How to Redirect an Existing QR Code to New Content for Free

When you redirect existing QR code contents to a fresher one, it keeps your audience updated and makes your QR code an all-time reliable one.

QR code campaigns are continuously gaining traction across different brands and industries because of the technology’s versatility and compatibility with smartphones.  

But more than that, QR codes' power to refresh their embedded data makes them a flexible tool for marketing or disseminating information conveniently.

We’ll guide you through every step of redirecting a QR code using our Free QR Code Generator and explore the benefits of this method.

Is it possible to redirect an existing QR code? 

Yes, you can redirect an existing QR code’s data with fresher content—but only if you’re using a dynamic form of QR code.

For instance, you’ve already generated and customized your QR code with your website link. After some time, you want to use the same QR code because of the design, but this time with an embedded video. Guess what? You surely can!

Unfortunately, this is not possible for static QR code users because they have fewer advanced features. The Edit features that allow redirection are only available in dynamic ones.

Dynamic QR codes: codes you can redirect

Dynamic QR codes are an advanced form of 2D barcodes. However, this is not always offered by every free QR code maker, mainly because it doesn’t come free.

Dynamic QR codes offer several features:

• QR code tracking—the ability to monitor how many times your code is scanned, at what time and date, and with what device.
• Expiry—to let you control how long your QR code will remain active.
• Password protect—to ensure that only those who should have access to your QR code can scan it.
• Edit—ability to change the embedded data of a previously generated QR code

This type of QR code requires a subscription for continuous use. Fortunately, at Free QR Code Generator, you can get FREE dynamic QR codes for initial use and testing—in case you want to start a purchase.

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

Yes! Even when the QR code has already been printed, you can still update its destination URL and other content as long as you keep a copy of the QR code in the QR code maker platform you’re using.

Depending on the kind of QR code you’re using, i.e., URL QR code, the edit feature lets you link existing qr code to website URLs without any hassle. 

With this, you don’t have to generate a new QR code and print new campaign materials. You can also keep reusing the same QR code design for your other campaigns. Plus, there would be no efforts needed to redistribute the code.

How do I change the QR code destination using a free QR code generator online?

1. Head over to Free QR Code Generator online.

2. Click on the More button and choose from the available solutions in the drop-down.

3. Sign up for a free account—no credit card details needed—and you can generate 3 dynamic QR codes with a 500 scan limit each.

4. Click the Generate dynamic QR code button.

5. Personalize its design to match your branding. Add your logo, use your brand colors, and change the eye and pattern to improve its scannability. 

Note: Run a scan test, download, and integrate QR codes in marketing materials. 

Redirecting the existing QR code

1. Go to your account dashboard by clicking My Account.

2. Find the specific QR code you want to edit, then click the Edit a QR code button.

3. Paste a new URL or edit the parts that require changes, and Save.

Introducing: Multi-URL QR code from Free QR Code Generator

Did you know that we also offer a QR code solution that allows you to redirect your QR code to different landing pages and links?

The multi URL QR code solution is capable of creating a QR code that stores multiple destination links, and you can set the redirection based on four conditions: number of scans, time, location, and language. 

For instance, you can redirect QR code content so customers can have a new digital menu according to the time of the scan: breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials.

You can also redirect scanners to a different checkout page after scanning the website QR code 3 times. Talk about automation!

Since this is a dynamic QR code solution, you can update its destination URLs, allowing you to lead users to new or updated content about your campaign.

Top reasons why you need to edit QR codes 

Now that you know how to redirect a QR code and change its existing destination, it’s important to have an idea of why you should do so.

Here are some of the key reasons to redirect your QR codes—crucial aspects that will make your QR code-based campaigns more effective. 

Keep the campaign relevant

There are many brands and companies that use QR codes in their marketing gimmicks, but many consumers develop QR code fatigue because they don’t offer any value to those who choose to scan them.

This is where you need to redirect QR code links to keep your marketing campaigns relevant, capture people’s attention, and motivate them to interact with them.

By changing the destination of your QR code, you keep the content relevant to your target market, making them want to scan it to see fresh information about a product, service, or campaign. 

Direct users to accessible and safe content

Broken links and unsafe landing pages are among the top reasons why consumers are discouraged from scanning QR codes. 

And if you’re a brand or business that uses QR codes in your campaigns and transactions, it is always a top priority to keep the safety of our customers and offer them peace of mind when they interact with them. 

In case the QR code’s information or landing page becomes inaccessible or displays malicious content, you can immediately update its destination to a safe and accessible alternative. This way, you can maintain their trust in your brand. 

Save time and resources

Lastly, editing the destination of your QR code campaign to redirect users to new content allows you to save time and resources.

Instead of generating a new QR code and reprinting materials, you can just directly change the destination URL or specific information in the QR code, and it will take effect immediately.

While it is indeed true that QR code redirect feature can only be done when you use a dynamic QR code, which often requires a fee, this method is more cost-efficient for your business in the long run.

Benefits you can get when you redirect QR code

Redirecting existing QR codes is an advantage that many brands and businesses haven’t discovered yet. This is a great opportunity for you to adapt and change the direction of your campaigns for maximum returns.

Take a look at the QR code usage ideas that you can get when you redirect your existing QR codes. 

A competitive edge over other campaigns

While many brands have been integrating QR code technology into their marketing strategies, most of them often forget to update the content of their existing QR codes, discouraging consumers from scanning them.

You can differentiate yourself from other campaigns with stagnant, outdated, or uninspiring QR code content when you edit QR codes with fresh and interactive content every chance you get. 

This attracts many people to engage with your campaign as they get different experiences each time they scan them.

Strengthens your brand identity

Of course, redirecting your existing QR codes also strengthens your brand identity by being responsive to the needs and interests of consumers and by having unique and impactful campaigns. 

For instance, when you redirect them to new discount offerings each month, customers will continue to anticipate what incentives they can get the next time they scan the QR code. 

QR code redirection thus helps you create a lasting impression on people, making them further recognize and engage with your brand repeatedly. 

Extend campaign lifespan and reach

Instead of creating entirely new campaigns from scratch for your recurring promotional events, you can just update existing ones with fresh content or promotions. 

This way, your well-performing campaigns can be refined regularly and continue to be exposed to your target audience, achieving greater returns on investments and driving sustainable growth over time.

At the same time, you can quickly redirect those that are not yielding the desired results to a different destination or update the content without incurring much cost. 

Pro tips for when you edit existing QR codes online and use them in campaigns

Redirecting existing QR codes is not just simply changing their content or destinations. Like other strategies that involve the use of QR codes, this, too, requires you to have clear objectives and approaches to make the most of it.

We provide you with a few tips and tricks that we have found helpful for businesses intending to redirect their QR code campaigns.

Use a reliable web-based QR code software

Generating new ones and reprinting materials can be a pain, and you’ll want to prevent this from ever happening. 

That’s why it’s important that you use Free QR Code Generator that offers dynamic QR codes and an option to redirect existing QR codes to another destination right from the beginning.

When the time comes for you to update your QR code’s content, you can do so easily and efficiently.

Link to valuable and safe content

No matter how good your layout looks or where you place your QR codes, a campaign that does not provide any value to consumers is bound to be ignored.

Always link your QR codes to content that fits your target audience’s needs to motivate them to interact with your campaigns and brand repeatedly. 

Also, make sure that the QR code redirect to a website page that users can safely browse, ones that do not compromise their security. 

If you find that your website or website page has some problems, immediately resolve this issue, and don’t forget to update the destination of your QR codes to a much safer landing page.

Style it with branding elements

Part of a good QR code design is the presence of branding elements on it. Instead of using the typical black and white scheme, make use of your brand colors as well as logo. 

Maintain an efficient color contrast and use eye and patterns that enhance the clarity of the QR code so as not to compromise its scannability. 

You’ll definitely own your QR code campaign by making it stand out among the other ones out there. 

Clearly instruct users on what to do

While QR codes are now widely adopted in different marketing efforts, many consumers may still be unfamiliar with how to interact with them. 

Clearly convey to users what actions they should take when they see your QR code campaign using a compelling call to action.

This helps them quickly decide what to do and eliminates any suspicion or concern they have towards QR codes, such as QR code phishing, also known as quishing.

Place your QR code in highly visible areas

Make sure to expose your QR code-driven campaign by placing the materials in areas with lots of traffic, such as social media sites and public places.

We recommend you maintain a minimum QR code size of 2×2 cm for better scannability. For instance, integrating the QR code on a billboard-size poster requires a larger size to ensure it is visible and people can scan it at a distance.

Situations where you can redirect existing QR codes

In what kind of situations can QR code redirection be highly useful? There are many instances where you can apply this method, may it be for a marketing campaign, product launch, or simply updating information.

Special menu

Some restaurants don’t have fixed menus, especially if their offerings highly depend on the ingredients they can get at that time.

This is a great opportunity to make use of a menu QR code that you can update and redirect to a new landing page when necessary. 

Instead of using physical menus in your restaurant or cafe, customers can just scan the QR code on their tables, and they can immediately view the options available on that day, including their prices, right on their smartphones.

Sales and promotional campaigns

Many retail stores are adopting different types of pricing strategies to attract more foot traffic into their stores.

Among the popular ones are price skimming and discount pricing. If you want to add a twist to this strategy, you can use a QR code to present the items that are on sale in your store. 

You can integrate the QR codes in items or display one together with your store signage to make it easily accessible. 

Redirect existing QR codes to different landing pages depending on what items are discounted for that day, week, or month.

Customer service and support channels

A QR code for customer service and support is now being used by many service provider companies to immediately direct their customers to the right channel in an instant.

If your company’s customer service and support channel becomes inaccessible, you can immediately update it by redirecting the QR code to another account.

This way, you don’t have to change your QR code, and customers can still use it to contact you for assistance. 

Redirect existing QR codes for better campaign outcomes

The QR code redirect feature is an untapped advantage for many brands and businesses using QR codes in their campaigns.

But for forward-thinking brand owners like you, redirecting your existing QR codes can give you a competitive edge over others.

When you redirect them, you can increase the exposure and reach of your QR code campaign and provide much better experiences to your customers for every update you make.

Do you want to maximize the effectiveness of your QR code campaigns? Use Free QR Code Generator to create functional and branded dynamic QR codes and have the power to redirect them any time you want. 

FAQs

How do I change the link to an existing QR code?

To change the link in an existing QR code, go to your account dashboard and find the QR code that needs changing in the list. Hit the Edit button, replace the link, and save.

How do I change a link into a QR code?

To convert a link into a QR code, just use the URL QR code solution. Paste the link and then generate the code.