How a QR Code Door Access System Makes Smart Entry

A QR code door access system is an increasingly preferred method for managing entry points in modern facilities.

Scanning the QR code using a smartphone allows authorized individuals to enter specific areas without needing physical keys or cards.

It's straightforward to execute, economical to upkeep, and easy for users to get used to.

Learn how this keyless door access system works, its benefits, and how to implement it in your establishment.

Table of Contents

1. What is the QR code door system?
2. How does a QR code door entry system work?
3. Benefits of a QR access system for entries
4. Why use a dynamic QR code door access system?
5. Common QR door access control system implementation requirements
   • Hardware setup
   • Software setup
6. Set up a dynamic QR code lock system using API
7. How to make a QR code for entrance with QR TIGER API
8. How to use a QR code in door access systems
9. Open doors smarter, not harder
10. FAQ

What is the QR code door system?

A QR code door entry system uses a unique QR code to grant or deny access to individuals in a particular area, like a room or building.

It holds specific access credentials that a QR code access control reader (e.g., wall-mounted scanner or a mobile app) uses to verify with approved records. If they match, access is permitted.

Unlocking doors with QR codes is a common practice in offices to manage personnel and visitor check-ins. It gives administrators an accurate and contactless method of regulating who gets in and when.

Residential real estates, like the Mandani Bay in the Philippines, also use a QR code for property management to make guest access faster and more secure.

A ResearchGate study indicates that a QR code-based door lock system only takes two seconds to access, significantly quicker than the averages for keys (5.13s), passwords (4.78s), key cards (2.44s), and fingerprint scans (2.98s).

How does a QR code door entry system work?

A QR-code based entry system requires three things: the QR code, a scanner, and backend access platform.

Here’s how it works:

1. A unique QR code is created through a QR code generator software.
2. The QR code is issued to a user.
3. The user scans it using a dedicated QR code reader.
4. The device sends the data to the system’s backend for verification.
5. If verified, access is granted instantly.

A dynamic QR code for entrance can be set to expire or restrict their use in certain areas, which is ideal for time-based guest entry.

Administrators can implement this access control system through QR code API integration to automate QR code creation, expiration, and tracking directly on the backend.

Benefits of a QR access system for entries

A QR door access system offers several practical advantages that make it a smart fit for modern spaces.

• Fast and convenient: Users can open a door with QR code in not more than two seconds.
• Simple user experience: Unlike traditional keycards, a QR code lock doesn’t necessarily require physical handovers. Just show the code and scan.
• Low cost: A QR code-based door lock system is more affordable to implement than traditional access control systems requiring key cards, RFID tags, or biometric hardware.
• Flexible: A dynamic QR code entry pass can be easily updated or deactivated without replacing locks or reprogramming hardware.
• Compatible with other access control systems: QR codes let you modernize access control without replacing your existing infrastructure.
• Secure: Using encrypted links and securing the dynamic QR codes with unique passwords prevents duplication or unauthorized sharing.
• Detailed access logs: Every scan of the QR code door lock is logged into the system with time, date, and user identity.
• Remote management: Administrators can control access permissions virtually anywhere.
• Multi-property access: One central platform can issue and manage QR codes for multiple buildings or entry points.
• Easy visitor management: A QR code visitor management system provides temporary or time-limited QR codes to visitors without requiring app downloads.

Why use a dynamic QR code door access system?

Dynamic QR codes give ease of control. Admins can refresh them periodically, add a password and other encryptions, and deactivate when necessary.

Their static counterparts cannot be changed or updated once they are generated. This makes them easy to replicate.

Since the purpose of access control systems is to ensure security, it is ideal to use an advanced and highly secured solution like dynamic QR codes.

Common QR door access control system implementation requirements

You can integrate entry QR codes using a compatible platform or by connecting a third-party QR code scanner to the access control system.

Here’s how a typical setup works:

Hardware setup

To enable QR code access, you’ll need:

• A Wiegand-compatible QR scanner (supports 26-bit/34-bit output)
• A controller board (like a door access controller)
• Optional: A Wiegand interface board if required by your system
• Power source (12V DC)
• Basic wiring tools (e.g., flathead screwdriver)

Installation Steps:

1. Disconnect the controller before wiring anything.

2. Attach the Wiegand board to the controller (if using one).

3. Connect the QR scanner to the board using the appropriate ports:

    A. D0 (Data 0) - Green wire

    B. D1 (Data 1) - White wire

    C. +12V (Power) - Red wire

    D. GND (Ground) - Black wire

4. Set the Wiegand board switch to "Reader" mode, if applicable.

5. Secure wiring with proper insulation and avoid signal interference.

Once connected, the scanner becomes a functional input device. When a QR code is scanned, it transmits the signal to the controller, which validates for access permissions.

Software setup

After installing the hardware:

1. Access your platform’s admin dashboard (e.g., Kisi, or your system of choice).
2. Locate the controller settings under your site or place.
3. Link the QR scanner’s Wiegand channel to a specific door.
4. Set the scanner’s type to “Legacy Reader” or equivalent.
5. Assign permissions for which users can unlock that door.

With the system configured, you can now generate QR codes tied to user access.

For businesses with existing systems, QR code integration allows you to embed QR scanning into your current access workflow without starting from scratch.

Set up a dynamic QR code lock system using API

For organizations managing access through their own platforms, such as property management systems or workplace tools, API integration helps tie QR access into the workflow.

Here’s how API helps:

• Auto-generate QR codes based on booking or user data
• Assign access windows (by time, date, or location)
• Monitor and log entry activity
• Revoke or regenerate codes instantly

An entry system that uses a QR code door lock becomes even more efficient when paired with backend automation through APIs.

QR TIGER provides an API that lets third-party systems create and manage QR codes programmatically. This allows businesses to use QR code access without switching systems, just by connecting to the QR generation logic in the background.

How to make a QR code for entrance with QR TIGER API

1. Log in to QR TIGER and get your API key via My Account - Settings (only on plaid plans).

2. Send an authorized API request:

    A. Authorization: Bearer <API_KEY>

    B. Include payload: access credential (e.g., Card ID), QR code type (text), and design options.

3. Get the QR code image in response.

4. Send it to the user or embed it in your system.

Once scanned at the door reader, the system checks if the QR code matches an authorized credential. If it does, access is granted.

💡Pro Tip: Keep the QR code size small and use high contrast (e.g., black on white) for better scan performance, especially with fixed-mount scanners.

How to use a QR code in door access systems

A QR code-based entry system is a practical solution for the following situations:

• Employee Access Control: Each employee has a unique QR code on their ID badge that they use to gain door access, attendance, and security tracking.
• VIP or Restricted Zone Access: Control entry to private meeting rooms and other restricted areas in the building by issuing unique QR code passes to authorized individuals.
• Multi-Branch Access: Let administrators and employees use one QR code across multiple office locations during inspections or site visitations.
• Property Management: Provide each tenant with a unique QR code to unlock the doors to their units and shared spaces in the building. It can be revoked immediately once they move out.
• Hotel Check-ins: Give a unique entry QR code to guests that they can present in-person to verify their bookings and access their room and amenities within the booking period.
• Gym Access: Provide gym members with a digital or physical QR code so they can quickly access the facility.
• Visitor Management: Issue one-time use QR codes at the entrance for guests, contractors, or interviewees.

Open doors smarter, not harder

A QR code door access system offers a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to manage entry. It strips away the need for physical cards and makes onboarding a breeze, bringing more convenience to access control.

Whether you’re managing one office or multiple sites, its ease of use and scalability check all the right boxes.

If you're looking to implement this entry system, use the best QR code generator with API integration. Keep in touch with QR TIGER’s experts to get started.

FAQ

How to open a door with QR code?

To unlock a door with QR code, you need to have a legitimate QR code given to you by the company or facility you are accessing. Scan the QR code on the reader or use a dedicated scanner through your smartphone. The door will unlock once the entry permission is verified.

How to create a QR code in Access?

Microsoft Access doesn’t natively support QR codes, but you can generate one by using a barcode font or importing a QR code module, then applying the font to a text control in your report.

Another option is to copy the data, generate a QR code using a tool like QR TIGER, and insert the image into your form or report.

How to open a door with a digital code?

To open a door using a digital code, enter your personal identification number (PIN) using the keypad. Press the activate button if it’s required or wait for it to automatically unlock.