How to create a QR code for app downloads (App Store and Google Play)
An app download QR code lets people scan with their phone and go straight to your app's listing on the App Store or Google Play — one scan to install. You can create one for free at oneclickqrcode.com.
Why use a QR code for app downloads
Getting someone to download your app has too many steps: they have to open the App Store, search for your app name, find the right one among similar results, and tap Install. A QR code cuts through all of that:
- Skip the search — the QR code links directly to your app listing. No searching, no scrolling through lookalike apps
- Works from print — posters, flyers, business cards, product packaging, receipts, and billboards can all become instant download points. You can't click a printed URL, but you can scan a QR code
- Reduces friction — every extra step between "I want this app" and "I'm installing it" loses users. A QR code reduces it to one action: scan
- Trackable — with UTM parameters or URL shorteners, you can measure how many downloads came from each QR code placement. See our guide on tracking QR code scans
- Works in person — at trade shows, events, retail stores, and conferences, you can get people to install your app in real time while they're interested, rather than hoping they remember to search for it later
The platform problem: App Store vs Google Play
Here's the challenge: iPhone users need an App Store link, and Android users need a Google Play link. A QR code encodes one URL — so which one do you use?
Option 1: Two separate QR codes
Create two QR codes, one for each store. Print them side by side with the Apple and Google Play logos.
Pros: Simple, clear, no redirect needed. Cons: Takes up more space, looks cluttered, users have to think about which one to scan.
Option 2: One QR code with a smart link
Use a service that detects the user's device and redirects to the correct store automatically. When an iPhone user scans, they go to the App Store. When an Android user scans, they go to Google Play.
Services that do this:
- onelink.to — free, creates a single URL that redirects by device
- Branch.io — more advanced, includes attribution and analytics
- Firebase Dynamic Links (if you're already using Firebase)
- Your own website — create a page like
yourapp.com/downloadthat detects the device and redirects (or shows both buttons)
Pros: One QR code, automatic routing, cleaner design. Cons: Adds a redirect step (slightly slower), depends on a third-party service.
Option 3: Link to your website
Create a QR code pointing to a download page on your website (e.g., yourapp.com/download) that has both App Store and Google Play buttons. The user scans, lands on the page, and taps the right button.
Pros: You control the page, can add branding and messaging, works even if the user is on a desktop. Cons: Extra step — the user has to tap a button after scanning instead of going straight to the store.
Which option to choose?
- Two QR codes if you have the space (posters, large flyers)
- Smart link if space is tight and you want the cleanest experience (business cards, packaging)
- Website landing page if you want to add context, screenshots, or other content alongside the download buttons
How to get your app store links
App Store (iOS)
- Go to your app's page on the App Store (in a browser or on your phone)
- The URL format is:
https://apps.apple.com/app/your-app-name/id123456789 - Copy this URL
Google Play (Android)
- Go to your app's page on Google Play (in a browser or on your phone)
- The URL format is:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yourcompany.yourapp - Copy this URL
Smart link
If using a smart link service, create the link first, then use that URL for the QR code.
How to create the QR code
1. Go to oneclickqrcode.com
Open oneclickqrcode.com in any browser. No account needed.
2. Paste your link
The default QR type is Link. Paste your app store URL, smart link, or website download page URL. The QR code appears instantly.
3. Brand it
Make the QR code match your app's brand:
- Foreground color — use your app's primary color
- Logo — add your app icon to the center of the QR code. This instantly communicates what the code is for
- Dot style — pick something that matches your app's design language
Adding your app icon to the center is especially effective — when someone sees a QR code with a recognizable app icon, they immediately understand what it does. For tips on adding logos, see our guide on adding a logo to a QR code.
4. Download
- PNG at 1024px for flyers, business cards, and small print
- SVG for large format printing, billboards, or professional design
- PNG at 2048px for high-quality packaging
Where to put your app download QR code
Product packaging
If your app is a companion to a physical product (smart home device, fitness tracker, food service), print the QR code on the packaging. The customer opens the box and scans to install the app. See our guide on QR codes for product packaging.
Receipts and checkout
Retail stores and restaurants can print the QR code on receipts, encouraging customers to download the app for loyalty points, order tracking, or future orders.
In-store signage
A poster or counter display near the register: "Download our app — scan here." Customers waiting in line have nothing to do — give them something to scan.
Event booths and trade shows
At a conference or expo, a banner or table display with a large QR code lets visitors download your app while talking to your team. It's far more effective than handing out a business card and hoping they remember.
Print advertising
Magazine ads, newspaper inserts, direct mail — any print ad can include a QR code. It's the only clickable element in print media.
Business cards
If your product IS the app, your business card QR code should link to the download page rather than your website.
Billboards and outdoor advertising
Large QR codes on billboards work when people are stopped (at a bus stop, in traffic, waiting in a plaza). The QR code needs to be big enough to scan from several meters away. See our QR code size guide for outdoor sizing.
Design tips
Always show the store badges
Even with a QR code, include the official "Download on the App Store" and "Get it on Google Play" badges. They're universally recognized and signal exactly what the QR code does.
Add a clear call to action
- "Scan to download"
- "Get the app — scan here"
- "Download free — scan the code"
Show a phone mockup
If space allows (posters, flyers), include a screenshot of your app next to the QR code. This gives people a preview of what they're downloading and increases interest.
Size recommendations
| Placement | Minimum QR size |
|---|---|
| Business card | 1.5 × 1.5 cm |
| Flyer or receipt | 2.5 × 2.5 cm |
| Poster or counter display | 5 × 5 cm |
| Banner or large sign | 10 × 10 cm |
| Billboard | 30 × 30 cm+ |
Tracking downloads from QR codes
To know how many app installs came from your QR codes:
UTM parameters
Add UTM parameters to your landing page URL:
https://yourapp.com/download?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=flyer&utm_campaign=launch
This tracks visits to your download page (though not the actual install on the store).
App Store and Google Play campaign tracking
Both stores support campaign tracking:
- App Store — add a
pt,ct, andmtparameter to your App Store URL - Google Play — add a
referrerparameter to your Play Store URL
These parameters appear in your App Store Connect or Google Play Console analytics, letting you see installs attributed to each campaign.
Smart link analytics
If you're using a smart link service like Branch or onelink.to, they provide their own analytics dashboard showing clicks, installs, and device breakdown.
For a full guide on tracking, see our article on how to track QR code scans.
FAQ
Can one QR code work for both iPhone and Android?
Not directly — a single URL can only point to one store. Use a smart link service (like onelink.to) that detects the device and redirects automatically, or link to a download page on your website with both store buttons.
What if the user doesn't have the App Store or Google Play?
Virtually all iPhones have the App Store and all Android phones have Google Play. The rare exceptions (sideloaded or regional Android devices without Google Play) would need an APK or alternative store link, which is outside the scope of a standard QR code.
Should I link to the app store or my website?
If your goal is maximum installs with minimum friction, link directly to the store (or use a smart link). If you want to provide context, screenshots, reviews, or pricing info before the download, link to your website.
Does the QR code expire?
No. The QR code is a static image encoding a URL. It works as long as the URL is valid. If you remove your app from the store, the link will show an error — but the QR code itself doesn't expire.
Can I track exactly how many installs came from the QR code?
With campaign tracking parameters (available in both App Store Connect and Google Play Console), you can see installs attributed to specific campaigns. Smart link services like Branch provide even more detailed attribution.
Create your app download QR code free at oneclickqrcode.com — paste your app store link, add your app icon, and download. No sign-up needed.
Founder of oneclickqrcode.com