QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and easy way to encode information that can be scanned by a smartphone camera. Once scanned, the QR code typically directs the user to a website URL, contact information, or other digital content. While QR codes are very useful, there may be times when you need to delete or remove a QR code that is no longer needed.
What is a QR code?
QR stands for “quick response” code. It is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera and interpreted by a QR reader app. Once scanned, the black and white pixel pattern of the QR code is converted into some kind of information, usually a URL, text, or contact details.
Some key features of QR codes:
- Encodes information in a 2D pixelated square pattern
- Scannable by smartphone cameras
- Directs users to digital content when scanned
- Free and easy to generate
- Versatile – can encode all kinds of data
QR codes are commonly placed on retail packaging, advertisements, business cards, events, and anywhere that connecting users to digital information quickly can be beneficial.
Why would you want to delete a QR code?
There are a few main reasons why you may need or want to remove or delete a previously generated QR code:
- The QR code is no longer needed or has served its purpose
- The URL or other information encoded in the QR code has changed or been removed
- You want to update the code to point somewhere else
- The QR code was used for a limited-time event or promotion
- The QR code leads to sensitive private information you want to remove
- The QR code appears in a publicly visible place you no longer control
Essentially, if the QR code is outdated, invalid, or directing users somewhere you don’t want, deleting the QR code cuts off access and prevents unwanted scans.
How to delete a printed QR code
For QR codes you have printed out on paper, plastic, or other physical materials:
- Physically remove the QR code – This may involve using scissors, box cutters, acetone, or abrasion to scratch off the code from any surfaces it is printed or attached to.
- Cover over the QR code – You can block the code from being scannable by completely covering it with opaque tape, stickers, marker, paint, or some other opaque material.
- Deface the QR code – Carefully and thoroughly scratch, etch, or scribble over the QR code pattern to obscure it beyond recognition. This will prevent scans.
- Destroy the material – For completely removing a printed QR code, you may need to destroy, shred, recycle, or dispose of the object it is printed on.
Be sure when attempting to delete a printed QR code that you do not leave any scannable remnants of the code visible. Covering or defacing the code unevenly could still leave it partially intact and scannable in parts.
How to delete a digital QR code
For QR codes stored as digital files on a computer, smartphone, or hosted online:
- Delete the QR code image file – If you have the original image file used to generate the code, permanently deleting this will prevent the code from being reproduced.
- Replace the QR code file – You can overwrite the old QR code file with a new, unrelated image file.
- Disable links to the QR code – Remove or delete any links directing to the QR code image file, eliminating access points.
- Update the page or app – For a QR code displayed on a website or app you control, updating the page or app to remove the QR code will delete it.
- Clear caches and browsing history – Browser caches and mobile app history can store copies of pages with QR codes, so clearing them may help.
Be sure to empty the computer or device’s trash/recycling bin after deleting files to complete the deletion. For any sites hosting the QR code images, check they did not get backed up in site archives.
How to delete a QR code you did not create
If you need to remove a QR code visible on a public sign, advertisement, or other materials you do not own or control:
- Contact the QR code owner – Explain why the code needs removing and politely request they delete it from the materials.
- Cover the code – Use removable materials like tape or sticky notes to obscure the QR code from being scanned.
- Report copyright issues – If the content linked by the QR code violates copyrights you hold, you can file DMCA takedown notices.
- Avoid scanning – Simply refrain from scanning unknown public QR codes yourself to avoid risks.
You have limited options for deleting QR codes you do not own or have permission to alter. While covering it up may be effective, defacing or destroying public property should be avoided.
Problems you may encounter deleting a QR code
Some potential issues that can come up when attempting to remove or delete a QR code:
- QR code only partially covered – Even small visible parts of a QR code may still be scannable if the main patterns are intact.
- Backups of the QR code exist – The code may still be accessible if copied, archived, or cached in other locations.
- Auto-regenerating digital QR codes – Some dynamic digital QR codes get automatically recreated and served each time the URL is accessed.
- QR code printed on durable materials – Codes printed on metal, engraved, or etched may resist removal attempts.
- No access to QR code host – You may not be able to remove a code if you don’t own the website, app, or account it is hosted on.
- No cooperation from QR code owner – The original creator may refuse requests to delete the code.
To overcome these potential issues, be as thorough as possible in your removal methods. Confirm the code cannot be partially scanned or restored from backups. Avoid relying on third parties to cooperate with takedown requests when possible.
How to confirm a QR code was deleted
To validate that deletion of a QR code was successful:
- Scan the QR code – Try scanning with multiple scanner apps and camera angles to confirm no data can be extracted.
- Check destination – Visit any site or app the QR code previously linked to and verify the content or redirects are gone.
- Search for backups – Do web searches, check site archives, and scan social media to see if the QR code still appears online.
- Monitor analytics – If the QR code led to your own content, check your analytics dashboard for any ongoing scans or traffic.
- Test physically – For a printed code, run your fingers over the area to ensure the pattern is no longer detectable by touch.
Once confirmed that scans fail both digitally and physically, you can be assured deletion efforts succeeded. Periodically recheck over time to identify if the deleted QR code ever reemerges online or in caches.
Best practices when deleting QR codes
Here are some recommended tips and precautions when removing or deleting QR codes:
- Act quickly if QR code links become invalid – Take down codes leading nowhere to avoid degrading user experience.
- Make deletion thorough and permanent – Don’t depend on just deleting files or covering parts of codes. Prevent restoration.
- Confirm scans fail after removal – Check that QR readers cannot extract data from altered or deleted codes.
- Avoid defacing public/private property – Erasing public codes may constitute vandalism. Seek other remedies.
- Request removal over forced deletion – Politely ask code creators to remove expired or unsuitable codes before attempting removal yourself.
- Monitor analytics for ongoing scans – Watch your site traffic sources for lingering views via deleted codes.
By promptly acting on obsolete, inappropriate, or invalid QR codes, yet doing so in a legal and non-destructive manner, you can thoughtfully maintain control over what information these codes continue providing.
Conclusion
QR codes can remain functional and scannable long after their original purpose or utility expires. Therefore, actively deleting and confirming removal of unneeded or unsuitable QR codes is important to avoid sending users to broken links, outdated content, or somewhere you don’t intend. Carefully defacing, covering, replacing or destroying the code renders it unscannable and prevents spreading outdated or unintended data through the code. With QR code usage proliferating globally, it pays to be diligent about monitoring where both your own codes and those created by others direct traffic, and deleting any that need retiring.