How to make QR codes trackable?

Making QR codes trackable requires using dynamic QR code technology instead of static codes. Here's exactly how to do it.

Create trackable QR codes in Linkbreakers

1. Sign up for a Linkbreakers account
2. Add your destination URL in the link creation form
3. Generate your QR code - it's automatically trackable
4. Download and use your QR code anywhere

The key difference? Your QR code now points to a shortened URL that collects data before redirecting users.

What makes a QR code trackable

Static QR codes contain the destination URL directly. You can't track these because there's no system between the scan and the final website.

Dynamic QR codes use an intermediary URL that:

• Logs each scan with timestamp
• Captures user location and device data
• Redirects to your final destination
• Stores everything in analytics dashboards

Advanced tracking features

Linkbreakers offers sophisticated tracking beyond basic scan counts:

1. Real-time monitoring through live visitor tracking
2. Geographic insights down to city-level precision
3. Device analytics (mobile vs desktop, iOS vs Android)
4. Custom UTM parameters for campaign attribution
5. API access for custom integrations

Retroactive tracking limitations

You cannot make existing static QR codes trackable. The tracking system must be in place when generating the code.

If you have printed materials with static QR codes, you'll need to:

• Create new trackable versions
• Replace the old codes
• Update any printed materials

Setting up conversion tracking

For maximum insights, connect your trackable QR codes to conversion goals:

1. Use UTM builder for campaign tracking
2. Set up webhooks for real-time notifications
3. Create custom workflows for advanced automation
4. Set up lead generation workflows to convert QR scans into customers

Frequently asked questions

Do trackable QR codes work offline? No. Tracking requires an internet connection to log scan data. The QR code itself works offline, but analytics won't capture the interaction.

Can I track QR codes across multiple campaigns? Yes. Use tags to organize QR codes by campaign, location, or any custom categorization system.

How accurate is QR code tracking? Dynamic QR code tracking achieves 95-98% accuracy, filtering out bot traffic and duplicate scans from the same device within short timeframes.