Do QR Codes Expire? The Complete Guide to QR Code Longevity
No — QR codes don't expire. Static codes last forever because the data is encoded directly in the pattern. Dynamic codes can stop working if your provider shuts down — but with the right platform, they're permanent too.
Looking for a free QR code generator with no expiration? QRKIT creates both static and dynamic QR codes that are free forever — no trial periods, no scan limits, no subscription required.
How it works
Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes — Why It Matters for Expiration
Static QR Codes
A static QR code is a self-contained data carrier — the URL, text, or contact information is encoded directly in the arrangement of black and white modules. This design follows the ISO/IEC 18004 standard, which defines how data is converted into a two-dimensional matrix pattern. Because there's no intermediary server, a static QR code cannot be “turned off” by anyone. The only way it stops working is if the destination it points to (such as a URL) is taken down.
This makes static codes ideal for permanent signage, product packaging, and printed materials where you need a QR code with a long shelf life. They're free on most platforms and require no ongoing subscription.
Dynamic QR Codes
When someone scans a dynamic QR code, the scan hits a redirect server first. That server looks up the current destination and forwards the user there. This architecture enables real-time analytics, A/B testing, and the ability to edit your QR code destination without reprinting it. Dynamic QR codes also let you track every scan with detailed analytics.
The trade-off is that dynamic codes depend on the redirect server staying online. If the QR code provider shuts down or your subscription lapses, the redirect breaks — even though the physical QR code is perfectly intact. That's why choosing a reliable, free QR code generator with no expiration guarantee matters for any long-term deployment.
How Long Do QR Codes Last?
A QR code's lifespan depends on its type. Static QR codes last indefinitely — they have no expiration mechanism whatsoever. Dynamic QR codes last as long as the provider's redirect service is active. With QRKIT, both types are designed to last forever. There is no trial period, no scan cap, and no forced upgrade. Whether you create a QR code today or created one a year ago, it continues to work with no action required on your part.
| Feature | Static QR Code | Dynamic QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Expires? | Never | Depends on provider |
| Editable? | No | Yes |
| Trackable? | No | Yes |
| Free? | Usually yes | Usually paid |
| QRKIT? | Free, never expires | Free, never expires |
Static QR Code
- Expires?
- Never
- Editable?
- No
- Trackable?
- No
- Free?
- Usually yes
- QRKIT?
- Free, never expires
Dynamic QR Code
- Expires?
- Depends on provider
- Editable?
- Yes
- Trackable?
- Yes
- Free?
- Usually paid
- QRKIT?
- Free, never expires
Common issues
5 Reasons Your QR Code Stopped Working
Destination URL Changed or Deleted
The website moved or was taken down. The QR code scans fine, but there’s nothing at the other end.
Provider Shut Down
The redirect server went offline. This affects dynamic QR codes that route through a third-party service.
Free Trial Expired
Many providers disable free QR codes after 7–30 days, requiring an upgrade to a paid plan.
Subscription Lapsed
Paid dynamic codes stop working when billing stops. The redirect server goes inactive.
QR Code Damaged or Too Small
Physical damage or insufficient print size prevents scanning. Not actually “expired” — just unreadable.
Need step-by-step help? QR Code Not Working? How to Fix It →
Platform comparison
Do Canva, Adobe, Bitly & Other QR Codes Expire?
One of the most common questions is whether QR codes from a specific platform expire. The answer depends on the platform and whether they generate static or dynamic codes.
Do Canva QR Codes Expire?
No. Canva generates static QR codes that never expire. However, static means you can't edit the destination or track scans after creation. If your campaign URL changes or your domain migrates, there is no way to update a Canva QR code — you'd need to generate and reprint a new one entirely. For printed materials with a long QR code shelf life requirement, consider using a free QR code generator with no expiration that supports dynamic codes.
Do Adobe Express QR Codes Expire?
No. Like Canva, Adobe Express creates static QR codes. They're permanent but can't be edited after generation. The code works as long as the destination URL stays active.
Do Bitly QR Codes Expire?
It depends. Bitly's infrastructure is primarily a link shortener with QR generation added on. Their free tier imposes monthly click limits — once exceeded, links (and by extension QR codes) may stop resolving until the next billing cycle or an upgrade. Paid plans offer longer-lasting codes, but they're tied to your subscription — if billing lapses, codes may stop working. For businesses that rely on QR codes for operations and customer engagement, choosing a platform with a no-expiration guarantee is critical.
Do QR Code Generator (qr-code-generator.com) Codes Expire?
It depends on your plan. Their free tier generates dynamic QR codes that may have usage restrictions. Paid plans provide longer-lasting codes, but permanence is tied to your active subscription. If you cancel, your dynamic codes may stop redirecting.
Other Platforms
QRStuff offers a 30-day free trial (anonymous codes expire after 7 days). QRCode Monkey creates static codes that never expire but can't be edited. QR Tiger's free tier has limitations on dynamic code usage.
| Platform | QR Code Type | Expires? | Free Tier Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QRKIT | Dynamic | Never | Unlimited | Free dynamic QR codes that never expire |
| Canva | Static | Never | Unlimited | Static only — cannot edit or track |
| Adobe Express | Static | Never | Unlimited | Static only — basic QR generation |
| QR Code Generator | Dynamic | Depends on plan | Free codes may expire | Paid plans required for permanence |
| Bitly | Dynamic | Depends on plan | Limited free codes | Free tier has scan limits |
| QRStuff | Dynamic | Free: 30 days | 30-day free trial | Anonymous codes expire after 7 days |
| QRCode Monkey | Static | Never | Unlimited | Static only — no tracking or editing |
| QR Tiger | Dynamic | Free: limited | Varies by plan | Free tier has limitations |
QRKIT
- Type
- Dynamic
- Expires?
- Never
- Free tier
- Unlimited
- Notes
- Free dynamic QR codes that never expire
Canva
- Type
- Static
- Expires?
- Never
- Free tier
- Unlimited
- Notes
- Static only — cannot edit or track
Adobe Express
- Type
- Static
- Expires?
- Never
- Free tier
- Unlimited
- Notes
- Static only — basic QR generation
QR Code Generator
- Type
- Dynamic
- Expires?
- Depends on plan
- Free tier
- Free codes may expire
- Notes
- Paid plans required for permanence
Bitly
- Type
- Dynamic
- Expires?
- Depends on plan
- Free tier
- Limited free codes
- Notes
- Free tier has scan limits
QRStuff
- Type
- Dynamic
- Expires?
- Free: 30 days
- Free tier
- 30-day free trial
- Notes
- Anonymous codes expire after 7 days
QRCode Monkey
- Type
- Static
- Expires?
- Never
- Free tier
- Unlimited
- Notes
- Static only — no tracking or editing
QR Tiger
- Type
- Dynamic
- Expires?
- Free: limited
- Free tier
- Varies by plan
- Notes
- Free tier has limitations
Last updated: February 2026
Want a free QR code generator with no expiration limits? Create a free QR code now · View All QR Code Types · QR Codes for Healthcare
QRKIT offers free dynamic QR codes that never expire — with scan analytics, editable destinations, and no subscription required for basic use. All QR codes comply with the ISO/IEC 18004 specification and are compatible with GS1 Digital Link standards for supply chain applications.
Prevention tips
How to Make Sure Your QR Code Never Expires
Use a Reliable Provider
Choose a platform with a track record and no-expiration guarantee. Avoid anonymous generators with unclear terms.
Create Dynamic QR Codes
They can be edited if your destination changes, preventing broken codes.
Use Permanent Destination URLs
Avoid URLs that might change (temporary links, campaign-specific pages). Use your main domain when possible.
Keep Your Account Active
For dynamic codes on paid platforms, maintain your subscription. QRKIT’s free tier never expires.
Test Regularly
Periodically scan your QR codes to verify they still work, especially after website changes.
QRKIT's permanence guarantee: Every QR code created on QRKIT — free or paid — is backed by enterprise-grade infrastructure with 99.9% uptime. Your codes are never deleted, never throttled, and never paywalled after creation. That's why thousands of businesses trust QRKIT as their free QR code generator with no expiration.
QRKIT offers free dynamic QR codes that never expire. Create yours now.
Pro feature
Can You Set a QR Code TO Expire?
Most people want QR codes that last forever. But sometimes you want a code to expire — for time-limited promotions, event-specific access, or security compliance.
Platforms like QRKIT let you intentionally set an expiration date or scan limit on dynamic QR codes. After the condition is met, the code shows a custom expiration message instead of the original content.
- Time-limited promotions — discount codes that expire after a sale ends
- Event-specific codes — access links that deactivate after the event
- Security compliance — temporary access credentials with automatic revocation
Intentional expiration is particularly relevant in industries governed by data retention standards. The NIST Privacy Framework recommends time-limiting access to sensitive information, which QR code expiration can enforce automatically.
Combine expiration with password protection for maximum security.
Learn more about the expiration date feature and how to configure it.
QR Code Expiration — Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
TL;DR — Do QR Codes Expire?
- Static QR codes: Never expire — data is embedded directly in the code
- Dynamic QR codes: Depend on your provider — some expire, some don't
- QRKIT: All QR codes are free and never expire — static or dynamic
- How long do they last? A QR code's shelf life is unlimited when you use a platform that guarantees no expiration — QRKIT codes are free and permanent from day one
- Pro tip: Use dynamic QR codes for the best of both worlds — editable, trackable, AND permanent with QRKIT
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That Never Expires
QRKIT QR codes are free, dynamic, and permanent — no subscription required. Create a QR code that lasts forever.