QR Code Trends in 2025: What’s New and What’s Next?
From 2020 to 2024, the trend of using QR codes exploded and was considered one of the convenient digital connection tools, especially after the Covid 19 pandemic - where "no touch" became the standard in communication and consumption, it has contributed significantly to repelling the pandemic. Mother QR Code Used in many places and fields from electronic payment, product information lookup, scanning to fill in service registration information...
Moving into 2025 we will see QR codes enter a new phase: smarter – more flexible – safer More personalization - opens up huge opportunities for individuals and businesses to quickly adapt to digital transformation, applying increased reach and conversion.
QR Code Evolution Timeline 2020 - 2025
2. Current situation: QR codes in 2024
Popular QR code applications
Cashless payment: Transactions become easy, just need a smartphone - scan the code - get money transfer information - fill in the password - successful transaction, transactions via the internet without having to meet in person
Scan restaurant menu: Improve customer experience, optimize service quality
Web/app login:Increase the rate of visitors who easily experience the app and access web information
Product marketing, landing pages, promotional programs: Increase customer access to business products and services, helping consumers access promotional programs more easily.
Disadvantages still exist:
Low security, vulnerable to counterfeiting
Lack of personalization
Limited user experience: There are some that depend on the smartphone requirements, internet connection, for some users right now QR code is quite new technology
Fields that are using QR codes most commonly
3. Forecast of 8 prominent QR code trends in 2025
3.1. Smart Dynamic QR Codes
Describe : QR codes can automatically update content based on user behavior.
For example: User A scans the QR code for the first time and sees a buy 2 get 1 free promotion; the second time sees a different promotion: buy 3 boxes and get 15% off
Benefit: Helps increase customer personalization experience and increase customer retention rate
Popular Applications: Two forms of sales: Retail and E-commerce
The difference between 2 dynamic QR code scans
3.2. QR code integrated with AI Recommendation
Describe : When users scan the QR code, it leads to an AI chatbot or an AI system that automatically recommends products and services.
For example: User A scans the product code - resulting in the AI chatbot interface responding with a pre-installed message or suggesting related products including the image, name and price of that product - the user grasps the information immediately without waiting for a response from the consultant.
Benefit: Increase good shopping experience, support shortening the shopping journey to help increase higher conversion rates
Popular Applications: Customer Service (Customer support and care process before and after purchase), Online Shopping (Online shopping)
Illustration: ScancodeQR code integrated with AI Recommendation
3.3. Blockchain QR code for origin authentication
Describe : QR Code Blockchain ensures that the data after scanning is real, cannot be changed after generating the code, and is anti-counterfeit.
Benefit: Increase user confidence in the brand, reduce the situation of branded products being counterfeited on the market
Popular Applications:
Clean food products:Customers demand high quality and clear product origin.
High Fashion:The high level of counterfeit goods emphasizes the authenticity of product information.
3.4. QR code 3D và AR (Augmented Reality QR)
Describe: Code QR scanning opens up an augmented reality (AR) experience.
For example:User A goes to the shop and buys a shirt. They scan the QR code at the shop and the screen shows how they look wearing the product.
Benefit: Create a unique shopping experience, speed up the buying journey
Application: Real estate, events, e-commerce.
3.5. Hyper-Personalized QR codes
Describe: Each user receives a QR with different personalized content based on their purchase behavior and business customer information.
For example:User A scans the QR code to receive information about the buy 2 get 1 free promotion; User B scans the code to receive information about the mini game for VIP customers.
Benefit:Increase product marketing effectiveness, improve customer experience, increase customer loyalty to the brand
Application: Marketing Automation, Loyalty Programs
3.6. QR code embedded in IoT (Internet of Things) devices
Describe: QR code attached tIndustrial equipment QR attachment for maintenance, product manuals, firmware updates.
For example: Customers scan the QR code on the robot vacuum cleaner, scan to see instructions, maintenance, firmware.
Benefit: Easy device management, improve operational efficiency
Application: Smarthome, Industry 4.0.
3.7. QR code supports Multi-Factor Authentication
Describe: QR is used during 2-step login or transaction approval. Use QR as a strong security login/authorization authentication step.
For example:Log in to your account via PC, scan QR code on phone app to verify identity.
Benefit:Increase security, reduce the risk of account hacking and personal information disclosure
Application: Digital Banking, Corporate Account Management.
3.8. Eco-friendly QR printing (environmentally friendly QR code)
Describe: QR printing technology saves ink and paper; QR is printed in recess, no plastic decal is used.
For example: QR printed on recycled packaging, kraft paper, on FMCG product body or transportation
Benefit: Environmentally friendly, reduces waste, builds green brand image
Application: FMCG, Logistics.
4. Industries most affected by QR 2025 trends
Retail & Ecommerce
Use QR code increase conversion help retail businesses stay afloat even after closing time. Support to speed up the purchasing process, improve customer experience online and in reality.
Code Trends: Dynamic QR code, QR + AI, Personalized QR
Impact:
Personalize messages based on customer purchasing behavior
Measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies through scans, time, and location.
Create flexible landing pages according to your strategy
Optimize purchasing, payment, shipping, product inventory processes
Education & Health
Medical records management, classroom management, digital attendance checking, document distribution, teaching, a few reasons why the medical education industry is using QR codes today
Code Trends: Blockchain QR, IoT Embedded QR, Personalized QR
Impact:
Retrieve medical records via secure QR
Drug authentication, origin of pharmaceutical products
Faster access to learning materials
Optimize purchasing, payment, shipping, product inventory processes
Supply chain
QR Code application in supply chain helps reduce costs , advanced productivity and optimize workflow
Code Trends:QR AI, Dynamic QR, QR AR
Impact:
Transparency and traceability of products from production to consumer
Optimize logistics and warehousing, improve distribution and inventory control
Increase personalization by updating promotional programs and user guides to suit consumers
Digital Marketing
Marketing strategies always need to be fresh and effective. Apply QR codes to campaigns that can measure the ability to approach and interact
Code Trends:QR AI, Dynamic QR, QR AR
Impact:
Measuring viewer behavior
Drug authentication, origin of pharmaceutical products
Faster access to learning materials
Increase customer reach
Fintech + Banking
Electronic payment in Vietnam is growing strongly, QR code payment method is very popular, bringing convenience.convenience, security
Code Trends:Blockchain QR, Dynamic QR, Multi-Factor Authentication QR
Impact:
-Ensure safety when paying
-Faster transactions without having to enter a lot of information
-Increased security through multi-layer authentication
5. Challenges to consider
6. Advice for businesses and individuals
Start integrating dynamic QR codes now: Flexible updates, content management, copy prevention
Consider Blockchain and AI Applications for Strategic QR Marketing: Anti-Counterfeiting, Building Transparency, Optimizing Experience & Detecting Risks
Build a QR scan analysis system to measure effectiveness: Measure, optimize campaigns and understand consumer behavior
7. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Are dynamic QR codes more secure than static QR codes?
Have– because content can be controlled and updated regularly, it is easy to detect abnormalities.
Does Blockchain Increase the Cost of QR Code Applications?
Have, but suitable for industries requiring high authentication such as healthcare, high-end goods, clean food.
What is the difference between 3D QR and 2D QR?
3D QR codes use AR technology to display virtual objects after scanning, while 2D QR codes are traditionally flat.
