You've printed QR codes on flyers, posters, or product packaging, but how do you know if anyone is actually scanning them? Without tracking, your QR codes are a black box. You're spending money on print campaigns with zero visibility into what's working. The good news is that you can start tracking QR code scans for free, and this guide shows you exactly how.
Whether you want to count how many times your QR code has been scanned, see which locations generate the most engagement, or understand what devices your audience uses, free QR code scan tracking gives you the data you need to make smarter marketing decisions.
Why You Need to Track QR Code Scans
A QR code without tracking is like running a Google Ads campaign with no analytics dashboard. You wouldn't spend money on digital ads without measuring clicks, so why would you invest in print marketing without monitoring your QR code scan data?
Tracking QR code scans lets you:
- Count total and unique scans: know exactly how many people engaged with your campaign
- See when scans happen: identify peak engagement times and days
- Monitor scan locations: understand where your audience is geographically
- Check device types: see the iOS vs Android split of your scanners
- Measure campaign ROI: justify your print marketing spend with real data
Without this data, you're guessing. With it, you're making informed decisions that improve every future campaign.
How to Track QR Code Scans for Free with QR Insights
QR Insights offers a free 30-day trial with full access to scan tracking and analytics, no limitations, no restricted features. Here's how to get started in under two minutes:
Step 1: Sign Up
Create your account using Google sign-in. No lengthy forms, no credit card required upfront for your free trial period.
Step 2: Generate Your Trackable QR Code
Enter the destination URL you want your QR code to point to (your website, landing page, menu, booking form, anything). Give it a nickname so you can identify it later.
Step 3: Start Your Free Month
Your first month of QR code scan tracking is completely FREE. You get unlimited access to every analytics feature from day one.
Step 4: Download and Deploy
Download your QR code and add it to your print materials. Every scan is tracked automatically from the moment someone scans it.
Free Trial Benefit: Your first 30 days are completely free. You get full access to all analytics features including AI-powered insights, geographic tracking, device analytics, and scan trend data. After the trial, it's just £6.99/month. Cancel anytime.
What Free QR Code Scan Data Can You Access?
During your free trial (and beyond), QR Insights provides comprehensive scan analytics that go far beyond a simple scan counter:
Total and Unique Scan Counts
See how many times your QR code has been scanned in total, and how many of those are unique visitors versus repeat scanners. This helps you understand both reach and engagement depth.
Geographic Scan Location Data
Know exactly where people are scanning your QR codes. See breakdowns by city and country, essential for understanding which physical locations drive the most engagement.
Device Type Analytics
See the breakdown of iOS, Android, and desktop scans. This data helps you optimise your landing pages for the devices your audience actually uses.
AI-Powered Scan Insights
QR Insights doesn't just show you raw numbers. It uses AI to analyse your scan patterns and provide actionable recommendations to improve your campaigns.
Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Why It Matters for Tracking
Not all QR codes can be tracked. There are two types:
Static QR Codes embed data directly into the code pattern. Once printed, they can't be changed or tracked. You'll never know how many times they've been scanned, when, or by whom.
Dynamic QR Codes (what QR Insights creates) redirect through a tracking server. This means every scan is logged with detailed metadata, and you can update the destination URL at any time without reprinting the QR code.
Key Point: If you want to count, monitor, or track QR code scans in any way, you need dynamic QR codes. QR Insights generates dynamic codes by default, so every code you create is automatically trackable.
Common Questions About Free QR Code Scan Tracking
Can I see how many times my QR code has been scanned?
Yes. QR Insights shows total scan counts, unique scan counts, and historical scan trends. You can see exactly how many people have scanned your code and when.
Can I track QR code scans without an app?
Absolutely. The tracking happens server-side when someone scans your QR code. The person scanning doesn't need any special app. Their phone's built-in camera works perfectly.
Is the scan location data GDPR compliant?
Yes. QR Insights collects only anonymised data. We don't store personal information, IP addresses, or set cookies without consent. All data processing complies with UK and EU data protection regulations.
What happens after the free trial?
After your free 30-day trial, the subscription is just £6.99/month. You can cancel anytime from your dashboard. If you cancel, your QR code simply stops tracking. There are no hidden fees or penalties.
Can I track multiple QR codes?
Yes. Each QR code has its own analytics dashboard. You can compare performance across different codes to see which campaigns, locations, or materials drive the most scans.
Start Tracking Your QR Code Scans Today
Every day without tracking is a day of lost data. Whether you're running a small local campaign or managing QR codes across multiple locations, free QR code scan tracking with QR Insights gives you the visibility you need to understand what's working and optimise what isn't.
Your first month is free. No limitations. No restricted features. Just full access to powerful QR code scan analytics from the moment you create your first code.