What Are QR Codes Used For? | Top 11 Use Cases for 2025

What are QR codes used for? If you are starting to work or planning to use QR codes but don’t have any idea of the possible uses of QR codes, here are the top uses of QR codes. 

QR codes are very useful in a variety of ways—business or personal. They are mostly used in marketing as they allow instant access to information. 

Users can use their smartphones, scan the QR code, and unlock the data behind the QR code.

Today, we'll dive deep into the top 11 QR code use cases. Read further to learn more about QR codes, their vast potential, and the best QR code generator that can help you create them efficiently.

What are QR codes used for? Top 11 use-cases

If you’re wondering what can QR codes be used for, their versatility spans multiple industries, from marketing to retail and beyond.

Here’s a look at some of the most practical ways businesses and individuals can benefit from them.

1. Connecting all social media channels

QR codes are not just used to make your individual social media channels; using a social media QR code, users can opt to link all of their social media accounts in one QR code.

Instead of juggling multiple links, your customers can scan a single code and access your Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more.

This makes it easier for potential followers to explore your potential followers to explore your full social media presence and engage with your brand across different platforms.

2. Direct WiFi access and network sharing

Using a Wi-Fi QR code, people can connect easily to Wi-Fi by scanning the QR code without having to type the password. 

This is particularly useful in businesses or public spaces like cafes, hotels, or offices, where quick access to WiFi is a must.

Plus, you can securely share your WiFi credentials with guests without revealing sensitive information like your password, making the process safer and more efficient.

3. Product packaging

You can win the trust and confidence of your consumers by providing them with genuine ingredients or recipes for your product when they scan the QR code.

You can redirect the QR code about the story of your product or company or redirect them to how-to videos.

By adding QR codes on product packaging, you give consumers instant access to your company’s story, providing transparency that builds trust and strengthens the emotional bond between your brand and your customers.

Brands can also use QR codes to tell their company’s story or provide behind-the-scenes content, creating an emotional connection with consumers.

Plus, it offers an opportunity to stand out in crowded retail environments where consumers are looking for more than just a product—they want an experience.

4. Banners and advertising

If you’ve ever asked, ‘QR code, what is it used for?’ in advertising, the answer is simple: engagement.

Whether on billboards, flyers, or posters, QR codes bridge the gap between print and digital, offering instant access to promotions, videos, and detailed product information.

You can add a digital touch to your advertising or marketing campaign with the use of QR codes in marketing material, like banners, and add more information about your product or services.

A customized QR code with a cool graphic design attracts the attention of your scanners. 

Moreover, the QR code with encoded information can save extra space on your banner or promotional materials by giving them digital information.

Whether it’s a product demo video, a promotional offer, or a detailed service description, QR codes keep your materials clean and visually appealing while delivering more value to your audience.

5. T-shirts and clothing

QR codes aren’t just for digital platforms; they’re making waves in fashion, too. Placing QR codes on clothing items consumers to access detailed product information, special promotions, or a company’s story.

It’s an innovative way to advertise without saying a word. For businesses, it is a chance to turn everyday apparel into a walking billboard.

Moreover, by linking to social media or feedback surveys, clothing QR codes engage customers, encouraging them to become part of the brand’s conversation.

6. Tickets

Turn your traditional tickets more fun for the customers by having a QR code with an extra promotional coupon for the winners. 

Beyond just entry access, the QR code ticket can lead to exclusive content, such as event highlights, additional promotional offers, or even a surprise coupon for future events. Moreover, it also adds creativity to your tickets.

This adds value to the ticketing experience, making it more than just a piece of paper; it’s a gateway to extra perks and exciting content, encouraging people to keep and cherish their tickets.

Make your ticket more than just a ticket.

7. Customer survey

You can use a QR code to link to a survey form and get the overall satisfaction rating of your customers. You can place these codes on receipts, menus, or promotional materials, making it simple for customers to rate their experience or answer questions.

Offering discounts or special rewards for completing surveys can boost response rates, giving you valuable insights into how to improve your service or products.

It’s an easy and cost-effective way to gather real-time feedback and make data-driven decisions.

8. Wine and liquor bottles

With the rise of interactive packaging, QR codes are bringing excitement to the wine and liquor industry. By scanning the code on a bottle, consumers can access engaging content like the story behind the brand, tasting notes, or food pairing recommendations.

It can even link to behind-the-scenes videos of how the product is made, creating a more personal connection between the customer and the product. 

This provides a digital extension to your product that engages your customers.

9. Magazines and newspapers

Make interactive dealing with your readers in the print media industry.

You can also lure the readers to visit your company website through a QR code by giving them prizes, free meals, or discounts that can only be used when they scan the code.

It can be a powerful tool for drawing traffic to your website, increasing engagement, and driving sales.

Plus, using QR codes to offer rewards, like discounts or exclusive promotions, incentivizes readers to scan and share, making your print materials more valuable.

10. Business cards

Upgrade your business cards with a vCard QR code solution that will provide your clients with more information about you.

You can add your social media profiles to the QR code attached to your card. This digital addition to your business card makes you stand out, especially in a professional environment where making a lasting impression is key.

It will make you more notable and will likely increase your chances of getting prospective clients and business partners.

Using the best QR code generator ensures that your vCard QR codes remain editable, trackable, and professionally designed for a seamless networking experience.

When considering professional networking, what are QR codes used for? They transform business cards into dynamic tools, allowing instant access to contact details, portfolios, or LinkedIn profiles with a single scan.

11. Retail businesses

Enhance the customer experience in your retail business by integrating a QR code that will give further details to your customers about the products you offer.

Whether it’s detailed specifications, reviews, or promotional deals, QR codes make it easy for customers to gather everything they need without asking a store associate.

By offering this convenience, you not only enhance the customer experience but also open up opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, leading to more informed purchasing decisions.

Why QR codes are still a big deal?

So, what are QR codes used for in 2025? They do more than just open websites. Businesses use them for payments, ads, and customer service, while people use them for easy sharing and quick access to information.

As QR codes become even more useful, choosing the best QR code generator helps you to create safe, flexible, and easy-to-use codes for any purpose.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of QR code?

The main purpose of a QR code is to provide quick and convenient access to digital information.

It can be used in various ways, such as displaying product details, tracking deliveries, sharing restaurant menus, connecting to social media, accessing webinars or websites, and even facilitating digital payments like Paytm transactions.

What are the disadvantages of using a QR code?

While QR codes are useful, they have drawbacks. Poor lighting or damage can make them hard to scan, and malicious codes pose security risks. Some users may struggle with scanning, especially those with visual impairments.

Older devices may also lack QR code support. Using reliable generators, strong security measures and clear instructions can help address these issues.

What is the common QR code used for?

The most common QR codes are used for product tracking, time tracking, item identification, document identification, and linking content. Businesses also use them for marketing, payments, website redirection, and digital menus.