Edit a QR code that’s already printed

Can you change a QR code after printing it?

Yes if it’s dynamic: it holds a short address that redirects, and you change the destination with the service that made it. No if it’s static: the link is written into the pattern itself.

The difference is explained in static vs dynamic.

How can I tell if my code is static or dynamic?

Scan it and look at the address shown before opening it. If it’s your own site or page, it’s static; if it’s a short address from a QR service, it’s dynamic.

Wi-Fi, business card and e-mail codes are always static.

My code is dynamic but with another service. What now?

You have to edit it there, with the account that created it: a dynamic code can’t be moved elsewhere, because it contains the original service’s address.

If the trial has ended or the account is lost, the only lasting fix is a new code and a reprint. See also my QR code isn’t working.

My code is static: any way around reprinting?

If it leads to your own website, you can set up a redirect from the old address to the new page on your site. The code itself doesn’t change.

Otherwise, a sticker with a new code placed neatly over the old one will do until you reprint. Do it cleanly: a crooked sticker looks like a scam, as explained in QR code scams.

How do I avoid this next time?

For anything printed in quantity whose link might change, use an editable code. Scanotte keeps the history of destinations, so you know where the code led at each point.

Static QR codes are free and unlimited. For editable QR codes with statistics: 1 is free, then Starter at €6.90 a month (15 editable QR codes), Pro at €12.90 a month (100) or Business at €39 a month (500). Billed yearly, that’s €5.90, €11 and €33 a month.

If you stop paying, nothing dies overnight: whatever fits the free plan keeps working as usual, and the rest keeps redirecting, read-only, for 12 months before showing an “expired” page. Picking a plan again brings everything back.