QR Code Payment Setup in Shopify: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

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QR codes have become part of everyday commerce. Walk into any store, scan a menu, or check out a product package, and you’ll likely see one staring back at you.

These scannable squares aren’t just convenient for customers (they are), but they’ve fundamentally changed how merchants think about the path from interest to purchase. For Shopify store owners, QR codes unlock something powerful: the ability to turn any physical surface into a direct checkout link.

A poster becomes a point of sale. A business card becomes a shopping cart. Product packaging becomes a one-tap reorder button.

If you’re running a Shopify store and haven’t set up QR code payments yet, you’re leaving money on the table. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about implementing QR code payments in your Shopify store, from the basics to advanced strategies that can transform how you sell.

Why QR Code Payments Are Essential for Shopify Stores

Before we jump into the how, we should talk about the why. QR code payments solve a fundamental problem in ecommerce: friction.

Every extra step between “I want this” and “I bought this” is an opportunity for the customer to change their mind. Studies show that QR codes reduce the steps required to complete a purchase, which means fewer abandoned carts and higher conversion rates.

Think about the traditional flow: customer sees an ad, types in your website URL (maybe gets it wrong), browses around, finds the product, adds to cart, enters shipping info, enters payment details, and finally completes checkout. That’s a lot of steps.

Now compare that to: customer scans QR code, confirms purchase with Apple Pay or Shop Pay. Done. Two steps instead of seven.

The numbers back this up. QR code payment transaction value is projected to reach $66.9 billion by 2034, and adoption is accelerating faster than most predicted. After the pandemic pushed contactless everything into the mainstream, consumers got used to the convenience and aren’t going back.

But the real power isn’t just in the convenience. It’s in the versatility.

Here’s what QR codes unlock for your Shopify store:

→ Speed wins conversions When someone can scan a code and be at your checkout in under two seconds, you capture impulse purchases that would otherwise slip away. The barrier between wanting and buying disappears.

→ Offline becomes online instantly You can print QR codes on literally anything. Packaging inserts, event flyers, in-store signage, business cards, product labels, direct mail pieces. Each one becomes a direct pipeline to your Shopify checkout. Research shows that QR codes are a key enabler of seamless cross-channel commerce.

→ You can track everything Unlike a generic website URL on a flyer, QR codes can include UTM parameters or unique identifiers. You’ll know exactly which physical touchpoint drove each sale. That poster in your shop window? You’ll see how many people scanned it and how many actually bought. The QR code on your packaging? You’ll know your reorder rate.

→ Personalization at scale QR codes can be dynamic. You can create different codes for different customer segments, different products, different promotions. Each one can lead to a customized checkout experience with pre-applied discounts, free shipping, or personalized product bundles.

How QR Code Payments Work in Shopify

At its core, a QR code is just a way to encode information in a scannable format. For payment purposes, that information is typically a URL that directs to a checkout page, a payment gateway, or a specific payment app.

When someone scans your QR code with their phone’s camera (no special app needed on modern smartphones), they’re instantly taken to wherever that code points. In Shopify’s case, you have a few options for what happens next.

The Three QR Code Payment Paths

① Direct to checkout The QR code opens Shopify’s checkout page with specific products already in the cart, ready to purchase. This is the fastest path to conversion because the customer goes from scan to payment confirmation in seconds.

② Product page The code takes them to a product page where they can read details, view images, and then add to cart. This works better when you need to provide more context before the purchase.

③ Payment app trigger In some regions, QR codes can directly open a payment app like PayPal, UPI, Alipay, or WeChat Pay to authorize a transaction. This is common for in-person payments.

The key difference from a normal website link is the immediacy and the mobile-first nature. When someone scans a QR code, they’re already on their phone, which means mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Shop Pay are ready to go. That’s important because these one-tap payment methods convert significantly better than typing in card details.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which Should You Use?

You’ll sometimes hear about static versus dynamic QR codes. Here’s the breakdown:

Feature	Static QR Code	Dynamic QR Code
Destination	Fixed, never changes	Redirect URL, can update destination
After printing	Cannot modify	Can change where it points
Use case	Product-specific campaigns	Reusable materials for rotating promotions
Tracking	Basic	Advanced with unique per-customer codes

For most Shopify use cases, static codes work great for product-specific campaigns, while dynamic codes are useful if you want to reuse printed materials for different promotions over time.

How to Set Up QR Code Payments in Shopify: 3 Methods

Now for the practical part. There are three main approaches to setting up QR code payments in your Shopify store, each with different capabilities and trade-offs.

Method 1: Shopify’s Built-In Shopcodes (Free)

Shopify offers a free app called Shopcodes that generates QR codes for products. It’s the easiest way to get started, particularly if you just need basic QR functionality without a lot of bells and whistles.

How to set it up:

① Install the Shopcodes app from the Shopify App Store Go to Apps in your Shopify admin, click Customize your store, search for “Shopcodes,” and install it.

② Create your first QR code In your admin, go to Apps > Shopcodes and click “Create Shopcode.”

③ Select a product from your catalog Each QR code links to one specific product.

④ Choose your scan destination - Link to product page sends scanners to the normal product page - Link to checkout page sends them directly to checkout with the product in cart

⑤ Optionally configure a discount code to apply automatically If you choose the checkout option, you can also select a specific variant (size, color, etc.).

⑥ Save and download Shopify generates PNG and SVG files you can print or share digitally.

The Shopcodes app tracks scans and conversions through Shopify Analytics, so you can measure performance for each code.

What’s good:

Completely free

Simple setup

Integrated analytics

Works with Shopify’s native checkout

What’s limited:

One product per code (can’t create bundles or multi-product carts)

Basic customization only

The app has mixed reviews and isn’t frequently updated

No advanced features like personalization or usage limits

For a small store testing QR codes or a merchant who needs simple product links, Shopcodes is a solid starting point. But if you’re running sophisticated campaigns or need more control, you’ll want something more powerful.

Method 2: Checkout Links for Advanced QR Code Campaigns

This is where things get interesting. While Shopcodes handles basic use cases, what if you want to create QR codes for bundles, apply complex discount logic, personalize checkout for different customer segments, or track performance with granular analytics?

That’s where Checkout Links comes in. Full disclosure: Checkout Links is a solution built specifically to solve the limitations of basic QR and checkout link tools.

Checkout Links is a Built for Shopify app that creates custom checkout URLs (and matching QR codes) with complete control over what’s in the cart, what discounts apply, and how the checkout behaves. Each link you create automatically gets a branded QR code you can download.

What makes it different:

You can add multiple products to a single QR code Want to create a bundle? A curated collection? A complete outfit? One scan, all items in cart.

Advanced discount logic Not just coupon codes, but order discounts, free gifts, threshold-based offers, free shipping, and more. You can set conditions like “if cart total is over $50, add free shipping” or “buy these three products, get this fourth one free.”

Personalization at scale Create QR codes that behave differently for VIP customers versus new shoppers. Or generate unique codes for cart recovery that pre-fill abandoned items.

Smart routing Send customers to checkout for maximum conversion, to cart for review, or to custom landing pages when you need more context.

Complete analytics Track scans, sessions, conversion rates, average order value, and revenue per code. See exactly which QR campaigns are working and which need optimization.

Brand control Customize QR code design with your colors and logo while maintaining scannability.

According to Checkout Links’s documentation, “Checkout Links is the fastest way to create custom shoppable links and QR codes, whether you want a one-off link for a single customer or a hundred thousand personalized carts for an email campaign.”

How to set it up:

① Install Checkout Links from the Shopify App Store Checkout Links offers a 7-day free trial.

② Create a checkout link using the visual builder Add products, set quantities, configure discounts, choose your destination (checkout, cart, or custom page).

③ Download the auto-generated QR code for your link You can customize colors and branding if needed.

④ Print, share, or embed the QR code wherever you want to drive sales

⑤ Track performance in the built-in analytics dashboard Or through Shopify’s native analytics (every link appears as its own traffic source).

Real-world use cases we see:

A coffee roaster prints QR codes on their bags that lead to a pre-filled checkout for reordering that exact blend with a 10% loyalty discount. Customers scan, authenticate with Shop Pay, and reorder in literally three seconds.

A pop-up shop uses QR codes on product displays. Shoppers scan to checkout on their phones instead of waiting in line. The merchant sees every order in their Shopify admin in real time.

A fashion brand runs a flash sale via Instagram Stories. They post a QR code image that takes scanners to a checkout with the sale item already in cart and the discount applied. No coupon code needed, no navigation required.

Pricing: The app starts at $15/month with unlimited links and QR codes. Given that it includes advanced features, analytics, and no per-transaction fees, the ROI is usually immediate if you’re running regular QR campaigns.

The difference between basic Shopcodes and Checkout Links is like the difference between a simple URL shortener and a full marketing automation platform. Both create links, but one gives you the power to optimize every detail of the conversion flow.

Method 3: QR Codes as a Payment Method (Regional)

The previous two methods are about using QR codes to get customers into your checkout. There’s also a third category: using QR codes as a payment method within checkout.

This is more common in certain regions and with specific payment gateways. The customer reaches your Shopify checkout, selects a QR payment option, and then scans a dynamically generated code to authorize payment through their banking app or mobile wallet.

Regional QR payment methods:

Region	Payment Method	Users	How It Works
India	UPI (Unified Payments Interface)	400M+	Customer selects UPI at checkout, scans QR with banking app
China	Alipay & WeChat Pay	Billions	Select payment method, scan QR with Alipay/WeChat app
Global	PayPal QR	Varies	In-person transactions via PayPal app scan

How to set this up:

① Go to Settings > Payments in your Shopify admin

② Add the relevant payment provider Razorpay, PayU, or PhonePe for UPI; local gateways for Alipay/WeChat

③ Complete the provider’s setup process

④ The QR code option appears automatically at checkout For customers in the supported region

The advantage here is that you’re offering payment methods that your target audience already uses and trusts. For India specifically, UPI offers competitive merchant fees, making it extremely cost-effective.

Important note: these payment-method QR codes only work in their intended regions. You can’t use UPI for customers in the US, for example. They’re region-specific compliance and banking integrations.

Best Practices for QR Code Implementation

Having the technical setup is half the battle. Making QR codes actually work in practice requires thinking through design, placement, and user experience.

How to Design QR Codes That Actually Scan

A beautiful QR code that doesn’t scan is worthless. Keep these principles in mind:

Size matters For print, aim for at least 1 inch (2.5cm) square as a minimum. If someone needs to scan from a distance (like a poster across a room), go bigger. Test it in the real environment before mass printing.

Contrast is critical The classic black-on-white works because it’s high contrast. If you want to customize colors for branding, make sure there’s enough difference between the code and the background. Dark blue on light yellow works. Light gray on white does not.

Don’t over-customize You can add a logo in the center of a QR code, but keep it small and test thoroughly. The code has built-in error correction, but if you cover too much of the pattern, it won’t scan. When in doubt, test with multiple phone models and camera apps.

Keep it flat QR codes on curved surfaces or near folds can be hard to scan. If you’re putting one on product packaging, avoid placing it where the material bends or warps.

What Call-to-Action Works Best for QR Codes?

QR codes without context get ignored. Always include a short instruction or benefit statement:

→ “Scan to buy now”

→ “Get 15% off - scan here”

→ “Scan to reorder in seconds”

→ “Scan for the complete guide”

This tells people why they should scan and what they’ll get. It transforms a mysterious square into an actionable opportunity.

Where Should You Place QR Codes for Maximum Sales?

Where you put QR codes determines whether they get used. Some effective locations:

Product packaging Include a QR code inside the box or on the label that leads to a reorder page with a pre-applied discount. Ecommerce businesses can strategically place QR codes on product packaging to capture repeat purchases effortlessly.

In-store signage If you have a physical location, put QR codes next to products for self-service checkout. This speeds up busy periods and reduces staff burden.

Direct mail and print ads A postcard or magazine ad with a QR code merges offline marketing with online conversion. Track the scans to measure ROI on your print campaigns.

Event materials Business cards, flyers, booth signage at trade shows or markets. Attendees can scan to buy or save your products for later without taking physical materials home.

Receipts and packing slips Include a QR for easy reordering or to leave a review.

Mobile Optimization Is Non-Negotiable

People scanning QR codes are on mobile devices. The destination must work flawlessly on phones. Fortunately, Shopify’s checkout is mobile-optimized by default, but if you’re linking to product pages, verify your theme is fully responsive and loads quickly on cellular connections.

Critical insight: Slow load times kill conversions. If someone scans your QR and waits more than a couple seconds for the page to load, they’ll bail. Test on actual phones, not just desktop browsers in mobile mode.

How to Track QR Code Performance

QR codes are measurable marketing channels. Use that to your advantage:

Tool	Tracking Capability	Use Case
Shopcodes	Scans and conversions in Shopify Analytics	Basic performance tracking
Checkout Links	Per-link metrics including conversion rate, AOV, revenue	Advanced campaign optimization
UTM parameters	Google Analytics tracking for any QR code link	Cross-platform attribution

Create different QR codes for different placements even if they’re promoting the same product. This lets you see which physical location or marketing material drives the most sales.

When to Update or Retire QR Codes

If a product goes out of stock or a promotion ends, update or disable the QR code. Some platforms let you change the destination URL without reprinting the code, which is ideal for reusing signage.

Shopify’s help documentation notes that you can update Shopcode destinations, avoiding the need to reprint materials every time you want to change an offer.

How to Build Customer Trust with QR Codes

Customers are (rightfully) cautious about scanning random QR codes. Make it clear where the code goes:

Include your domain or brand name near the QR (“Scans to YourBrand.com”)

Use your own domain or Shopify’s checkout URL, not generic link shorteners

Ensure the destination is HTTPS (Shopify provides this automatically)

When someone scans and sees your familiar Shopify store or checkout, they’ll trust it and complete the purchase.

Real-World QR Code Success Stories

Sometimes the best way to understand QR codes is to see them in action:

① Flash sales via SMS A streetwear brand sends a text message with a QR code image to their VIP list announcing a limited-release drop. Recipients scan from their computer screen (yes, this works) with their phone, which takes them straight to checkout with the exclusive item in cart. The 24-hour scheduled window creates urgency, and the one-scan checkout captures impulse buys. They sold out in four hours.

② Farmers market self-checkout A food vendor at outdoor markets uses QR codes on tent cards next to each product. Customers scan, pay with Apple Pay or Shop Pay, and show the confirmation email to pick up their items. No cash handling, no card readers, no line. The vendor processes 40% more customers during peak hours.

③ Subscription reorders A supplement company includes a QR code in every shipment that leads to a checkout with the subscription renewal already configured. Customers who scan see their exact previous order with a “reorder now” button. This increased their subscribe-and-save conversion by 35% compared to email reminders alone.

④ Window shopping after hours A boutique posts QR codes in their storefront window display after closing. Passersby scan to buy the exact outfit on the mannequin. Even when the shop is physically closed, sales continue. The owner reports that 20% of weekend sales now come from window QR scans.

⑤ Event donations A nonprofit running a charity event put QR codes on table tents that linked to a donation checkout. Attendees could contribute without cash or checks, and donations increased 3x compared to previous events with traditional donation methods.

These aren’t hypothetical. They’re happening right now with Shopify merchants who figured out that QR codes eliminate the gap between “I want to buy” and “I bought it.”

Common QR Code Mistakes to Avoid

You can do everything right and still trip up on these common issues:

Making the code too small We’ve seen QR codes printed at postage-stamp size on flyers. They’re decorative at that point, not functional. Go big enough to scan easily.

Not testing before printing Print a sample, scan it with multiple phones (iPhone and Android), in different lighting conditions. If it doesn’t scan reliably in testing, it won’t work for customers.

Linking to a desktop-only page If your QR goes to something that’s not mobile-friendly, you’ve wasted the scan.

Ignoring load speed A QR code to a 10-second loading page is an abandoned scan.

No clear next step Customer scans, lands on a page, and isn’t sure what to do. Make the path to purchase obvious.

Forgetting to track If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it. Use analytics.

Using expired or broken links Test your QR codes periodically to ensure they still work. Nothing frustrates customers like a QR that goes nowhere.

Advanced QR Code Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are some sophisticated moves you can make:

① Personalized QR codes at scale Create unique QR codes for individual customers with their name, previous purchases, or custom discount codes. Include these in direct mail campaigns or email. When they scan, they see a checkout pre-filled with products they’re likely to buy based on purchase history.

② Limited-time or one-use codes Generate QR codes that expire after a certain date or can only be used once per customer. This works great for exclusive drops or preventing discount abuse.

③ Geographic targeting Create different QR codes for different locations and track which regions convert best. Put QR codes in regional magazines or local event flyers to measure market-by-market performance.

④ A/B testing offers Create two different QR codes with different discounts or product bundles, split your print run between them, and see which converts better.

⑤ Integration with email and SMS Include QR codes in automated email flows. A cart abandonment email with a QR code that pre-fills the abandoned cart (maybe with a discount) can recover sales from people who are reading email on one device but want to checkout on their phone.

⑥ QR codes in video and livestreams Display a QR code during a product demo, unboxing video, or live shopping event. Viewers can scan to buy without leaving the stream.

Security and Trust Considerations

QR codes have been exploited for phishing attacks, so customer caution is understandable. Protect your customers (and your brand) by:

Only using HTTPS links (Shopify handles this automatically)

Displaying your brand clearly on the destination page

Using recognizable domains (yourstore.myshopify.com or your custom domain)

Avoiding sketchy URL shorteners

Educating customers about what to expect when they scan

If you’re using Checkout Links or similar tools, the QR codes point directly to Shopify’s secure checkout, which customers already recognize and trust. That familiarity increases conversion because there’s no “wait, is this legit?” moment.

The Future of QR Code Payments

QR code adoption isn’t slowing down. After experiencing a resurgence during the pandemic, QR code payments are projected to reach $66.9 billion by 2034. Several trends are accelerating this:

Mobile wallet growth As more consumers use Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay, the friction of mobile checkout drops to nearly zero. QR codes that land on a checkout where one-tap payment is available convert extremely well.

Smart packaging Product packaging is becoming interactive. QR codes on packaging can provide instructions, show video demos, collect reviews, or enable instant reorders.

Augmented reality integration QR codes can trigger AR experiences before checkout, letting customers visualize products in their space before buying.

Voice and assistant integration “Hey Siri, scan this QR code” is already possible. As voice assistants get better at e-commerce, QR codes become another input method.

Cryptocurrency payments Some merchants are experimenting with crypto-specific QR codes that trigger wallet apps for blockchain payments.

For Shopify merchants, the opportunity is to meet customers wherever they are (physically or digitally) and make buying effortless. QR codes are part of that omnichannel puzzle.

Your QR Code Action Plan: Getting Started

Ready to implement QR code payments? Here’s a practical roadmap:

Week 1: test the basics

Install Shopify’s Shopcodes app or try Checkout Links’ free trial

Create QR codes for your 3-5 top-selling products

Test them thoroughly on multiple devices

Share with friends or colleagues to verify the experience

Week 2: deploy your first campaign

Choose one high-impact use case: packaging inserts, in-store signage, or a print ad

Create the QR code with a compelling offer

Print a small batch and gather feedback

Monitor analytics daily to see performance

Week 3: optimize and expand

Review what’s working (which codes get scanned vs which convert)

Adjust offers, destinations, or CTAs based on data

Create codes for additional products or use cases

Test placement variations

Week 4: scale

Roll out QR codes across your packaging, marketing materials, and physical locations

Set up automated cart recovery QR codes in email flows

Create personalized codes for VIP segments

Document your process for ongoing QR code creation

Ongoing:

Track performance monthly

Rotate offers to keep campaigns fresh

Test new placements and use cases

Retire or update underperforming codes

QR Codes Are Your 24/7 Sales Team

Every QR code you create is like having a tireless salesperson working around the clock. It doesn’t take breaks. It doesn’t forget to mention the promotion. It consistently delivers customers to checkout in the fastest possible way.

For Shopify merchants, QR codes solve a fundamental challenge: how do you turn offline interest into online sales? A poster in your shop window becomes a 24/7 storefront. A product label becomes a retention tool. A business card becomes a shopping cart.

The technology is simple. Modern smartphones scan QR codes natively (no app needed). Shopify’s checkout is already optimized for mobile. Payment methods like Shop Pay and Apple Pay make completion instant. All the infrastructure exists. You just need to use it.

Whether you start with Shopify’s free Shopcodes for basic functionality or use Checkout Links for advanced campaigns with bundles, personalization, and detailed analytics, the important thing is to start. Print one QR code. Put it somewhere customers will see it. Measure what happens.

You’ll find that the frictionless path from scan to sale converts better than you expected. And once you see the data, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.

The barrier between the physical and digital world is dissolving. QR codes are the bridge. Your Shopify store is ready. Your customers are ready. All that’s left is for you to create that first code and watch what happens when you remove the friction from buying.

Start today. Create a QR code. Put it out in the world. And watch the scans turn into sales.