Secure QR Codes: Password Protection and Access Control Setup

What This Guide Helps You Do

This guide explains how to secure your dynamic QR codes using Password Protection. If you are printing QR codes for confidential company PDFs, internal training portals, or premium member-only menus, you can block unauthorized access by requiring scanners to enter a passcode before routing.

You will learn:

1. When to use password protection.
2. How to enable passcode security on your codes.
3. What scanners experience when visiting protected codes.
4. How to manage or change passwords post-print.

Why Use Password Protection?

Standard QR codes are public; anyone who snaps a photo of the code can view the destination. If the QR code points to a private document or a stage site, this poses a security risk.

With password protection enabled, you add an authentication layer:

• Restricted Access: Only users with the passcode can proceed.
• Dynamic Control: You can change the password or disable it instantly from your dashboard without changing the printed code.
• Accurate Auditing: Combine password logs with our scan analytics tools to track how many authorized users scanned the code.

This makes our system a trusted secure QR code generator for corporate and enterprise use across South Africa.

How to Set Up Password Protection

Passcodes are set directly in the generator or editor:

1. Go to the Generator (/generate) or select Edit on a saved code.
2. Expand Step 3: Advanced Settings & Tracking.
3. Under Marketing & Security, find the Password Protection field.
4. Input a secure password or PIN (alphanumeric, e.g., Secure2026).
5. Save or update the QR code.

Note: Passcode protection is included in the Pro+ and higher tiers. You can view ZAR plans and billing options at our pricing page.

The Scanner's Experience

When a customer or employee scans the protected code:

1. They are redirected to a highly polished, secure portal page.
2. The page displays a prompt: "This link is password protected. Enter the passcode to continue."
3. They type the password and click Unlock.
4. The system validates the input. On success, it redirects them to the final URL with sub-100ms latency.
5. If the password is wrong, an error is displayed. Access is restricted.

Best Practices and Security Tips

1. Keep it simple: For public print assets (like VIP invitations), keep passcodes short (4-6 characters) so they are easy to type on mobile devices.
2. Update regularly: Rotate passwords after major events or when staff members leave your organization. Because the code is dynamic, changing the passcode will not break the printed QR code.
3. Combine with Expiry: For time-sensitive files, set both a password and an expiry date. Learn more about how dynamic systems operate in How It Works.