How to track QR code scans
A printed QR code can be measured just like an online ad. There are two ways to do it, and you can combine them.
Option 1: a dynamic QR code
A dynamic code holds a short link. Each scan passes through it, so we can count the scan before sending the person on. On ScanMosaic you see scans by day, country, device type, operating system and browser for every dynamic code. We don't store IP addresses or set cookies, and we can't tell who scanned.
- Make a code with a web link. Use the Link type, or any type that opens a web page.
- Switch on Dynamic code. Give it a name you'll recognize, like 'Spring flyer, window'.
- Print and wait. Open the dashboard to see scans as they come in.
Option 2: UTM tags on a static code
If you use Google Analytics or a shop platform with reports, add UTM tags to your link. Analytics then reports visits from the code as their own source. This counts visits to your site, not raw scans: someone who scans but closes the page before it loads won't appear.
A tagged link looks like this: yourshop.com/offer?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=spring. Keep the tags short, because every character makes a static code denser.
- utm_source: where the code is, like flyer, poster or packaging.
- utm_medium: always qr, so you can see every QR visit together.
- utm_campaign: the campaign or season.
Which numbers matter
- Scans per placement tells you where people notice your codes.
- Scans over time shows when people engage: lunchtime, weekends, after an event.
- Countries and devices help you choose languages and check that pages work on the phones people use.
- Conversions (bookings, sales, sign-ups) are the real result. Track them on your site with UTM tags.
Privacy
Tracking scans doesn't need to track people. Our statistics are anonymous and kept for 13 months. If you add your own analytics on the destination page, follow the consent rules where you operate. See our privacy policy for what we record.