Trackable QR Codes See Every Scan by Time, Place and Device
Make a trackable QR code and see how many people scan it, where, when and on what device. Tracking is on by default for every dynamic code, with nothing to set up.
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What Is a Trackable QR Code?
A trackable QR code is a dynamic code. Instead of holding your link inside the pattern, it holds a short address that sends each scanner through QRTRAC's tracking servers on the way to your destination. On the way through, we record the scan.
That has two practical effects. You get scan data without adding anything to your landing page, and you can change the destination later without reprinting. A static code does neither: it can't be edited and it can't be tracked.
New to the difference? Read dynamic vs static QR codes, or see the dynamic QR code generator.
Metrics You Get on Every Scan
The Analytics dashboard covers all your codes at once, and you can filter down to a single code.
Total and unique scans
Every scan event, plus individual devices de-duplicated. The gap between the two shows how many people scan more than once.
Returning users
See unique users against returning users over time. A rising returning line means people come back to the code.
Location
Scans grouped by city, state or country, with an interactive scan map.
Device, OS and browser
Which operating systems and browsers your audience uses, so you can check your landing page on the ones that matter.
Trend vs the last period
Each report compares your date range with the equivalent period just before it, so a spike or a drop is easy to spot.
Top codes and types
Codes ranked by scan volume, and scans split by QR type (website, coupon, app download and more).
Full walkthrough: tracking scan data and the analytics overview.
How to Track a QR Code in Four Steps
- Create a dynamic QR code. Choose any type, such as a website URL, PDF or coupon. Tracking starts automatically.
- Give each placement its own code. One code for the flyer, another for the window sign. If two placements share a code you can't tell them apart in the data.
- Print and place it. Scan it with a phone from your screen first.
- Open Analytics. Check one code from its Analytics tab, or all of them from the main Analytics page. Pick a date range and compare.
Not sure where to start? The URL QR code guide covers the most common setup.
Scan Data and Exports
Scan Data is the row-by-row log behind the charts. Each row has the QR code name and type, the time of the scan, the city, state, country and postal code, and the device, OS and browser.
- Filter by one or more codes, and by 7 days, 30 days, 90 days, 1 month, 6 months or 1 year.
- Choose which columns to show. Your choice also sets what goes into the export.
- Export the log as Excel or CSV, for example to load into a CRM or a spreadsheet.
- Export the dashboard, charts and location data as a PDF report to share with a client or your team.
See how Scan Data works.
Send Scans to Google Analytics and Meta Pixel
QRTRAC's analytics count the scans. To see what scanners do next, connect GA4 or a Meta Pixel from the Integration page. Enter your ID once and it applies to every code in the account.
- GA4: each scan is logged as a
qr_scanevent with the code name, campaign, device type, country and city. Source isqr_codeand medium isoffline, so print traffic shows up in your acquisition reports. - Meta Pixel: scans fire PageView and QRScan events, so you can build audiences from people who scanned physical print.
Setup steps are in the GA4 and Meta Pixel guide. For the strategy side, read QR codes with Google Analytics and Meta Pixel.
Optional GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is a per-code switch in Advanced Settings. When it's on, each scan can record the exact latitude and longitude, which appears in the Excel and CSV export. The scanner's browser has to allow location access for coordinates to be saved, so expect some scans without them.
Steps: how to apply GPS tracking.
Limits of QR Code Tracking
- A scan isn't a sale. Tracking counts people who reached your link. To follow them to a purchase or sign-up, connect GA4 and set up a conversion there.
- Unique means unique devices. One person with two phones counts twice, and two people sharing a device count once.
- Static codes can't be tracked. If you printed a static code, there's no redirect to measure. Replace it with a dynamic code.
- Scanners need a connection. The code redirects through the internet, so a scan with no signal won't record or load.
Where People Use Tracked QR Codes
Anywhere a code sits in the physical world, the data tells you whether that spot works.
Direct mail and flyers
Put a different code on each batch to see which copy drives visits.
Product packaging
Point to setup videos or reorder pages and watch which products get scanned.
Event signage
Badges, programs and banners that register attendees or share slides.
Business cards
See how often your digital business card gets opened after a conference.
Menus
Update a menu QR code without reprinting and see when people scan it.
A/B testing print
Run two designs in the field and compare scans before you commit the budget.
Tracking Is Included, With Unlimited Scans
Every plan has unlimited scans and no per-scan fees, and even Kickoff includes dynamic codes and real-time analytics. Plans start at $5 a month, or $49 a year. There's a 7-day free trial with no credit card.
See pricing, or the analytics dashboard in more detail.
Trackable QR Code FAQ
What is a trackable QR code?
A trackable QR code is a dynamic code that sends each scanner through a tracking server before forwarding them to your link. That lets the platform record the scan and lets you change the destination later.
How do I track QR code scans?
Create a dynamic QR code in QRTRAC. Tracking is on automatically. Open the Analytics tab for that code, or the main Analytics page, to see scans, unique users, locations, devices and trends.
Can I track a static QR code?
No. A static code stores the link directly, so there is nothing to measure. Replace it with a dynamic code if you want scan data.
What data does QRTRAC record for each scan?
QR code name and type, scan time, city, state, country and postal code, device, OS and browser. With GPS tracking switched on and the scanner's permission, it also records latitude and longitude.
Can I export my scan data?
Yes. Export the row-by-row Scan Data as Excel or CSV, and export the analytics dashboard as a PDF report.
Does it work with Google Analytics?
Yes. Add your GA4 measurement ID on the Integration page and each scan is logged as a qr_scan event with source qr_code and medium offline. Meta Pixel is supported too.
Is there a limit on scans?
No. Every plan includes unlimited scans with no per-scan or overage fees.
Start Tracking Your QR Codes
Create a trackable QR code and see your first scans in the dashboard. 7-day free trial, no credit card.