15 QR Code Myths Busted: What Most People Get Totally Wrong

QR codes are everywhere—on restaurant tables, product packaging, billboards, and even business cards. But despite their growing presence, many people still don’t realize how powerful and versatile these little squares can be.

Think QR codes are just for payments? Or that they’re outdated, unsafe, or uneditable? Think again.

In this article, we’re busting 15 of the most common QR code myths and revealing the surprising truth behind them. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or just curious, you’ll discover how QR codes can become one of your smartest tools for communication, branding, and engagement.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: QR codes are only black and white

Reality check: QR codes can be customized with different colors, shapes, logos, and backgrounds. You can design branded QR codes to match your style and stand out.

Example: A coffee shop might use a coffee mug-shaped QR code with a brown and cream color scheme and their logo in the center.

Read more: How to Convert an Image to a QR Code?

Myth 2: QR codes are used only for payments

Reality check: While QR codes are commonly used for payments, they have a broader range of applications. You can use them to share information, exchange contacts, register for events, download apps, and more.

Example: An art gallery might use a QR code next to a painting to provide visitors with more information about the artist and artwork.  

Myth 3: QR codes are not secure to use

Reality check: Using QR codes is inherently secure, as most QR code-generating platforms provide advanced security features to protect information and secure scanning. However, be aware of QR code scams using tampered and fake QR codes to trick users into visiting a malicious website. 

Example: A verified company QR code redirects to an HTTPS-secured site for login or product verification.

Myth 4: QR codes can be linked only to the website URLs

Reality check: QR codes can be linked to various types of content, including social media profiles, videos, and App Store links, in addition to just website URLs. You can also upload images, contact information, lead capture or registration forms, PDFs, plain text messages, and more. 

Example: A sales representative uses a QR code digital business card at a trade show that contains contact information, such as name, email address, and contact number, as well as the company’s website. 

Myth 5: A single QR code can’t have multiple URLs

Reality check: Some QR code generators offer a multi-URL solution, allowing the use of multiple links in a single QR code. Please note that each QR code has only a single URL that redirects to a page after scanning. Multiple links can be used only on the landing page. 

Example: An online content creator uses a QR code that links to his work portfolio, digital business cards, YouTube channel, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts. 

Myth 6: QR codes can’t work without the internet

Reality check: Not all QR codes require the internet to function. Some codes, especially static codes, store offline data, such as plain text, contact details (vCard), and Wi-Fi credentials, and can work without an internet connection. However, QR codes with landing pages can’t work without an internet connection. 

Myth 7: QR code information can’t be edited or updated once created

Reality check: You can’t change or edit information on static QR codes. Any change of information means creating a new QR code. However, if it’s a dynamic QR code, you can edit and update the information in real-time without creating a new one or reprinting or discarding the existing one.

Example: A real estate company launched billboard advertising with dynamic QR codes. A week later, it replaced the old office address information with a new one without changing the QR code on the billboards. 

Myth 8: QR code’s destination link can’t be changed once generated

Reality check: Unlike static QR codes, users can modify and update the QR code’s destination URL after the code is generated. This provides businesses with flexibility and convenience, allowing them to adjust their campaigns without reprinting the code.  

Example: A campaign QR code initially linked to a product launch and later redirected to a feedback form.

Myth 9: QR codes are for young, tech-savvy people only

Reality check: QR codes are accessible to anyone who knows how to use smartphones, regardless of age or technical proficiency. Users just need to open their smartphones’ built-in cameras to scan a code.  

Myth 10: Only one QR code can be generated at a time

Reality check: Some QR code platforms, such as QRCodeChimp, offer a bulk creation option, enabling users to generate hundreds of QR codes simultaneously. This is particularly useful for businesses with a sizable workforce, resellers, and event organizers. 

Example: An organization creates bulk digital business cards for its sales, HR, and marketing teams, adhering to uniform brand guidelines.

Myth 11: QR codes can’t be connected to an NFC card

Reality check: Not all QR code generators offer NFC-enabled QR codes. Some platforms, like QRCodeChimp, enable embedding the code link to NFC cards that are compatible with both Android and iOS users. To achieve the best results, integrate QR codes and NFC functionality into a single smart product. 

Example: A smart business card features both a QR code and an embedded NFC chip, enabling quick contact sharing via scanning or tapping on compatible devices.

Myth 12: QR codes can’t be used for marketing campaigns

Reality check: QR codes are highly effective tools for various marketing campaigns. The agencies often deploy the code to promote products and services, increase website traffic, promote events, facilitate app downloads, collect feedback, and offer discounts, among other purposes.

Example: A retail store can use a QR code on a poster to offer an instant discount or direct customers to their online store.

Explore more: How Brands are Using QR Codes for Successful Marketing Campaigns

Myth 13: QR codes are only for digital campaigns

Reality check: QR codes can be used in printed or physical advertising, such as flyers, pamphlets, posters, product packaging, billboards, and street advertising boards, that link to digital platforms or content. 

Example: A magazine ad might include a QR code that directs readers to exclusive video or behind-the-scenes content.

Myth 14: QR codes are costly

Reality check: Several QR code generators, such as QRCodeChimp, offer a range of free QR code solutions. Users can create dynamic codes for free, not just static codes. However, if you require more advanced features or wish to run marketing campaigns, you may need to subscribe to a paid plan.

Example: A restaurant uses a free dynamic QR code to create its digital menu.

Myth 15: QR codes are becoming obsolete

Reality check: QR codes are likely to stay relevant in the future due to their versatile functionality and rich information facility. The codes facilitate quick access to information with the help of a smartphone and contactless solutions. Many brands and retailers are moving from traditional barcodes to QR codes (2D barcodes). 

Conclusion

QR codes have evolved significantly from their initial simple black-and-white squares. Despite their growing popularity, myths and misconceptions still prevent many users and businesses from unlocking their full potential.

As we’ve debunked in this article, QR codes are far from limited. They’re customizable, editable, secure, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to share information seamlessly or boost engagement and drive conversions, QR codes can be a game-changer.

Don’t let outdated beliefs hold you back. Embrace QR codes as a powerful bridge between your physical and digital presence and explore endless possibilities for innovation, marketing, and communication.

Frequently asked questions