Does scanning QR Codes require an internet connection?

Use this guide to understand whether scanning QR Codes generated using the Scanova QR Code Generator tool requires an active internet connection.

The necessity of the Internet while Scanning the QR Codes

Technically, you do not need an active internet connection to just 'scan' a QR Code. The data stored in the tiny squares of the QR Code, known as the data matrix or data modules, can be read by scanners to access the encoded information. However, accessing the target content depends on whether the QR code is Static or Dynamic. For more details on the QR Code type please see: Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes 

Static QR Codes

Static QR codes directly store the target content, be it text, numbers, alphanumeric characters, or even web links. Since the data is embedded directly, these QR codes cannot be edited once created. You can scan these QR codes without an internet connection and the encoded content will appear on your device.

As an exception, if the QR code contains a Web Link, you will need internet access to open it.

Dynamic QR Codes

On the other hand, Dynamic QR Codes are not permanent and can be edited anytime. These QR Codes store a redirecting short URL that leads end-users to the target content. Therefore, an internet connection is always required to load the content encoded in a Dynamic QR code.

QR Codes Not Requiring Internet Connection

The following types of content can be shared via a QR Code without requiring an internet connection:

• Simple text: QR Codes can carry simple text, such as quotes, product details, user guides, or any other text. This type of QR code does not require internet access for scanning. Note: Only up to 7,098 alphanumeric characters can be added to a Static QR Code
  
  
• Numbers and special characters: QR Codes can also contain numbers or special characters, or both. These QR Codes do not need internet access for scanning
  
  
• Phone number, email, and SMS: QR Codes can show a pre-populated phone number, email, or text message when scanned, with no need for internet access
  
  
• Static VCard: You can add your contact details to a QR Code. However, a static QR Code has a character limit, so you may not be able to store as many details as you want

QR Codes Requiring Internet Connection

Dynamic QR Codes always need an active internet connection to work. Here are some examples:

• Document QR Code: When scanned, it displays the encoded documents to the end-users
  
  
• Custom Page QR Code: This QR Code leads your audience to a mobile-optimized landing page created by your QR code service provider
  
  
• Website URL QR Code: While a website URL QR Code can be scanned without the internet, you'll need an internet connection to open the web link
  
  
• Dynamic VCard QR Code: This QR Code contains all your contact details and a button to add you as a contact. You can add as many details as you want without worrying about data storage constraints

Whether or not a QR Code requires an internet connection depends on its type—Static or Dynamic—and the Content it carries. Hence, it is recommended to test and scan the QR Code before adding it to your print media or digital creatives.