QR Codes on Appliances: Maintenance, Recipes & How-Tos

Modern living is defined by the rapid integration of smart appliances into every home, bringing convenience, connectivity, and sustainability to everyday life. Whether it’s a self-diagnosing washing machine or an air conditioner that adapts to your usage patterns, these devices are designed to stay one step ahead, recognizing your needs before you do. 

But what’s making these smart devices even smarter? QR codes. These codes further enhance the smart home experience for consumers. With QR codes on appliances, consumers can instantly access everything from maintenance schedules to how-to videos and setup guides, without searching for manuals or waiting for in-person customer service. 

This article covers different ways manufacturers use QR codes on appliances to speed up issue resolution, offer real-time, personalized support, and elevate the overall consumer experience. Read on to see how QR codes are the new bridge between smart appliances and effortless living.

From maintenance to how-to guides: 4 Smart uses of QR codes on appliances

Maintenance tips & guidance

QR codes on appliances can be linked to essential maintenance content, including routine servicing schedules, step-by-step cleaning instructions, basic troubleshooting tips, firmware update instructions, and general safety tips. This allows customers to access up-to-date information at their fingertips, saving time and sparing them from the pain of digging through manuals. 

👇 Benefits for brands:

• Fewer support queries
• Lower printing costs
• Extended product lifespan
• Better-informed and satisfied customers

How-to guides and video tutorials

QR codes can instantly redirect users to device setup videos, product demonstrations, and tutorials on how to use advanced or premium features. From adjusting device settings to exploring new features or installing accessories — all it takes is a quick scan to unlock these helpful, on-demand tutorials right when you need them. 

👇 Benefits for brands:

• Reduced need for customer support calls or in-person demos
• Faster and smoother onboarding
• Enhanced brand perception
• Fewer returns due to confusion or misuse

Customer support and feedback

With QR codes printed on appliances, users can instantly access digital customer support, often through WhatsApp chatbots. Whether it’s accessing product manuals, finding quick fixes, or checking for software updates, they can get all the resources right here — no more support calls or waiting around for technician visits.

Many brands also link QR codes to feedback forms, making it easier for customers to share their experiences, report issues, or suggest improvements. This self-service approach reduces the burden on call centers, allowing brands to gather real-time insights. 

👇 Benefits for brands:

• Reduced support calls 
• Faster resolution of customer issues
• Improved customer satisfaction
• Real-time feedback collection
• Reduced operational costs with fewer printed materials

Post-purchase engagement

QR codes can serve as digital gateways to post-purchase engagement, seamlessly connecting users to warranty registration forms, exclusive offers, loyalty programs, previews of upcoming launches, and even recipe ideas and cooking tips. Brands can also link these codes to their social media pages, boosting their online presence and extending brand engagement beyond the point of purchase. 

👇 Benefits for brands:

• Higher customer engagement 
• Improved customer retention and loyalty
• More repeat purchases and upselling opportunities 
• Increased warranty registrations
• Better brand visibility and increased social media following 
• Greater brand differentiation

Real-world examples: How brands are using QR codes on appliances 

Here’s a glimpse into how leading consumer appliance brands leverage QR codes to deliver next-level consumer experiences. 

⚙️ LG streamlines appliance setup with ThinQ app

LG has introduced the ThinQ app to streamline appliance setup and enhance the smart home experience for consumers. By scanning the QR code on the model tag of each smart appliance, such as a washer, refrigerator, or air conditioner, they can instantly pair it with the app. Once the appliances are connected to the ThinQ app, users can have full control over their devices and even monitor energy usage in real-time. For example, they can adjust fridge settings, start laundry cycles, or receive maintenance alerts — all from their smartphones. 

LG integrated QR codes into the onboarding process to streamline appliance setup, reduce friction, and improve user accessibility. This seamless integration ensures a faster, more intuitive user experience.

📲 Whirlpool’s ‘Scan to Connect’ technology simplifies smart device setup 

To simplify the initial setup of its smart devices for consumers, Whirlpool has introduced the “Scan to Connect” feature. It offers access to a range of smart features through the Whirlpool mobile app, making the setup process faster and more accurate. When the consumer scans the unique QR code on each product using the app, the model number, configuration data, and other key details are automatically entered. Once connected, users can access features such as remote control, usage monitoring, maintenance alerts, and energy insights. 

Whirlpool’s new approach to connected living improves the overall user experience while reducing support requests and simplifying device management. 

👩‍💻 GE enhances post-sales engagement and support with QR codes 

GE Appliances has enhanced the post-purchase experience for customers with QR code integration. The company strategically placed  QR codes on product packaging, registration cards, and rating plates to redirect customers to downloadable setup guides & manuals, product registration portals, and how-to videos. With this move, GE made customer onboarding and support more efficient, eliminating the need to sift through paper manuals or manually search for model numbers. 

GE also collaborated with leading U.S. retailer Kroger to enhance the smart kitchen experience with precision cooking, recipe discovery, and grocery shopping. Introduced for GE’s select wall ovens and ranges, the new feature is built into the touchscreens of the appliances. The QR codes on each appliance, when scanned, instantly connected the devices to the SmartHQ app. Once connected, users could access seasonal recipes, get expert cooking instructions, and shop for and add ingredients directly to their Kroger shopping carts. 

Conclusion 

As our homes get smarter, so does the way we interact with our appliances. QR codes are at the forefront of this change, instantly connecting users to support, providing maintenance tips, and even offering recipe ideas, all this and more with a simple scan! 

As demonstrated by leading brands such as LG, Whirlpool, and GE, QR codes aren’t just a trend, but they’re becoming a standard. And QRCodeChimp makes it easy for appliance brands to implement, manage, and customize QR code experiences at scale. Whether you’re enhancing product support, improving energy transparency, or boosting post-sale engagement, QRCodeChimp provides you with the tools to do it all, without the technical hassle.

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