How to Use Smart QR Codes with Day-based Automation

What if a single QR code could display different content depending on the day of the week? That’s exactly what smart QR codes with day-based automation do. Unlike standard QR codes that always redirect to one fixed destination, smart QR codes apply preset rules that adapt automatically. A customer scanning your code on a Sunday might see your brunch menu, while the same code scanned on Monday could display weekday specials.

For businesses, this means that one code can serve multiple purposes—saving printing costs, enhancing the customer experience, and driving higher engagement.

In this article, we’ll explain how day-based smart QR codes work, why they matter for businesses and marketers, and the most impactful ways to use them across industries.

How do smart QR codes with day-based automation work?

Smart QR codes are powered by day-based smart rules, which allow a single QR code to automatically deliver content that changes depending on the day of the week. For a restaurant, this means customers always see the menu, offers, or specials relevant to the day they visit, without the restaurant having to print new codes or manually update signage.

Let’s break this down with a simple example:

🌞 Sunday → Special brunch menu

🍹 Wednesday → Midweek discounts

🎙️ Friday → Weekend event lineup

Once the rules are set, the QR code updates automatically daily, ensuring diners always receive the correct and timely information. No reprinting, no manual intervention. Just seamless, day-specific engagement.

How to create day-based smart QR codes with QRCodeChimp  

Follow these steps below to create a smart QR code with day-based smart rules. 

Step 1: Sign in to QRCodeChimp.

Navigate to the “Solutions” page and select the “Smart QR Code” solution. 

Step 2: Create your QR code.

Here are two ways:

2.1: Select a scan destination from the available options based on your use case, and fill in the required details. For example, choose URL and enter the website link you want to redirect users to, or select WhatsApp and provide your number with a preset message so users can instantly land on your WhatsApp chat.

2.2: Select an existing QR code from your saved list.

Note: It is recommended to use your existing QR codes, as they allow you the flexibility to make changes at any time and have complete control over your QR code content. 

Step 3: Set day-based smart rules.

When you set these rules, your QR code automatically redirects users to the content relevant to the day of scanning.

3.1: Click “Add Smart Rule.”

3.2: Click on “Day” and select the day (for example, Monday) on which this smart rule should work. Then, click on “Apply Rule.”

3.3: Click on “Add More” to add more scan destinations for other days of the week, if required. 

Step 4 (Optional): Set a backup link. 

You can set a backup link (fallback destination) that opens when users scan the code on days when your business is closed or non-operational. 

Step 5: Customize your QR code.

Choose from a wide array of QR shapes, colors, logos, and stickers to design and decorate your QR code.

Step 6: Save and download your QR code.

Click Save QR Code to save your smart QR code.

Note: Scan the code on your smartphone or other devices to ensure it functions correctly.

Why businesses should use day-based smart QR codes

✅ One code, multiple outcomes: Eliminate the hassle of printing different codes for daily variations.

✅ Time and cost savings: Reduce manual updates and reprinting expenses.

✅ More relevant engagement: Timely, personalized information drives better user interaction.

✅ Operational efficiency: Automates routine updates, so your team can focus on higher-value tasks.

✅ Always in control: Set backup links for non-operational days to redirect users to booking pages, offers, or messages like “We’re closed today.”

Practical use cases of day-based smart QR codes

Smart QR codes are a powerful solution for any business or institution that works with daily variations. 

☕ Restaurants and cafes can keep menus fresh without reprinting. A customer scanning the code on Sunday morning might see the brunch menu, while the same code on Monday evening could bring up the weekday dinner menu. 

🛒 Retailers can rotate daily promotions. A shopper scanning on Wednesday could see midweek discounts, while on Saturday, they might find weekend sales. Campaigns remain dynamic without the hassle of replacing codes. 

🏋🏻‍♀️ Gyms and wellness centers can display rotating class schedules. Members scanning on Monday might see yoga, on Tuesday, Pilates, and on Wednesday, HIIT. With this approach, a single QR code covers the entire week. 

🏫 Schools and universities can use one QR code to share daily timetables. Students scanning in the morning automatically see the classes scheduled for that day, making coordination smooth and efficient. 

💇🏻‍♀️ Service providers, such as clinics, salons, or spas can use day-based QR codes to share their working hours, appointment slots, or even daily offers. If closed, the same code could redirect to an online booking form.

Conclusion 

Day-based smart QR codes make content delivery effortless. Instead of creating new QR codes for each day, you only need one. The rules handle everything in the background, ensuring customers always see the right information at the right time.

Restaurants can rotate menus, retailers can run daily promotions, gyms and schools can display fresh schedules, and service providers can manage opening hours automatically.

If you want to simplify your daily operations and engage customers with timely, relevant information, day-based smart QR codes are the solution. One code is all you need.

Frequently asked questions