Can you track how many people have scanned a QR code?

Yes, you can track exactly how many people have scanned your QR codes, but only with dynamic QR codes that include analytics capabilities.

Scan count tracking

Dynamic QR codes automatically track:

1. Total scan count - Every QR code interaction
2. Unique visitors - Individual people (estimated)
3. Repeat scans - Return visitors and frequency
4. Time patterns - Peak scanning periods
5. Geographic distribution - Where scans occur

View these metrics in your analytics dashboard.

Types of scan metrics

Comprehensive tracking includes:

Basic counts:

• Total scans since creation
• Scans today, this week, this month
• Year-over-year comparison data

Advanced analytics:

• Unique vs returning visitor ratios
• Average session duration
• Bounce rate from QR destinations
• Conversion tracking through goals

Setting up scan counting

To track QR code scans:

1. Create dynamic QR codes through Linkbreakers
2. Deploy your codes across campaigns
3. Monitor real-time scan activity
4. Export data for detailed analysis

Static QR codes cannot track scan counts.

Real-time monitoring

Live tracking features include:

• Instant scan notifications when codes are used
• Live visitor feed showing active users
• Geographic heat maps of scanning activity
• Device breakdown (mobile vs desktop usage)

Accuracy considerations

Scan counting faces some limitations:

1. Bot filtering - Automated scans are typically excluded
2. Duplicate detection - Multiple scans from same device/session
3. Privacy modes - Some browsers limit tracking capabilities
4. Network issues - Failed connections may not register

Most platforms achieve 95-98% accuracy for legitimate scans.

Unique visitor estimation

Estimating individual people involves:

• Device fingerprinting (IP + browser + OS combination)
• Session tracking within time windows
• Cookie-based identification where permitted
• Privacy-compliant anonymous analysis

Perfect unique counting isn't possible due to privacy protections.

Export and reporting

Access scan count data through:

1. Dashboard widgets for quick overview
2. CSV downloads for spreadsheet analysis
3. API endpoints for custom integrations
4. Automated reports via email or webhooks

Business applications

Scan count tracking helps with:

• Campaign ROI measurement and optimization
• Location performance comparison across venues
• Content effectiveness analysis
• Trend identification for strategic planning
• Resource allocation based on engagement data

Frequently asked questions

Can I see exactly who scanned my QR code? No personal identification is captured unless users voluntarily provide it. You can see anonymous device and location data but not names or contact details.

How accurate are QR scan counts? Professional platforms achieve 95-98% accuracy by filtering bot traffic, duplicate scans, and technical errors. Some discrepancy is normal.

Can I track scans across multiple campaigns? Yes, using tags and UTM parameters to organize QR codes by campaign, allowing comparison of scan counts across different marketing efforts.