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.
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.
QR Lynx 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.
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 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 Business and Enterprise plans.
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.
Start Your 14-Day Free Trial
Experience the full power of QRLynx Pro. No credit card required.
Starter
- Unlimited Static QR Codes
- 1 Dynamic QR Code
- 1,000 Scans/Month
- 30+ QR Code Types
- JPG, PNG, WEBP Downloads
- Analytics (14 Days)
Pro
- Unlimited Static QR Codes
- 50 Dynamic QR Codes
- 25,000 Scans/Month
- Unbranded QR Codes
- 5 Folders Organization
- 40+ QR Code Types
- Custom Logo Upload
- SVG / PDF Downloads
- Analytics (30 Days)
- Country Location Data
- Advanced Expiry Rules
- PDF Upload (5MB)
Business
- Unlimited Static QR Codes
- 250 Dynamic QR Codes
- 250,000 Scans/Month
- Unbranded QR Codes
- 25 Folders Organization
- 40+ QR Code Types
- Custom Logo Upload
- SVG / PDF Downloads
- Advanced Analytics (60 Days)
- Country / State / City Data
- Device Type / OS / Browser Data
- CSV Report Export
- Advanced Expiry Rules
- Redirect Rules (Device/Country/Time)
- Lead Forms
- Password Protected Codes
- PDF Upload (20MB)
Enterprise
- Unlimited Static QR Codes
- 1000 Dynamic QR Codes
- Unlimited Scans
- Unbranded QR Codes
- White Label Domains
- 100 Folders Organization
- 40+ QR Code Types
- Custom Logo Upload
- SVG / PDF Downloads
- Advanced Analytics (90 Days)
- Country / State / City Data
- Device Type / OS / Browser Data
- Retargeting Pixels
- CSV Report Export
- Advanced Expiry Rules
- Redirect Rules (Device/Country/Time)
- Lead Forms
- Password Protected Codes
- PDF Upload (50MB)
- Dedicated Success Manager
Ready to Transform Your QR Code Experience?
Join thousands of businesses already using QRLynx to create, customize, and track their QR codes with ease.