How do I track QR code scans in Google Analytics 4?

Add UTM parameters to your QR code URL using Google’s Campaign URL Builder, then generate a QR code from the tagged URL. Scans appear in GA4 under Reports > Acquisition > Traffic Acquisition, filtered by your utm_medium value.

Can I use Google Tag Manager to track QR codes?

Yes. Create a GA4 event tag in GTM that fires when a user lands on your QR-specific URL. Use a URL parameter trigger (e.g., ?ref=qr) to identify QR traffic and send custom events like “qr_code_scan.”

What’s the best UTM setup for QR codes?

Use utm_source for placement (e.g., “poster” or “menu”), utm_medium as “qr_code” (always), and utm_campaign for the campaign name. Add utm_content for A/B testing variations.

How long before QR code scans show in GA4?

GA4 Realtime reports show data within seconds. Standard reports may take 24–48 hours for full processing.

Can I track QR codes made in Canva?

Yes, but Canva QR codes are static — they don’t have built-in tracking. Add UTM parameters to your URL before creating the Canva QR code, then track in GA4 using the UTM method described in this guide.

What’s the difference between dynamic and static QR codes for tracking?

Static QR codes encode the URL directly — tracking requires UTM parameters. Dynamic QR codes route through a tracking server, logging scans automatically and allowing URL changes after printing.

Do URL shorteners affect QR code tracking?

Some URL shorteners strip UTM parameters. Always test the shortened URL in a browser to confirm UTMs are preserved before generating the QR code.

Can I see which city my QR code was scanned in?

GA4 shows approximate user locations via the “City” dimension. Dynamic QR platforms like QRKIT provide more precise scan-level location data.

How do I export QR code data from GA4 to a spreadsheet?

In any GA4 report, click the share icon and select “Download file” to export as CSV or PDF. For automated exports, connect GA4 to Google Sheets via the GA4 add-on.

Does ad blocking affect QR code tracking in GA4?

Yes. Ad blockers can prevent the GA4 tag from loading. For critical campaigns, consider server-side tagging or use a dynamic QR code with built-in analytics as a backup.

GA4 Integration Guide

How to Track QR Codes in Google Analytics 4
(2026 Guide)

Free ForeverNo Code RequiredReal-Time Data

You printed the QR code. People are scanning it. But without qr code Google Analytics integration, you have no idea how many scans convert, which placements perform, or whether the campaign is worth the print budget. This guide shows you exactly how to track QR code scans in Google Analytics — three proven methods, from beginner-friendly UTM parameters to advanced Google Tag Manager events and built-in QR code analytics that work without GA4 entirely. By the end, you'll know how to track a QR code in Google Analytics and turn every scan into a measurable data point.

Create a GA4-Tracked QR Code Free See 3 Tracking Methods →

Three tracking methods

3 Ways to Track QR Codes in Google Analytics

There are three main approaches to tracking QR code scans in GA4 — each with different levels of complexity, data richness, and setup requirements. Choose the one that fits your technical comfort level and campaign goals.

Method 1 — Universal

Track with UTM Parameters

The most universal method — works with any QR code generator, completely free.

1Define your UTM values (source, medium, campaign)
2Build the tagged URL with Google's Campaign URL Builder
3Shorten the URL (Bitly, TinyURL) for a cleaner QR pattern
4Generate a QR code from the shortened URL
5Test in GA4 Realtime before printing

Parameter	Value	Example
utm_source	Placement	poster, menu, packaging
utm_medium	Always qr_code	qr_code
utm_campaign	Campaign name	summer_sale_2026
utm_content	A/B variation	poster_a, poster_b

Common mistakes: misspelled parameters, inconsistent casing, spaces in values. Always copy-paste from a template.

Related: URL QR Code Generator

Method 2 — Advanced

Track with Google Tag Manager

For technical marketers who need custom events, in-app tracking, or a workaround when UTMs get stripped.

Choose Google Tag Manager over UTM parameters when your QR codes link to pages you control and you need custom event data beyond source and medium. GTM is ideal for developers and technical marketers who want to fire specific GA4 events (like qr_code_scan) with custom parameters — placement, campaign phase, or QR code ID — directly into the dataLayer. This gives you granular control over your Google Analytics QR code data that UTM parameters alone cannot provide.

1Add a unique URL parameter to your QR link (e.g., ?ref=qr_poster)
2In GTM, create a URL variable to capture the “ref” parameter
3Create a GA4 event tag (“qr_code_scan”) that fires when the parameter is present
4Set up a trigger: Page View + URL contains ?ref=qr

dataLayer Push (Advanced)

For maximum flexibility, add a dataLayer.push call on your landing page that reads the URL parameter and sends structured event data to GA4 — including QR code ID, placement type, and campaign phase. This approach works even when UTM parameters are stripped by redirects.

Custom GA4 events appear in Reports > Engagement > Events and can be marked as Key Events (conversions) for attribution tracking.

Method 3 — Easiest

Use Built-In QR Code Analytics

Dynamic QR code platforms track scans natively — no GA4 setup required.

Advantages

Real-time scan data (no 24-48h delay)
Location tracking (city, country)
Device & OS breakdown
Unique vs. total scan counts

Limitation: Scan data lives outside GA4, so it won't appear in your GA4 reports or attribution models unless you also use UTM parameters.

For the best results, combine built-in analytics with UTM parameters to get both instant scan data and full GA4 attribution.

When to choose built-in over GA4: If you need real-time scan data without a 24-48 hour delay, want location and device tracking without JavaScript tags, or manage campaigns across teams who don't have GA4 access, built-in analytics is the pragmatic choice. Built-in tracking also works for QR code types that don't link to a webpage — like vCard, WiFi, or PDF QR codes — where Google Analytics cannot fire at all. Many marketers use both: built-in analytics for immediate scan monitoring and Google Analytics QR code tracking via UTM parameters for long-term attribution.

Pro Tip: For the best of both worlds, use a dynamic QR code WITH UTM parameters. You get built-in scan analytics AND Google Analytics 4 data — covering both real-time insights and long-term marketing attribution.

Finding your data

Where to Find Your QR Code Data in Google Analytics 4

GA4's interface can be confusing. Here's exactly where to look for your QR code scan data.

Realtime Reports

Reports > Realtime

Use for testing. Scan your QR code and check Realtime within seconds to verify your UTM parameters are being captured correctly.

Traffic Acquisition

Reports > Acquisition > Traffic Acquisition

Your primary analysis view. Filter by Session source/medium containing “qr” to isolate all QR code traffic across campaigns.

User Acquisition

Reports > Acquisition > User Acquisition

Shows first-touch attribution. See how many NEW users discovered your site through QR code scans.

Custom Explorations

Explore > Free Form

Build a QR-specific exploration with dimensions (source, medium, campaign) and metrics (sessions, users, key events, revenue) for deep analysis.

Tip: Create a saved filter or segment for “medium = qr_code” to quickly access QR data without re-filtering every time.

Advanced GA4

Turn QR Scans into Conversions and Audiences

Go beyond basic tracking. Build remarketing audiences, set up conversion tracking, and understand attribution — all from your QR code data.

QR Code Audiences

Create a GA4 audience where Session medium = qr_code. Use for remarketing via Google Ads and behavior analysis of QR-sourced visitors.

Key Events

Mark signups or purchases from QR visitors as Key Events. GA4 attributes the conversion to your QR campaign for ROI reporting.

Attribution Models

GA4 uses data-driven attribution by default. A QR scan that starts a user journey gets credit even if they return via another channel later.

Cross-Domain Tracking

If your QR links to a different domain, set up cross-domain measurement in GA4 Admin > Data Streams to avoid losing UTM data during the redirect.

Privacy & Consent Mode

GA4 Consent Mode v2 may model UTM data when users reject cookies. Dynamic QR analytics (Method 3) aren’t affected by consent mode — scans are logged server-side.

Related: Scan Analytics

Tool comparison

Which QR Code Generators Work with Google Analytics?

Swipe to see all columns →

Feature	QRKIT	Bitly	QR Code Monkey	QRCodeKIT	Uniqode
UTM Auto-Append	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Dynamic QR (Editable)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Built-In Scan Analytics	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
GA4 Native Integration	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
GTM Event Tracking	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Free Plan Available	Yes	Limited	Yes	No	No
Custom QR Design	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

QRKIT is the only free option with UTM auto-append, native GA4 integration, AND GTM event tracking support. Create a GA4-tracked QR code free — or explore the custom QR code generator for branded designs with built-in tracking.

Troubleshooting

QR Code Scans Not Showing in Google Analytics?

If you're trying to track a QR code in Google Analytics and the scans aren't appearing, work through these common issues. Most problems trace back to UTM configuration, tag installation, or consent settings.

UTM parameters stripped

Some URL shorteners remove UTMs. Always test the shortened URL in a browser first.

GA4 tag not installed

Verify the GA4 tag fires on the landing page using Google Tag Assistant.

Consent Mode blocking

Users who reject cookies won’t be tracked. Check Consent Mode v2 settings.

24-48 hour data delay

Standard GA4 reports take time. Check Realtime first for instant verification.

Misspelled UTM parameters

utm_sorce ≠ utm_source. Copy-paste from a template to prevent typos.

Cross-domain issues

QR links to domain A, GA4 on domain B. Set up cross-domain measurement.

Redirect chains

Multiple redirects can drop UTM parameters. Minimize redirect hops.

Ad blocker interference

Some ad blockers block GA4. Consider server-side tagging for critical campaigns.

The key to reliable QR tracking is testing before printing. Scan your QR code, check GA4 Realtime, verify UTMs appear, then deploy. Edit your QR code destination URL without reprinting if something goes wrong — another reason to use dynamic QR codes for print campaigns.

Best practices

9 Best Practices for QR Code Campaign Tracking

Follow these practices to keep your QR code Google Analytics data clean, consistent, and actionable across all campaigns.

Always use utm_medium = qr_code

This becomes your universal filter across all QR campaigns in GA4.

Use lowercase for all UTM values

GA4 is case-sensitive. ‘QR_Code’ and ‘qr_code’ create separate entries.

Create a UTM naming taxonomy

Document your naming conventions and share with your team to prevent inconsistencies.

Test every QR code before printing

Scan the code, check GA4 Realtime, verify UTMs appear correctly.

Use dynamic QR codes for print

You can update the destination URL after printing without reprinting the code.

A/B test with utm_content

Use poster_version_a vs poster_version_b to compare placement performance.

Track placement via utm_source

Use utm_source = magazine_page_3 vs billboard_times_square for granular insights.

Set up a monthly QR report

Create a saved exploration in GA4 to review QR campaign performance regularly.

Plan for offline scenarios

If the venue has poor WiFi, include fallback instructions on the sign.

QR Code Google Analytics — Frequently Asked Questions

Get started

Start Tracking Your QR Codes
in Google Analytics Today

Create a free trackable QR code with built-in GA4 support and real-time scan analytics. No credit card required.

Free forever — unlimited QR codesReal-time tracking in GA4No code required — works in minutes

Create a GA4-Tracked QR Code Free

How to Track QR Codes in Google Analytics 4 (2026 Guide)