Control the Lifespan of Your Codes
Set precise start and end dates or limit the total number of allowed scans. Perfect for time-sensitive promotions and secure temporary access.
Select QR Code Type
Tip: Use a full URL including https:// for the best result.
A QR code with an expiration rule is a dynamic QR that automatically stops resolving on a scheduled date, time, scan count, or geographic condition — useful for limited-time campaigns, event-only landing pages, time-boxed coupon codes, and confidential docs you want to auto-revoke. QRLynx supports expiry rules on every dynamic QR; the rule fires server-side, and scanners after expiry hit a configurable fallback page or 404.
Automate Your Campaign Timelines
Managing temporary campaigns manually is a recipe for error. You shouldn't have to wake up at midnight to disable a QR code when a sale ends, or worry about a coupon code being used thousands of times more than intended.
QRLynx Expire Rules give you the power of automation. Define exactly when your QR code should be active and what should happen when it expires. Whether it's a 24-hour flash sale or a 100-scan giveaway, you set the rules once, and we handle the enforcement.
Once a code expires, you can choose to show a custom message or redirect users to a 'Campaign Ended' page, ensuring a smooth user experience even after the deadline.
Want to confirm an expiry rule is in place before launch? Scan your dynamic QR with our free online QR code scanner — it shows the live short URL the QR points to (so you can verify it's your active QRLynx redirect), then re-scan after the expiry date to confirm the fallback page kicks in correctly.
Expiration Features
Precision control for your links.
Date & Time Limits
Set a specific start and end date/time (e.g., 'Ends Friday at 5 PM'). The code automatically deactivates on schedule.
Scan Count Limits
Limit usage to the first 50 or 100 scans. Ideal for limited-quantity giveaways or 'First 100 win' contests.
Custom Redirection
Don't leave users at a dead end. Redirect expired scans to a 'Sorry, you missed it' landing page or your homepage.
One-Time Access
Create unique single-scan codes for tickets or vouchers that become invalid immediately after use.
Reactivate Anytime
Need to extend the sale? Update the expiration date instantly from your dashboard without reprinting.
IP & Device Rules
Combine expiration with other rules, like valid only on iOS or only within a specific country.
Standard vs Smart Expiration
Standard QR Codes
- • Always active forever
- • Manual deletion required to stop
- • Unlimited usage
- • Users see 404 error if link deleted
Smart Expire QRs
- • Auto-expires on date or count
- • Redirects to fallback on expiry
- • Set usage caps (e.g. 50 scans)
- • Professional 'Expired' notice
Setting Up Expiration Rules
Automate your campaign in 3 steps.
Create a Dynamic QR
Select 'Dynamic' for your QR type. Static codes are permanent and cannot support expiration rules.
Configure Rules
In the 'Expire Rules' tab, choose your Trigger (Date or Scans) and set the limits (e.g., '2024-12-31' or '50 scans').
Set Fallback URL
Enter the URL where users should go *after* the code expires (e.g., your main website or a 'Sale Ended' page).
Timed Use Cases
Perfect for temporary and exclusive content.
Limited Coupons
Create a 'First 50 Customers' discount code. The 51st scan automatically redirects to a 'Sold Out' page.
Ticket Validation
Issue single-use QR codes for event entry. Once scanned at the door, the code becomes invalid.
Flash Sales
Run a 24-hour Black Friday promotion where the QR code only works during the specific sale window.
Class Attendance
Display a QR code for check-in that expires 10 minutes after the lecture starts to prevent late scans.
Temporary WiFi
Provide guest WiFi access via QR that automatically expires at close of business each day.
Beta Testing
Distribute a beta app download link that expires on the official launch date, redirecting to the App Store.
Expiry FAQs
Questions about time and scan limits.
What happens when the code expires?
You have two choices: 1) Redirect the user to a specific Fallback URL (like your home page), or 2) Show a default system message saying 'This campaign has ended'.
Can I limit by both time AND scans?
Yes, you can set complex rules. For example, 'Expire on Dec 31st OR after 500 scans, whichever comes first'. This gives you maximum control over your campaign budget.
Is this feature available on the Free plan?
Basic static codes work forever but don't expire. Automatic expiration rules are available on our Pro and higher plans. New to this? Our guide explains whether QR codes expire by default.
Can I reactivate an expired code?
Yes! The QR code itself is permanent. You can log in, extend the date or increase the scan limit, and the same printed code will start working again instantly.
Does the scan count include my tests?
Yes, every scan counts. If you are testing, you can reset the scan count or account for your tests when setting the limit (e.g., set it to 105 if you plan to test 5 times).
Can I use expiration for digital downloads?
Absolutely. It's great for protecting digital assets. You can allow a link to be valid for only 3 scans, preventing users from sharing the download link with too many friends.
How precise is the time expiration?
It is precise to the minute based on the timezone you select in your account settings. This ensures your flash sale ends exactly when you say it will.
Can I update the fallback URL later?
Yes, even after the code has expired, you can change where it redirects. This is useful if you want to change the 'Ended' message to a 'Waitlist for Next Year' page.
Can you schedule a QR code to activate at a specific time?
Yes, QRLynx's expiration rules work in both directions. You can set a start date and time so your QR code only becomes active at a specific moment, such as the launch of a promotion or event. Before the activation time, scanners are redirected to a fallback URL or a 'coming soon' page, giving you precise control over campaign timing.
How to create a time-limited QR code?
In QRLynx, open any dynamic QR code and navigate to the Expire Rules settings. Set an expiration date and time, and optionally a maximum scan count. Once the condition is met, scanners are automatically redirected to your chosen fallback URL. This is perfect for flash sales, limited-time offers, event tickets, and promotional campaigns that need a hard deadline.
Can QR codes be set to expire on a specific date?
Absolutely. QRLynx lets you set a precise expiration date and time down to the minute. When that moment arrives, the QR code automatically stops redirecting to the original destination and sends scanners to your configured fallback URL instead. You can also combine date-based expiration with scan count limits for even more granular control over your campaigns.
Can a QR code redirect to different URLs at different times?
While QRLynx's Expire Rules let you control when a QR code is active versus expired with a fallback redirect, you can combine this with Smart Redirect Rules for more complex time-based routing. For example, you could set a QR code to be active during business hours and redirect to a 'We are closed' page outside those hours. This combination gives you powerful scheduling flexibility from a single printed code.
By Ahmad Tayyem · Last updated: