The short answer
A QR image does not contain an expiry timer. A direct static QR keeps representing the same encoded data while its pattern remains readable. What can fail is the destination: a webpage can move, a domain can lapse, a hosted file can be deleted, or a redirect provider can stop serving its link.
Compare the dependencies
Why a working QR can appear to expire
- The encoded webpage was removed or redirected.
- A dynamic provider disabled its intermediary link.
- The domain registration or hosting ended.
- The printed code became too small, damaged or low contrast.
- A hosted-file owner deleted the file.
How to verify what a QR contains
Use the QR Inspector to reveal the exact encoded value before opening it. QRStable labels likely intermediary domains using local pattern-based checks; it does not claim that this can identify every redirect.
Sources and testing
QRStable follows the distinction between data encoded in the QR symbol and services reached after scanning. For the history and structure of QR Code, see DENSO WAVE’s QR Code information. See the QRStable testing methodology for the limits of the automated print check.