50+ QR Code Statistics to Boost Customer Engagement

Back in 2020, QR Codes made a dramatic comeback.

By 2023, they had become the norm in payments, marketing, and product authentication. Now, in 2025, they’re a business imperative. What started as a trend has now taken over, so the question really is: Are you ‘keeping up with the QR code’?

QR codes are no longer a scan-and-see tool. They’ve become a business necessity, and yet most brands haven’t yet unlocked the full potential of this technology. More brands need to go beyond the QR code as a gimmick mindset and start developing a QR code strategy that impacts customer engagement, loyalty, streamlines operations, and much more.

In this blog, we break down 50+ powerful statistics around QR codes that will nudge you to reimagine how you use the tech. With intuitive tools like QR code generators, they aren’t just a tool; they’re the future of digital engagement.

The QR Code boom: Usage & adoption statistics

Not so long ago, QR codes were considered a marketing gimmick. People tried them because they were new, not because they worked. 

But today, each scan represents the conscious choice of the consumer. They’re curious, waiting, even excited. While emails get ignored and push notifications get swiped away, each QR code scan is the user saying, “surprise me!”, eager to engage. Here’s the data to back it up:

• 9 in 10 users engage with QR codes at least once a week.
• 59% of smartphone users scan a QR code daily.
• 28% of customers scan weekly​.
• 4% of users scan QR codes rarely or never.

QR Code user trends

Consumers are using QR codes to quickly access valuable information, whether it’s checking ingredients, making payments, or verifying authenticity. The most common scans reveal a demand for convenience, trust, and instant access to rewards:

• 68% of consumers scan product packaging to check ingredients, verify authenticity, or unlock exclusive deals.
• 62% use QR codes in mobile payment apps, making contactless transactions the new normal.
• 61% engage with QR-powered loyalty programs, turning every scan into a chance to earn rewards.
• 59% rely on QR codes for security and authentication, from logging into accounts to verifying official documents.

• 54% of consumers scan advertisements, bridging the gap between print, digital, and interactive experiences.
• 57% use QR codes for informational purposes, accessing manuals, event details, or educational content in seconds.
• 52% of consumers scan QR codes on restaurant menus, making ordering, payments, and customization faster and more seamless.

The key drivers behind QR Code scanning

Relevance is key. People are more likely to scan QR codes that provide immediate value: clear use cases, high-quality design, and trustworthy environments. Successful brands know that design, context, and clear branding can turn a simple scan into a lasting engagement.

• 76% are influenced by design quality. 
• 76% consider the trustworthiness of the environment to ensure secure and reliable interaction
• 71% look for evidence of tampering 
• 70% are influenced by visible branding.

Industries embracing QR technology

In 2023, the marketing and advertising industries recorded a 323% rise in QR code scans. This surge reflects how QR codes are increasingly embedded across industries, from retail to healthcare, finance, and food and beverage (F&B). Brands that integrate them into their operations are seeing tangible benefits, whether it’s streamlining checkout, enhancing customer trust, or driving conversions.

• 19% of healthcare providers are using QR codes to simplify patient check-ins, track prescriptions, and improve medical record access.
• 18% of manufacturers rely on QR codes to optimize inventory, track shipments, and enhance supply chain transparency.
• 10% of financial services firms are using QR codes to power secure payments, fraud prevention, and seamless mobile banking.
• 25% of retailers have made QR codes a core part of their customer experience, turning packaging, shelves, and ads into instant shopping touchpoints.
• 10% of F&B brands have replaced menus, ordering systems, and loyalty programs with QR-driven experiences.
• 7% of the hospitality industry is embracing QR codes for mobile check-ins, digital room keys, and guest service requests.

• 5% of marketing agencies are embedding QR codes into campaigns to track engagement and bridge online-to-offline experiences.
• 3% of pharmaceutical companies are using QR codes to verify prescriptions, fight counterfeits, and educate patients on medications.
• 3% of consumer packaged goods brands are transforming product labels into digital storytelling hubs with QR codes.

With the battle for QR code adoption almost won, the real challenge lies in its implementation. Brands must meet customers’ expectations, go beyond traditional use cases, and leverage QR codes strategically — or risk being left behind.

Business implementation statistics

Large enterprises are the QR code market leaders, embracing this technology to bridge the physical-digital divide. Recent data shows that 58% of them manage over 1,000 QR codes, highlighting one phenomenal insight: they’re converting every possible physical asset into a digital touchpoint. This means every product, sales, marketing channel, or platform becomes a source of data-rich conversations.

Implementation has taken on a whole new meaning as QR codes have become part of the business infrastructure, facilitating payments, streamlining logistics, and powering the entire customer journey, as opposed to being just another marketing tool. Here’s what the data tells us:

• Big brands are leading the way: Nearly a quarter of companies driving QR innovation are large enterprises with revenues exceeding $100 million.
• QR codes are evolving: 96% of businesses expect dynamic, feature-rich QR codes to become the standard.
• QR codes as the future of customer data: 95% of businesses rely on QR codes for first-party data as third-party cookies disappear.
• Engagement metrics: Brands see a 3–4x increase in engagement when they use QR codes to create seamless, interactive customer experiences, outperforming traditional digital ads.

Implementation barriers: What's slowing business down?

Despite their growing use, businesses still face challenges, like technical complexities, security concerns, and leadership skepticism.

• 50% of businesses struggle with technical obstacles before successfully implementing QR codes.
• 39% hesitate due to security concerns, questioning data safety and fraud risks.
• 27% hit budget roadblocks, unsure if the investment is worth it.
• 24% face resistance from leadership, making it hard to get buy-in.
• 15% fail to see a strong enough value proposition to justify adoption.
• 38% admit they don’t fully understand the technology, slowing adoption.
• 25% worry their target audience just won’t engage with QR codes.

Businesses that hesitate to invest in QR codes are getting left behind. Those who get it right, the numbers speak for themselves.

Brands that successfully implement QR codes at scale unlock higher engagement, stronger customer interactions, and measurable business impact. Let’s look at what factors influence QR code performance.

Performance and engagement statistics

A QR code is only effective if it delivers. Simply placing it isn’t enough, its real impact is determined by its relevance, value to the user, timing, etc. What are some key factors that drive engagement, conversion, and impact? The data below tells the story:

• QR codes achieve a 37% click-through rate (CTR), which is 3–4x higher than traditional digital ads.

• 48% of users abandon a QR experience if the page takes too long to load.

• Businesses that use accelerated mobile pages (AMP) for QR-linked content see a 30–50% improvement in engagement.
• QR-linked landing pages with personalized content drive 2x higher conversions than generic homepages.

• 58% of businesses report revenue growth after integrating QR codes into their customer touchpoints.
• 63% of retailers use QR codes on packaging to drive direct sales and engagement.

QR codes have evolved from a see-and-scan tool to high-intent engagement drivers. But how can enterprises truly unlock their potential? As technology advances, the future of QR codes looks even more interactive and AI-driven.

Future trends statistics

The future of QR codes is highly experiential. This black-and-white square will be a gateway that transforms the way we interact with products and spaces. 

According to the State of QR Codes Report 2025, augmented reality codes (AR-QR codes), advanced personalization, and sustainability-focused QR codes will give brands the competitive edge. Over 90% of business leaders anticipate increased QR adoption across industries, with key innovations shaping the next 18 months of QR technology.

• 92% of businesses believe AR-powered QR codes will see widespread adoption.
• 89% of businesses expect QR codes to play a crucial role in sustainability initiatives.

• 39% of consumers now expect personalized experiences when scanning QR codes.

• 57% of businesses plan to increase investment in QR codes in 2025.

QR codes as a business necessity

As brands move beyond the old divide between physical and digital, the real game-changer is creating ‘phygital’ experiences. In 2025 and beyond, QR codes are the intelligent gateways to instant, data-driven experiences. And customers? They’re ready to be wowed.

The customer engagement playbook has been rewritten — in black and white squares. The brands that recognize this shift and invest in a future-ready QR strategy today will be the ones winning the customer experience battle tomorrow.

Looking to boost engagement with every scan? Discover the best six QR code generator software and find the right tool to turn curiosity into action.