How to Track QR Code Scans (Complete Guide)
Published 2026-05-22
Tracking QR code scans turns printed codes into measurable campaigns. Here is what scan data is available, how it works, and how to read it.
If you print a QR code and never check how often it is scanned, you are flying blind. QR code tracking records every scan of a tracked code in real time, so you can see which placements, posters or table tents actually work. Here is how it works and what you can measure.
What data can you track?
On qrcodemaker, registered users see scan statistics in the dashboard - total scans, monthly scans, and a per-code breakdown. Upgrading to Pro adds deeper analytics such as location and device data, giving you a clearer picture of who is scanning and where.
- Total scans and monthly scans
- A per-code breakdown to compare placements
- Pro: location and device analytics
- Real-time updates as scans arrive
Which QR codes can be tracked?
The key requirement is that the code must be dynamic. Static codes encode the destination directly and are read without passing through a tracking service, which is exactly the trade-off that makes them permanent but unmetered. Dynamic codes route through a short link, and that redirect is what records the scan.
How to set it up
- Create a free account and log in.
- In the generator, create a dynamic QR code and set its destination.
- Download the code and print it - place it on menus, posters, packaging or flyers.
- Open the dashboard to watch total and monthly scans arrive in real time.
- Use the per-code breakdown to compare placements, then keep what performs.
How to read the numbers
Compare codes that sit in different places - the storefront window versus a bag insert, table tents across two locations. The per-code breakdown lets you attribute scans to a placement. If part of a campaign underperforms, move the budget and the code design accordingly.
The most valuable tracking insight is relative: code A gets three times the scans of code B in the same week. Actionable optimization starts with per-code comparison.
Scan tracking pairs naturally with dynamic QR codes on editable campaigns - switch the destination without reprinting and keep the same measurement running. See the tracking feature page for the full data available on each plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can every QR code be tracked?
No - only dynamic QR codes can be tracked. Static codes are read directly by the phone with no redirect, so there is nothing to count. Use a dynamic QR code whenever you want scan measurement.
Do I need to pay to see scan counts?
No. The Free plan includes real-time scan statistics: total scans, monthly scans and a per-code breakdown. Pro adds deeper analytics such as location and device data.
What statistics does the Pro plan add?
Pro adds advanced scan analytics like location and device data, plus unlimited dynamic QR codes, AI Art and higher API limits. Pro is $29/month or $24/month billed yearly.
Does tracking slow down a scan?
No. The redirect through the short link is near-instant, so scanners notice no difference between a dynamic and a static code.