Do QR codes expire?

The black-and-white pattern does not have a use-by date. What expires — or breaks — is whatever happens when someone scans it.

Static QR codes you make for free

The maker draws a code from the URL you paste. MrURL does not switch it off and there is no subscription tied to that PNG or SVG.

The code still fails in the real world if:

• You delete or move the page on your website.
• The link was temporary (a one-off campaign URL).
• The site has SSL or hosting problems, or the page needs a login.

Scans go straight to your URL; MrURL is not in the middle, so we cannot restore a broken static code for you.

Dynamic MrURL links

Paid dynamic codes and short links redirect through mrurl.co. While your plan is active, you edit the destination in the dashboard and the same print keeps working.

If payment stops:

• When a subscription ends or Stripe marks it unpaid after its retries, links keep redirecting for a 3-day grace period (configured in the product), then they pause.
• A paused scan shows MrURL’s “This code is paused” page. It does not send people to your old destination.
• Nothing is deleted. Paying again on Pro or Business switches the same links back on.
• While Stripe is still retrying a failed payment (past due), the plan and redirects typically continue; the app asks you to update the card.

Our terms also say that if an account goes unpaid we email you and allow at least 14 days before disabling links. The live app uses the grace behaviour above for redirects; if you rely on a dynamic code for revenue, keep billing details current.

Other “expiry” people worry about

• Preview links on the marketing site are not live redirects; they expire after a day or two so the name can be reused.
• Google, menus and booking tools can change their URLs — your code keeps working only if the destination still exists.
• Physical wear — sun-faded stickers or cracked lamination can make a code unscannable long before the link dies.

Practical takeaway

Treat static codes as permanent only when the destination is permanent. Treat dynamic codes as part of your running costs: they need an active plan, but they save reprints when life changes.

Dynamic QR codes Static vs dynamic

More: Pricing · What we store · Use-case pages