What is the difference between archiving and deleting a QR code?
Updated September 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Archiving is the reversible one. An archived code stops redirecting immediately and shows scanners a QR Code Unavailable page, but it stays in your account with its scan history intact and can be unarchived at any time — as long as doing so keeps you inside your plan's limit. Deleting is permanent: the code and its analytics go, printed copies stop working, and there is no trash to restore from. Archive when you might want the code back; delete only when you are certain.
Archive vs delete at a glance
| Archive | Delete | |
|---|---|---|
| Reversible | Yes — Unarchive | No |
| What scanners see | QR Code Unavailable | QR Code Unavailable |
| Scan history | Kept | Goes with the code |
| Counts against your plan limit | No — that is the point | No |
| Still visible in the dashboard | Yes, with an Archived badge | No |
| Confirmation dialog | "{name}" will be archived and stop redirecting scanners. | The QR code "{name}" will be permanently deleted. This action cannot be undone. |
Both actions take a live code offline instantly. Anything already printed stops working the moment you confirm, so archive a code only when you are ready for the scans to stop.
How to archive and unarchive
- In My QR Codes, open the ⋮ menu on the code's row and choose Archive. On the code's own page the same action sits in the button row.
- Confirm in the Archive QR code dialog. A toast reads "QR code archived".
- To bring it back, use Unarchive from the same menu and confirm the Unarchive QR code dialog. The message reads "{name}" will be reactivated and start working again, and the toast reads "QR code reactivated".
To find archived codes later, click Filter, tick Archived under status, and click See results.
Archiving is how you stay inside a plan limit
Only active codes count towards your dynamic-code allowance — 5 on the free trial, 10 on Starter, 50 on Pro and 600 on Business. Archiving a campaign that has finished frees a slot without destroying its history.
Unarchiving is checked against the same limit. If you are already at the cap, the attempt is refused with: You've reached the dynamic QR code limit for your plan. Archive another code first or upgrade your plan. Archive something else, or move up a plan, and try again.
If you are over the limit after a downgrade, see what happens when you are over your plan limit.
Which one should you use
- A campaign has ended — archive. The scans are worth keeping and the slot is freed.
- A seasonal code comes back next year — archive, then unarchive when the season starts. The printed codes still work.
- You need to stop scans right now — archive. It takes effect on the next scan.
- A test code you made by mistake — delete. There is nothing to keep.
- You are clearing personal data before closing the account — delete, and export the analytics first if you need them.
The step-by-step for removal is in how to delete a QR code and what happens to its scan data.
Common problems
I archived the wrong code
Unarchive it. Nothing is lost and scans resume at the same address, everywhere it is printed.
Unarchive is refused
You are at your plan's active-code limit. Archive another code or upgrade, then unarchive again.
I deleted a code by mistake
It cannot be restored — there is no trash and no restore window. Create a new code and reprint; the old printed pattern cannot be re-pointed.
The archived code still appears in my list
That is expected. Archived codes stay visible with an Archived badge so you can find and reactivate them. Use the Filter panel to show only active ones.
Frequently asked questions
Does archiving delete my scan data?
No. Scan history stays attached to the code and is still readable in analytics.
Do archived codes count towards my plan limit?
No. Only active codes count, which is why archiving is the normal way to make room.
Can I archive a static code?
Yes, and it disappears from your active list — but a static code carries its content in the pattern, so scanners still reach whatever it encodes.
Is there a trash or a 30-day restore window for deleted codes?
No. Deletion is immediate and permanent.
Related articles
How do I delete a QR code, and what happens to its scan data?
Open the ⋮ menu, choose Delete and confirm. Deletion is permanent, the scan history goes with the code, and printed copies show a QR Code Unavailable page.
Will my QRCodeStack QR code expire or stop working?
Static codes never expire. Dynamic codes work while your plan is active and stop only if it lapses, or if you archive the code, schedule it or cap its scans.
I'm over my plan limit. What happens to my extra QR codes?
Nothing is deleted. Codes work until the date on the Over Limit card. After that the extras are deactivated — codes with no scans first, then the oldest.
Why does my QR code show Unavailable, Expired or Not Yet Active?
The page title tells you which setting stopped the scan: archived, paused, scan limit reached, a date schedule, a lapsed plan, a password, or a safety block.
Still stuck?
Email support@qrcodestack.com with the email on your account and, if it is about one code, its name or short link. A person replies within one business day, usually sooner.