Does scanning QR Codes require an internet connection?

Use this guide to understand whether scanning QR Codes generated using the QR API 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 the QR Code type generated by the tool. In the case of QR API, the focus is solely on Static QR Codes. For more details on the QR Code type, please see Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes.

The Basics: Static QR Codes with API Integration in QR API

QR API is a specialized tool that allows you to create Static QR Codes programmatically. It offers API integration with your existing tools, allowing for a seamless QR Code generation experience tailored to your specific needs.

Categories Not Requiring Internet Connection

Most categories of QR Codes created with QR API don't need an active internet connection for scanning. Here are the categories that fall under this:

• Text: QR Codes generated for text can contain simple text such as quotes, product details, or instructions. No internet connection is required to scan these Codes
  
  
• Static VCard: Static VCards QR Codes created through QR API allow you to share contact details that can be scanned without internet access
  
  
• Phone Call and SMS: QR Codes for initiating phone calls or sending pre-configured SMS messages also don’t require internet connectivity for scanning
  
  
• WiFi: QR Codes that provide WiFi network credentials allow for internet access once scanned, but do not require an active internet connection to perform the scan itself

The Exceptions: Internet-Dependent Categories

While the majority of Static QR Code types generated by QR API don't require an internet connection, there are specific categories that do:

• Website URL QR Codes: Scanning this QR Code will require internet access to open and view the web link
  
  
• Google Maps: Scanning the QR Code will require internet access to open the Google Maps link and display the location
  
  
• Email: Although scanning the Email QR Code won't require internet, to send the pre-configured email, internet access is needed

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.