Setting Scan Limits on QR Codes

Available on: Pro and Max plans

Overview

Scan limits allow you to set a maximum number of times a QR code can be successfully scanned. Once the limit is reached, subsequent scans will display a custom message instead of redirecting to the destination. This is ideal for limited offers, contest entries, or exclusive access codes.

Requirements

• Dynamic QR Code: Scan limits are only available for QR codes with tracking enabled (dynamic QR codes)
• Subscription: Pro or Max plan required for analytics features

Adding a Scan Limit

1. Navigate to QR Codes in the left sidebar

2. Click on the QR code you want to edit to open its detail page

3. Find the Scan Limit card (only visible for tracked/dynamic QR codes)

4. Click Add Scan Limit button

5. In the “Edit Scan Limit” modal:

   • Maximum Scans: Enter the maximum number of scans allowed (between 1 and 1,000,000)
   • Custom Message (optional): Enter a message to display when the scan limit is reached (e.g., “This offer has been claimed by the maximum number of users”)

6. Click Save Scan Limit to apply

Note: You can also add a scan limit during the QR code creation process.

Editing an Existing Scan Limit

1. Navigate to the QR code’s detail page
2. In the Scan Limit card, click Edit Scan Limit
3. Modify the maximum scans value or custom message
4. Click Save Scan Limit

Removing a Scan Limit

1. Navigate to the QR code’s detail page
2. In the Scan Limit card, click Edit Scan Limit
3. Click Remove Scan Limit to remove the limit entirely

The QR code will now accept unlimited scans.

Understanding Scan Limit Status

The Scan Limit card shows different states:

Status	Display
No limit set	”This QR code does not have a scan limit set.”
Active with limit	”[current] / [limit] scans” with a blue “Scan Limit” indicator (e.g., “45 / 100 scans”)
Limit reached	”Scan limit reached” with a red indicator

What Happens When the Scan Limit is Reached

When someone scans a QR code that has reached its limit:

1. They will NOT be redirected to the destination URL
2. Instead, they will see your custom scan limit message (or a default message if none was set)
3. The attempted scan is still recorded in analytics

Combining Scan Limits with Expiration

You can use both scan limits and expiration dates on the same QR code. The QR code will stop working when either condition is met:

• The scan limit is reached, OR
• The expiration date passes

This is useful for promotions that should end either when a certain number of people have claimed it or when the campaign period ends, whichever comes first.

Use Cases

• Limited offers: First 100 customers get a discount
• Contest entries: Limit entries to a specific number
• Exclusive content: Control access to premium content
• Sample distribution: Track and limit product sample claims
• VIP access: Create exclusive, limited-use access codes
• Capacity control: Limit registrations for events with limited seating

Next Steps

• Add expiration dates to QR codes
• Enable scan tracking
• View your analytics