The app download QR code is a single code that sends each phone to the right store: iPhone users land on the App Store and Android users land on Google Play. Use it to promote your app on a poster, package, counter or ad without printing two QR codes side by side.
- One QR code for both stores; on a computer, it opens a page with App Store and Google Play buttons.
- Before you download the QR code, the generator checks the app name in both stores.
- It's the only type that goes through our server, so it only accepts App Store and Google Play links.
- Scans are counted anonymously: operating system and approximate city, no IP address.
What is an app QR code for?
For any place where you want more downloads and don't know whether your audience uses iPhone or Android (spoiler: both).
- Retail, shopping and pharmacy: an offers, cashback or loyalty app at the counter and on the bag.
- Restaurant and delivery: your own ordering or loyalty app on the menu and the packaging.
- Gym, school and clinic: a booking, workout or grades app on the bulletin board at reception.
- Connected product: the app that controls the lamp, camera or headphones, printed on the box and in the manual.
- Event and trade show: an app with the schedule and map, on the badge or the entrance kiosk.
- Bank, credit union and fintech: brochures, branch materials and the card envelope.
How to create a QR code to download your app
- Copy the App Store link. On an iPhone, open the app's page in the App Store, tap Share, then Copy Link. The address has “/id” followed by numbers, like apps.apple.com/us/app/name/id123456789.
- Copy the Google Play link. On Android, open the app's page, tap the three dots, then Share. The address has “?id=” and the package name, like play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.company.app. On a computer, you can copy both from the browser bar.
- Paste each link in its own field. The generator looks up the app in both stores and shows the name it found. Make sure it's really yours.
- Customize it and check the scan test. Any colors and shapes for the dots and corners you like, always with good contrast.
- Download as PNG or SVG and test with an iPhone and an Android.
How does the QR code know which phone it is?
The QR code opens an address on our site. At that moment, the server checks whether the device is an iPhone, iPad or Android and sends each one to its store. On a computer, a page appears with the app name and buttons for both stores, so the person can choose.
That's why, among the 9 types here at QR Code Free Forever, this is the only one that goes through our server. And for safety, it only accepts App Store and Google Play links: the QR code carries only the app's ID number on the App Store and the package name on Google Play, never an arbitrary address. This way nobody can use one of these QR codes to send people to a fake site.
Each scan is counted anonymously: only the system (iPhone, Android or computer) and the approximate city are recorded, with no IP address and nothing that identifies who scanned.
Tips for a QR code that works the first time
- Say what the QR code does. A “Download our app” next to the code shows people what will happen.
- Test on both systems. An iPhone and an Android, preferably with each one's native camera.
- Size and contrast. At least about 0.8 × 0.8 in (2 × 2 cm) when printed, dark dots on a light background and a clear margin around it. On a poster read from far away, the QR code's side should be about one tenth of the scanning distance.
- Check the app name. One wrong digit in the link can lead to another company's app. Read the name the generator found in each store before downloading the QR code.
See also
- Link QR code, for an app that's in only one store or for your company website.
- WhatsApp QR code, to give support to people who downloaded the app.
Frequently asked questions
Does the app QR code work on an iPad?
Yes. An iPad goes to the App Store, just like an iPhone.
My app is only in one store. Can I use this type?
This QR code is made for apps published in both stores. If yours is in only one, use the link QR code with your app's page address in that store.
The generator didn't find my app. Now what?
Check that the link is complete and that the app is published and available in the store. Apps in closed testing or pulled from the store don't show up.
Do I need a new QR code when I release a new version of the app?
No. An update doesn't change the app's address in the stores, so the same QR code keeps pointing to the right page.
Does it work for paid apps or games?
It works for any app published in both stores, free or paid, games included. The QR code takes people to the app's page, and the download follows each store's rules.