How to Create a Dynamic QR Code in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

Printed a QR code on a flyer, menu, or business card, and then the link changed? With a normal QR code, your only option is to reprint everything. A dynamic QR code solves this problem. You can change where it points at any time, and the printed QR code keeps working.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a dynamic QR code in WordPress using the WordPress QR Code Generator plugin. You will also learn how to add it to a page, download it for print, and track scans from your dashboard.

What Is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code does not store your final URL directly. Instead, it stores a short link that belongs to your website. When someone scans the code, they pass through that short link and are redirected to your destination page.

Because the redirect is controlled from your WordPress dashboard, you can change the destination whenever you want. The QR code image itself never changes.

Static vs Dynamic QR Code

Feature	Static QR Code	Dynamic QR Code
Change the destination URL later	No	Yes
Track scans	No	Yes
Set a scan limit	No	Yes
Schedule start and expiry dates	No	Yes
Fallback page for expired links	No	Yes

If your QR code will be printed, a dynamic QR code is almost always the better choice.

Step 1: Create a New Dynamic QR Code

Go to WP QR Code → Dynamic QR Code in your WordPress dashboard. You will see a list of all your dynamic QR codes. Click Add New QR.

Fill in the form:

• Title / Label: a name only you will see, such as “Menu Poster”.
• Destination URL: the page visitors will land on after scanning.
• Status: keep it Active, or set it to inactive to pause the QR code.
• Max Scans Limit: optional. Enter 0 for unlimited scans.
• Start Date and Expire Date: optional. Useful for campaigns and events.

Click Save Dynamic Link. Your QR code is created with its own short link and a shortcode that you can use anywhere on your site.

Step 2: Add the QR Code to a Page

Go to Pages → Add New Page and give your page a title. Click the plus icon, search for the QR code block, and add it to the page.

In the block settings, choose your dynamic QR code from the dropdown. The QR code appears instantly, along with a download button.

Prefer shortcodes? Copy the shortcode from the Dynamic QR Codes list and paste it into any page, post, or widget.

Step 3: Customize the Design

The block gives you simple controls:

• Set the size of the QR code.
• Show or hide the title and the download link.
• Customize the download button with background color, text color, padding, and corner radius.

Add Your Logo to the QR Code

Open Custom Logo in the block settings, then choose an image from your media library. Your logo appears in the center of the QR code, which makes it look professional and recognizable. This logo applies to this QR code only. You can also set a default logo for all QR codes in the plugin settings.

Step 4: Create a New QR Code From the Block

You do not have to leave the editor to make a new one. Open Create a new dynamic QR code in the block settings, enter a title and a destination URL, and click Create & use. The new QR code is created and added to your page in one step.

Step 5: Publish and Download

Click Publish, then view your page. Visitors can scan the QR code with their phone, or click Download PNG to save the QR code as an image for print.

Step 6: Track Scans With Analytics

Open WP QR Code → Analytics to see how your QR codes perform. The dashboard shows:

• Total scans
• Scans today
• Active QR codes
• Scans over time
• Top locations
• Top performing QR codes

You can pick a single QR code and a date range to see exactly how one campaign is doing.

Step 7: Set Global Settings and Fallback Links

In the Dynamic QR Code settings, you can control:

• QR code colors: foreground (dots) and background.
• Default center logo for all QR codes.
• Fallback links for invalid or broken links, inactive links, expired links, and links that reached their max scans.
• Cache-buster option to stop browsers from caching old destinations.
• Detailed scan logging: turn it off on high-traffic sites to save database space.

Fallback links are very useful. Instead of showing an error, you can send visitors to a helpful page, like a promotion page or your homepage.

Step 8: Change the Destination URL Anytime

Open any QR code from the list and click edit. Here you can update the destination URL, status, scan limit, or dates, then click Update Link.

The printed QR code stays exactly the same. Visitors are simply sent to the new page.

Where Can You Use Dynamic QR Codes?

• Restaurant menus and table posters
• Business cards and brochures
• Flyers, banners, and event posters
• Product packaging
• Marketing campaigns with limited-time offers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the URL of a QR code after printing it?

Yes. With a dynamic QR code, you edit the destination URL in WordPress. The printed code does not change.

Can I limit how many times a QR code can be scanned?

Yes. Set a max scans limit when you create or edit the QR code. After the limit is reached, visitors go to your fallback page.

Can I schedule a QR code to expire?

Yes. Set a start date and an expiry date, and choose a fallback link for expired codes.

Can I add my logo to the QR code?

Yes. You can add a custom logo to a single QR code or set a default logo for all of them.

Does the QR code still work if I switch to a different destination page?

Yes. The QR code points to your site’s short link, so changing the destination never breaks it.

Final Thoughts

A dynamic QR code saves you from reprinting, lets you track every scan, and gives you full control from your WordPress dashboard. If you want to try it yourself, check out the plugin below.

Get the WordPress QR Code Generator plugin

If you found this guide helpful, watch the video tutorial above, and leave a comment with your questions.

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