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Why Are QR Codes Dynamic — and Why Printed, Screenshots or Photographed Versions Do Not Work

This article explains why our system uses dynamic, time-sensitive QR codes, why screenshots, photographs, or printed versions often fail, and how to correctly access and use your QR code through your email or the mobile app.

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Written by Sophie
Updated over a week ago

What Is a Dynamic QR Code?

A dynamic QR code is a code that changes regularly and contains live, time-sensitive data. It updates automatically so that each version reflects the most current and valid information available.

Why We Use Dynamic QR Codes

1. Security and Fraud Prevention

Dynamic QR codes act as live access credentials. Because they refresh frequently, they cannot easily be copied, shared, or misused.
This prevents unauthorised individuals from reusing old codes or attempting to access information with outdated credentials.

2. Real-Time Validation

Each scan checks the QR code against our system in real time. This ensures that the information is:

  • Up to date

  • Authentic

  • Still valid

  • Approved for access at that moment

This process helps maintain compliance and ensures the integrity of documents and identity verification.

3. Compliance With Security Standards

Many industry, data protection, and fraud-prevention standards require access credentials to be dynamically generated.
Using dynamic codes supports these requirements by ensuring the information you access or share is verified and trustworthy.


Why Screenshots or Photos of QR Codes May Not Work

Because dynamic QR codes refresh frequently, a photo or screenshot only captures an outdated version.

This means:

  • The code in the photo may have already expired

  • Printed or screenshotted QR codes cannot update

  • When scanned, they will return an error or invalid result

For this reason, a photograph of the QR code—or a screenshot—may not work when someone tries to scan it.


How to Use Your QR Code Correctly

To ensure your QR code works properly, please do not print, photograph, or screenshot it. Instead:

Use the QR code directly from your email

Open the original email on your device and scan the QR code from the screen. This ensures the code stays dynamic and valid.

Or download and use the app

By using our app, the QR code refreshes automatically in real time, guaranteeing the most secure and reliable verification experience.

You can download the app here:

Both options ensure the QR code remains live, compliant, and functional.

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