How QR Code Redirects Work
Definition: A QR code redirect is a short URL encoded in the image that forwards the scanner to the real destination, letting the destination change without altering the printed code.
When a dynamic code is scanned, the phone opens a short link such as liveqr.codes/r/ab12cd. The server records the scan, then issues an HTTP redirect to the current destination. Because only the short link lives inside the printed image, the target can be swapped indefinitely. The trade-off is dependency: if the redirect service disappears, every printed code dies with it. That is why permanent assets such as engraved plaques or long-life packaging are often better served by static codes, while posters, menus, and campaigns benefit from redirects.
Key points
- The printed code contains only the short link, never the destination
- The redirect step is where scan analytics are captured
- A 302 keeps the short link authoritative for changing targets
- Redirect chains add latency — point straight at the final URL
- Set a fallback page so an expired code never shows a raw error
Frequently asked questions
Does a redirect slow down the scan?
A single redirect adds a fraction of a second. Chains of two or three redirects are what users actually notice.
What happens when a dynamic code expires?
A well-built service shows an informative page instead of an error, so the printed code can still be recovered by reactivating it.
Can I change the destination unlimited times?
Yes. Re-pointing a dynamic code is instant and can be repeated as often as needed.
Related terms
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.