store analytics or an attribution SDK.
What about desktop scans?
Show a simple page with both store badges and an option to send the link to a phone.
liveqr.codes is a free QR code generator. Static codes are free and unlimited with no signup; a one-time $1.99 lifetime upgrade adds unlimited dynamic codes with editable destinations and scan analytics. Download every code as a high-resolution PNG or vector SVG.