How to change a QR code after printing (without reprinting)?

Can you redirect a URL connected to a printed QR code? Can QR codes be deactivated? And what about changing what’s behind it once it’s already out in the world?

It’s a common worry. You’ve printed thousands of flyers, menus, or product boxes only to realize you need to change where the QR code leads. Maybe your landing page changed, there was a typo, or your campaign goals shifted.

Here’s the good news: you can change a QR code after printing, but only if you use the right type of QR code from the start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why you might need to change it, how dynamic QR codes make it possible, and steps to do it using Replug.

Why change your QR code after printing?

Here are a few scenarios where you might need to change a QR code destination after printing:

• Your team printed 5,000 event posters, but the event landing page URL changed a week later.
• You promoted a seasonal offer, and now you’d rather redirect traffic to a new summer sale page.
• A typo slipped through and now the QR code leads nowhere.

Instead of reprinting everything, wouldn’t it be easier to just update where the QR code sends users? That’s exactly what dynamic QR codes allow you to do; change QR code destination after printing, and keep campaigns running smoothly.

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QR Code editing with dynamic QR codes

Let’s say you’ve shared a printed menu in your restaurant with a scannable QR code on it. Next month, you add new dishes or adjust prices. With a dynamic QR code, you don’t need to print new menus, all you have to do is just update the linked digital menu, and diners will instantly see the latest version.

Dynamic QR codes act like a smart layer: the printed code stays the same, but the destination can change anytime in your dashboard.

Exception to know

If you use a static QR Code, it will be “locked in” and can’t be edited. But if it’s dynamic, you’re free to change or replace the destination whenever you need.

How to change a QR code after printing using Replug?

Changing a QR code after printing sounds tricky, but with Replug’s dynamic QR codes, it’s actually simple. Here’s how you can quickly update your printed QR code’s destination without starting from scratch:

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Log in to your Replug account. If you haven’t signed up yet, create an account and you’ll get access to a free 14-day trial with full features.

Step 2: Go to “QR Codes”

From your Replug dashboard, navigate to the “QR Codes” section where all your existing QR codes are listed.

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Step 3: Edit your QR code

Find the QR code you want to update and click the small pen icon in the bottom right corner. This will open the editing screen.

Step 4: Open the “QR code types” dropdown

Here, you can change what your QR code points to, depending on the type you created. You can also update the custom URL.

For example, if you originally linked to your standard lunch menu, you could update the QR code to direct customers to a seasonal dinner menu, a special holiday offer page, or a new weekend brunch menu.

Before:

After:

Step 5: Click “Update QR Code”

Once you’re done making changes, click “Update QR Code.” Your printed QR code will now redirect anyone who scans it to the new destination.

Deactivating a QR code temporarily

Running a limited-time campaign? Replug allows you to turn them off temporarily without deleting them.

For example:

• Pause your Black Friday offer QR code until the sale starts.
• Stop traffic to an event page after the event is over.

How to do it inside Replug

1. Click “Home” from the navigation menu.
2. You’ll see a list of all the links you’ve created.
3. Find the link connected to the QR code you want to pause.
4. From Actions, click “Edit.”
5. Click on “Link Expiry.”
6. Set an expiration date for when the link should become inactive.

Once you’re ready to go live again, you can easily reactivate the QR code

Bonus: What else can you do with Replug? 

Apart from just changing the URL of your QR code and deactivating it temporarily, Replug allows you to:

• Change the link preview: Customize the title and description that appear when someone scans your QR code, so your campaign always looks fresh and relevant.
• Customize the favicon: Upload your own brand favicon, so users see your logo or chosen icon in their browser tab after scanning
• Set traffic routing: Send users to different destinations through dynamic link rotation, based on location, device, or other rules. For instance, a café could show a different seasonal menu or special offer to users in different states, all from the same QR code.
• Link cloaking: Display a clean, branded short URL instead of a long original link, so the user’s browser shows a consistent and professional URL after scanning your QR code.

• Add UTM codes for tracking: Attach UTM parameters to your QR code links to track which campaign, source, or medium drives the most traffic.
• QR code analytics: Use Replug’s dedicated QR code analytics dashboard to track clicks and QR scans for your campaign, helping you measure what’s working.
• Create call-to-action campaigns: Add CTA buttons to your QR code landing pages, encouraging users to sign up, shop now, download an app, or take any action you choose.

Final thoughts

In marketing, change is constant. Landing pages get updated, offers change, and sometimes, mistakes happen. Choosing a dynamic QR code is the easiest way to change a QR code destination after printing, pause campaigns, or adjust content, without wasting time, budget, or paper.

Think of it as future-proofing your print materials. So next time, print once, but keep the power to adapt whenever you need.

Ready to change your QR code without reprinting? Try Replug today!

FAQs on how to change QR code after printing

Can you change an already printed QR code?

Yes, but only if you created a dynamic QR code. With dynamic codes, you can change the destination (like a URL, video, or landing page) anytime from your dashboard without reprinting the QR code itself. If you printed a static QR code, the link or content is locked in and can’t be changed after printing.

How to reuse a printed QR code?

If it’s a dynamic QR code, you can reuse the same printed code by updating its destination whenever your campaign or offer changes. For example, you could switch from promoting a seasonal sale to directing customers to a loyalty program page, all without reprinting your flyers, menus, or packaging.

Can you reallocate a QR code?

Yes. Reallocating a QR code simply means changing where it sends users. With a dynamic QR code, you can reassign or redirect it to a new landing page, product page, video, or special offer instantly, right from your dashboard.

How to edit a QR code in Word?

If you insert a static QR code image into a Word document or Google Docs, you can’t edit the code itself inside Word. You’ll need to go back to your QR code generator (like Replug), update or create a new code, and then replace the old image in your Word document.

Can QR code information be upgraded?

QR codes store what you add when you first create them. You can’t “upgrade” a static QR code to hold more data later. But with dynamic QR codes, you can change or expand what users see without changing the printed code itself. Just keep in mind that very large files might slow down the loading experience when someone scans the code.

Can I change a QR code type after printing?

Yes, as long as it’s a dynamic QR code. For example, you might start with a Facebook QR code linking to a single profile, then later switch to a Social Media QR code showing multiple profiles , all while using the same printed code. This flexibility makes dynamic codes perfect for materials like business cards, menus, brochures, and packaging that need to stay relevant over time.