Quick Response (QR) codes have truly become a part of our daily transactions, especially with the enormous growth of digital payments. From scanning menus at restaurants to making instant payments, QR codes are everywhere. However, not all QR codes function in the same way. One of the most advanced and flexible types is the dynamic QR code.
A dynamic QR code allows you to update the information linked to it even after it has been created and shared. This flexibility makes it highly useful for businesses, especially for QR code payments and real-time transaction tracking. In this article, you will understand what a dynamic QR code is, how it works, where it is used, and how you can create one step by step.
| Table of Contents: 1. What Is a Dynamic QR Code? 2. How Does a Dynamic QR Code Work? 3. Dynamic QR Code vs Static QR Code 4. Why Businesses Prefer Dynamic QR Codes 5. Dynamic QR Codes in QR Code Payments 6. How to Create a Dynamic QR Code 7. Security and Control Benefits 8. Conclusion 9. FAQs |
What Is a Dynamic QR Code?
A dynamic QR code is a QR code that stores a short redirect link instead of fixed information. When someone scans it, the code points to a server-controlled destination, which can be changed anytime without reprinting or replacing the QR code.
This is different from a static QR code, where the data is permanently embedded. Once created, a static code cannot be edited. With a dynamic QR code, you stay in control of the destination, whether it is a payment link, invoice, website, or UPI request.
This is why dynamic QR codes are widely used for payment QR code systems, marketing campaigns, and GST-compliant billing in India.
How Does a Dynamic QR Code Work?
The working of a dynamic QR code is simple but powerful.
You have to understand that whenever you create the QR code, it does not directly store your final information, such as payment details or a URL. Instead, it stores a short URL managed by a backend system.
Here is what happens step by step:
- You create a dynamic QR code using a dynamic QR code generator.
- The QR code contains a redirect link instead of fixed data.
- When a customer scans the QR code, the scan request goes to the server.
- The server redirects the user to the latest destination you have set.
- You can update or change this destination anytime without changing the QR code.
This backend-driven structure makes dynamic QR codes ideal for QR code payments, especially when payment amounts or references change frequently.
Dynamic QR Code vs Static QR Code
Understanding dynamic QR vs static QR is important before choosing the right solution.
A static QR code contains fixed data. If you encode a UPI ID or website URL into it, that information cannot be changed later. If anything changes, you must create and print a new QR code.
A dynamic QR code, on the other hand, allows you to review and revise the destination. You can update multiple factors, such as payment amounts, links, or invoices while keeping the same QR code active. This, in turn makes it more efficient, especially for companies managing high transaction volumes.
For businesses accepting QR code payments, dynamic QR codes offer better control, tracking, and flexibility.
Why Businesses Prefer Dynamic QR Codes?
Dynamic QR codes are widely used by businesses for multiple reasons.
First, they support variable payment amounts. This is essential for payment QR code use cases where the transaction value changes for every customer.
Second, they enable tracking and analytics. You can see how many times the QR code was scanned, from which location, and at what time. This data is useful for improving payment and customer experience.
Third, they are GST-compliant when used correctly. Many businesses generate dynamic QR codes for invoices to meet GST requirements related to digital payments.
Because of these benefits, dynamic QR codes are now standard for merchant QR systems across retail, e-commerce, and service businesses.
Dynamic QR Codes in QR Code Payments
One of the most popular uses of a dynamic QR code is in QR code payments.
Whenever there’s a payment scenario, the QR code is generated with specific transaction details such as amount, invoice number, and merchant information. This assures that the customer pays the exact amount without manual entry.
A QR code payment gateway generates a dynamic QR code for each transaction. The minute the payment gets completed, the code expires or redirects to a confirmation page.
This method reduces payment errors, improves reconciliation, and enhances trust between merchants and customers.
How to Create a Dynamic QR Code?
Generating a dynamic QR code is quite simple if you pay close attention and follow the right steps.
Step 1: Choose a Dynamic QR Code Generator
Select a reliable dynamic QR code generator that supports payment links, analytics, and security features. Many payment platforms and QR management tools offer this functionality.
Step 2: Enter the Destination Information
Decide what the QR code should link to. This could be a payment request, invoice, website, or app page. For QR code payments, you usually enter transaction details.
Step 3: Generate the QR Code
On addition of the information, the system generates a unique dynamic QR code. This QR code can be downloaded or printed.
Step 4: Test the QR Code
Before sharing it with customers, scan the QR code to ensure it redirects correctly and works across devices.
Step 5: Update When Needed
If the destination changes, update it through the dashboard. The same QR code will continue to work with the new information.
This ability to update makes a dynamic QR code an editable QR code, even though the visual code remains the same.
Let’s look at an example:
There’s a retail store using a merchant QR at the billing counter. Now like most of the stores, instead of displaying a fixed QR code, the store generates a new dynamic QR code for every bill.
Each QR code contains the exact payable amount and order reference. When the customer scans it, the payment app opens with pre-filled details.
Once the payment is completed, the QR code becomes inactive. This reduces confusion, prevents underpayment or overpayment, and simplifies reconciliation.
This is why dynamic QR codes are preferred for QR code payments across retail chains and online businesses.
Security and Control Benefits
Dynamic QR codes offer better security in comparison to static ones. Since the destination is controlled through a backend system, suspicious activity can be monitored and blocked.
If needed, you can pause, disable, or redirect a QR code instantly. This is especially important when using a QR code payment gateway, where transaction integrity matters.
Additionally, access control and encryption features further protect sensitive payment information.
Conclusion
A dynamic QR code goes beyond being a scannable image. It is a flexible, secure, and smart tool that facilitates live updates, tracking, and seamless QR code payments. For the companies that are actively involved in dealing with frequent transactions, dynamic QR codes offer better control, accuracy, and customer experience.
In the days to come, as digital payments continue to grow, using a dynamic QR code through a trusted dynamic QR code generator or payment platform can help you stay efficient, compliant, and future-ready.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between a dynamic QR code and a static QR code?
The key difference lies in flexibility. A dynamic QR code allows you to update the linked information anytime, while a static QR code contains fixed data that cannot be changed. This is why the dynamic QR vs static QR comparison often favours dynamic codes for business use.
2. Are dynamic QR codes safe for payments?
Yes, dynamic QR codes are safe when generated through a secure platform or QR code payment gateway. As compared to static codes, these tend to offer better control, tracking, and fraud prevention.
3. Can a dynamic QR code be edited after printing?
Yes. A dynamic QR code works as an editable QR code. You can change the destination or payment details without reprinting the QR code.
4. Do all payment platforms support dynamic QR codes?
Most modern platforms that offer QR code payments and merchant QR solutions support dynamic QR codes, especially for variable payment amounts and invoicing.
