What happens when the QR service is turned off?

Why the risk is real

A dynamic QR code only works as long as the server behind the redirection responds. If the service is discontinued, becomes insolvent, or the domain is not renewed, every printed code leads nowhere. With print runs of several ten thousand stickers or codes on machines with twenty-year lifespans, this is a serious problem.

Three Safeguards

1. Own Domain

Redirection should occur via a domain that you own – for example qr.ihre-firma.de. This allows you to change providers without making any printed code unusable. Instead, using the provider's short URL means you do not own the most important part.

2. Export of all mappings

Request the option to export a list of all codes with their targets at any time. Without this list, the inventory cannot be restored after a change.

3. Contractual provision

What happens in the case of termination or discontinuation of the service? A grace period and data handover should be included in the contract.

When static is the better choice

For codes with very long lifespans and fixed targets – such as nameplates, instruction manuals, or WLAN access points – a static code is often the more sensible choice despite the lack of analytics capabilities. It continues to function even if no one remains to operate a server.