Static vs dynamic QR codes

A static QR code holds the web address itself, so it can never be changed. A dynamic QR code holds a short link that forwards to the real page, so you can change where it goes after it’s printed and see how often it’s scanned.

Side by side

What the pattern holds

Static: The full web address, Wi-Fi password or contact details
Dynamic: A short link, which forwards to the real page

Change it after printing

Static: No. A new destination means a new code and a reprint
Dynamic: Yes. Change where the short link goes; the printed code stays the same

Does it expire

Static: Never. It works as long as the page it opens exists
Dynamic: Only if the short link is switched off, which is up to the service behind it

Counts scans

Static: No
Dynamic: Yes: when, where and on what device

Size on paper

Static: Denser for long addresses, so it needs to print larger
Dynamic: Simpler pattern, so it scans well even when small

Works offline

Static: Yes, for Wi-Fi and contact cards
Dynamic: No. The phone needs a connection to follow the link

Question	Static	Dynamic
What the pattern holds	The full web address, Wi-Fi password or contact details	A short link, which forwards to the real page
Change it after printing	No. A new destination means a new code and a reprint	Yes. Change where the short link goes; the printed code stays the same
Does it expire	Never. It works as long as the page it opens exists	Only if the short link is switched off, which is up to the service behind it
Counts scans	No	Yes: when, where and on what device
Size on paper	Denser for long addresses, so it needs to print larger	Simpler pattern, so it scans well even when small
Works offline	Yes, for Wi-Fi and contact cards	No. The phone needs a connection to follow the link

Which one to use

Use static when the contents won’t change and must work without a connection: guest Wi-Fi, a contact card on a business card, a phone number to call. Our free QR tools make these with no account.

Use dynamic for anything printed that points at a web page: menus, flyers, yard signs, packaging, posters. Pages move and offers end; a dynamic code lets you keep the print run and change the destination.

The catch with dynamic codes

A dynamic code only works while the short link behind it is running, and that link belongs to whichever service made it. Many services switch dynamic codes off when a free trial or subscription ends; one of the biggest says so in its own explainer (checked 21 October 2026). Printed codes then open an error or a sign-up page.

Two things protect you: a service that doesn’t switch codes off over a plan limit, and a short link on a domain you own, like links.yourbusiness.com, so the printed codes aren’t tied to anyone else’s domain. More on this in why QR codes stop working.

Common questions

Can I turn a static QR code into a dynamic one?

No. A static code’s destination is part of the pattern, so it can’t be changed. Make a dynamic code for your next print run and point it wherever the old one went.

Do dynamic QR codes expire?

The code itself doesn’t, but the short link behind it can be switched off. Many QR services deactivate dynamic codes when a free trial or subscription ends. Use a service that keeps codes running, ideally on a domain you own.

Which kind should I use for a restaurant menu?

Dynamic. Menus change, and a dynamic code lets you point every printed table card at the new menu without reprinting. You also see how many people scanned it.

Which kind should I use for guest Wi-Fi?

Static. The network name and password go straight into the code, it works without an internet connection, and nothing has to stay running for it to work. Make a new code if you change the password.

Is a free QR code generator static or dynamic?

Usually static. Most free generators, including ours, put the address straight into the code. Some services offer free dynamic codes only for a trial period, after which the code stops working.

How MicroURL does dynamic codes

Every MicroURL QR code is dynamic, on your own domain if you add one, even on the free plan. You can change where it goes at any time, and we never switch a code off because an account went over a plan limit. The full no-lock-in pledge is on our trust page.