Random QR Code: Your Ultimate Guide to Unleashing Surprises

When you find a random QR code on your favorite box of cereals or bottle of soda, you’d probably think, “Where does it lead?” only to be met with poorly-made apps or information already on the packaging.

We’re here to tell you that QR codes can be more than that and serve as a bridge to mystery, laughter, and delightful surprises!

With a high-performing QR code generator with logo integration, you can make each scan an adventure and offer unexpected ways to add a slice of fun to your friend’s, coworker’s, or customer’s day.

How to generate a random QR code?

Bring your creative QR code ideas to life by using an advanced QR code maker and following these five simple steps: 

1. Go to QR TIGER and log into your account. 
2. Select the QR code solution you want (e.g., URL, MP3, File) and enter the information needed. 
3. Choose Static QR or Dynamic QR, then click Generate QR code.
4. Customize your QR code by playing with different colors, eyes, patterns, and frames, and upload a logo to promote brand recognition.
5. Test-scan the QR code and click Download to save it.

Pro-tip: Create free dynamic QR codes by signing up for a freemium plan or any of the paid plans offering higher file capacity, scan tracking abilities, bulk generation, and more.

Cool things to do with QR codes

For a little inspiration, here are some ideas you can try to come up with some hilarious, heart-warming, or downright delightful QR codes: 

Combine with art 

Artists are always experimenting with different mediums and styles, and with new technology, they can also add a modern element by incorporating a hidden QR code into their artwork. 

Tony Taj, an artist from Seattle, exemplifies this by adding a digital touch to his painting of an urban and skyline landscape with a QR code blended effortlessly among the warm-toned buildings.

The concept of disguising QR codes is not new, but anyone can take it further—musicians can display them during performances to reveal exclusive content, or museums can enrich the visitor experience by hiding them throughout the exhibit. 

Funny QR codes for friends

A classic example of a QR code prank is the evolution of the “Rick Roll,” which first made its rounds on the internet in 2007. When you scan the code, it links you to Rick Astley’s 1987 dance-pop single “Never Gonna Give You Up.” 

The key to a good prank is having the element of surprise on your side, similar to the Rick Astley running gag, and QR codes are ambiguous enough to give you exactly that. 

Let’s say it’s a friend’s birthday—use the versatile power of funny QR codes to create a video greeting card full of cheeky inside jokes and a heartwarming message to make their special day brighter. 

Random acts of kindness

This list wouldn’t be complete without a dash of wholesome mischief.

Place a QR code sticker on a few coffee cups, and let fate choose the next person to scan it. Then, the person will receive a free coffee coupon, rewarding those who frequent your business. 

Grocery stores can also help the community by creating a QR code system that allows people to pay for certain essential items, such as baby formula or bread, and transform them into QR code coupons for those in need. 

Interactive treasure hunt

Use random QR codes as a strategic component in your next treasure hunt. This is the perfect interactive element to make the adventure all the more thrilling. 

Instead of written notes, you can hide QR codes in random places that appear random at first glance but actually connect to clues and unveil riddles, puzzles, or instructions for the next stage of the game. 

These clues can also be rich in content, as QR codes can hold a myriad of data types, such as images, videos, songs, audio clips, and more, unlocking a whole other dimension to your story. 

Embed in jewelry

Another fun QR code idea is to treat your loved ones with a one-of-a-kind gift. Embed custom QR codes in jewelry that link to personal audio messages, slideshows, original songs, or anything else that is meaningful. 

Some businesses have even taken the initiative of making a QR code wristband for various purposes, such as integrating fitness apps, expediting event entry, and storing patient information. 

The risks of scanning shady QR codes 

Scanning a QR code randomly placed is all fun and games until you’re led astray by malicious actors. Here are a few things to look out for so that you can scan safely: 

Malicious malware

It’s important to note that although QR codes themselves aren’t inherently malicious, they can still be used by attackers to plant malware into your device.

Some common types of malware delivered by malicious QR codes include:

• Trojans. These disguise themselves as real apps and trick you into installing them. Once installed, they can steal your data, spy on your phone activity, or even take control of your device. 

• Spyware. This runs silently in the background, collecting your personal information and browsing history. 

• Ransomware. This malware tends to encrypt your important files, photos, or documents. Once ransomware restricts access to your entire device, a ransom is demanded to regain it. 

Remember to only scan QR codes that you’re certain come from a trusted source; avoid those you can find in public areas like lamp posts or discarded flyers. 

Quishing attacks

QR codes are generally associated with convenience and trust, so most people don’t think twice about scanning a random QR code they see while sitting on public transportation or standing at a traffic light. 

This exposes you to vulnerabilities, such as being redirected to phishing websites designed to look like real ones that many people already know and trust.

For example, it could resemble your bank, a social media platform, or a popular online store. Once there, the website can steal your personal information, such as login credentials, social security numbers, credit card information, and more. 

Before scanning any QR code, look closely for any odd markings or stickers that may have been added to the original code. Tampering is often a sign of malicious intent.

Benefits of teaming up with QR TIGER

This advanced software is one of the best QR code generators teeming with highly developed features to help you create impressive QR codes. To name a few, here are some of its more notable qualities:  

• Tracking. To optimize future QR code marketing campaigns, you can monitor valuable scanning data such as time, location, and types of devices used. 

• Solutions. There are 20+ solutions to explore, such as a QR code for URLs, files, Google Forms, and social media sites like Instagram and YouTube, among others  

• Customer support. You are taken care of every step of the way with 24/7 customer support to answer all your case-specific concerns and questions. 

• Cost-effective. Many paid plans are available, with a library of customization options, editable QR codes, and advanced tracking abilities. However, there is also a freemium plan to thoroughly test the waters. 

• Security. The platform takes QR code privacy seriously by complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). It also anonymizes data before database storage. 

Useful tips when making QR codes 

General reminders to consider when making a QR code: 

• Choose the right content. QR codes can hold many types of information, such as landing pages, contact information, or social media links. Decide what content to store in a QR code, then pick the right solution. 

• Size properly. When determining your QR code size, assess the scanning distance. A QR code’s scannability heavily relies on its proportions. A small QR code works best for close-range scanning and vice versa. 

• Appropriate format. When downloading your QR code, you can choose a PNG format that is readable by any device or an SVG format so you can resize it without damaging its quality. 

• Keep contrast high. To ensure scannability, maintain a distinct contrast between your QR code pattern (dark) and the background (light). 

• Striking call to action. Make a QR code call to action (CTA) that is clear and quickly grabs people’s attention, enticing them to scan your QR code. For instance, it could be “Scan for Surprise” or “Learn More About Artist.” 

The unexpected appeal of random QR codes

When you have nothing else to do and spot a QR code in one place or another, a spark of curiosity often tickles your brain into thinking, “I wonder where that will take me?”

This thought is often followed by a quick scan and a potentially delightful surprise that awaits on the other side. But what if that seemingly harmless square isn’t so innocent?

As with most things, there has to be a balance. And while QR codes you find in random places have that added layer of surprise that can sometimes lead to funny anecdotes or interactive experiences, this isn’t always the case. 

There is a high chance that that random code you found in the street hides dangerous intent, so it is crucial to stay cautious and only scan from sources you can trust. 

QR TIGER, the best QR code generator with logo integration, can help you create beautiful, secure, and fun QR codes for anyone to scan away and see where the adventure takes them.

FAQs

What are the risks of scanning QR codes?

Malicious actors can potentially use them to lure users to a fake website that looks legitimate, where they can steal sensitive information or install malware on a device. 

Are there any exciting uses for QR codes?

There are many cool things to do with QR codes like creating a Spotify playlist or video message for a loved one or friend and linking it to a customized and shareable QR code.

Can I scan an unknown QR code?

If the QR code is found in a public place or from a source you don’t know or trust, then it is best to leave it alone. 

What happens if you scan a random QR code?

Depending on the source, the QR code could have positive or negative outcomes. If it’s from a person or business, it could link to a legitimate website with useful and relevant information. 

On the other hand, if it’s from a cyberattacker, it might be used for phishing attacks or delivering malicious malware to your device.