The difference between static and dynamic QR codes

In short, static QR codes can’t be changed once they’re created, whereas dynamic QR codes allow you to update the scan destination after they have been created and printed. Dynamic QR codes also include extra features like scan tracking/analytics.

Static QR codes

With static QR codes, the scan destination is encoded directly into the pattern of the QR code. If you create a static QR code with the link https://google.com, it will forever and always scan to https://google.com. The scan destination can't be edited, the QR code can't expire, and there is no scan analytics for this QR code.

Dynamic QR codes

When you create a dynamic QR code, the QR code generator automatically creates a redirect link, then encodes that onto the pattern of the QR code. E.g. if you create a dynamic QR code with the link https://google.com, the QR code generator automatically creates a redirect link, e.g. https://scango.to/12345678, then encodes that into the QR code pattern.

When someone scan that QR code, it goes to https://scango.to/12345678 then instantly redirects to https://google.com. This redirect link enables features like editing and scan tracking. The QR code itself will always scan to https://scango.to/12345678, but you can change where it redirects to (e.g. https://google.com -> https://facebook.com)

Dynamic QR codes can "expire." This happens by disabling the redirect (e.g. https://scango.to/12345678 then goes to a "this QR code has expired" page). We do not expire QR codes created with Hovercode.

While there are some downsides to using dynamic QR codes, the benefits of editing and scan tracking usually make them the better choice. Learn more here.