I'm over my plan limit. What happens to my extra QR codes?
Updated September 14, 2026 · 2 min read
Nothing is deleted. The Billing page shows an Over {plan} Limit card listing how many dynamic and static codes are over, and every code keeps redirecting until the date shown — your next billing date. Archive the extras or upgrade before then. After that date the extras are deactivated automatically, starting with codes that have never been scanned, then the oldest.
Why this happens
You end up over the limit when the number of active codes you already have is larger than the cap on the plan you are now on. In practice that means a plan change: moving to a smaller tier, or giving up the pre-August 2026 caps (Starter 25, Pro 250), which end the moment you change plan.
It is not caused by scanning, by team members joining, or by short links — those have their own allowance.
What still works during the grace period
- Every code keeps redirecting. Scanners see no difference, and scans are still recorded.
- An amber banner appears on every dashboard page until you are back inside the limit.
- Creating new codes is blocked while you are at or over the cap.
The deadline is your next billing date, printed on the card: "Archive excess codes by {date} or they will be auto-deactivated."
How to get back under the limit
Two options, both immediate.
- Archive the codes you no longer need. Click Archive Excess Codes on the Billing card — it takes you to My QR Codes. Sort by Most scanned to find the quiet ones, then use the row menu → Archive on each. The dialog confirms: "{name}" will be archived and stop redirecting scanners.
- Upgrade instead. Settings → Personal settings → Billing → Change Plan → Upgrade. The over-limit card disappears once the larger plan is active.
Archive, do not delete. Archived codes stop redirecting but keep their settings and scan history, and you can bring one back later if a slot is free. Deleting is permanent.
What happens after the deadline
If you are still over the limit when the date passes, the app deactivates exactly as many codes as it needs to, in this order:
- Codes with zero scans first, because nobody is using them.
- Then the oldest codes by creation date.
Dynamic and static codes are handled independently, so being over on one does not touch the other. A deactivated code behaves exactly like an archived one: scanners get a page headed QR Code Unavailable, and the code is waiting in your list if you upgrade later and unarchive it.
Common problems
A printed code stopped working and I did not archive it
Look for it in My QR Codes. If it is marked as archived, it was auto-deactivated after the grace date. Upgrade or archive something else, then use the row menu → Unarchive — the printed pattern starts working again immediately.
Unarchiving is refused
You are at the cap. The message reads "You've reached the dynamic QR code limit for your plan". Archive a different code first, or move up a tier.
The card is still showing after I archived codes
Reload the Billing page. The count is taken from active codes at page load.
Frequently asked questions
Will you delete my extra QR codes?
No. They are deactivated, not deleted. The codes, their settings and their scan history stay in your account.
Which codes get deactivated first?
Codes with no scans at all, then the oldest ones by creation date. Dynamic and static are counted and deactivated separately.
How long is the grace period?
Until your next billing date, which is the date printed on the Over Limit card.
Can I create new codes while I am over the limit?
No. Creation is blocked until you are back inside the cap, by archiving codes or upgrading.
Do archived codes still count?
No. Only active codes count, which is why archiving is the fastest way back under the limit.
Related articles
What is the difference between archiving and deleting a QR code?
Archiving is reversible: the code stops redirecting but keeps its scans and can be unarchived within your plan limits. Deleting is permanent, with no trash.
How do I upgrade, downgrade or switch to annual billing?
Billing → Change Plan, pick a plan and period, confirm. Every change is a new checkout, and a downgrade is blocked until you are within the new limits.
What are the plan limits, and what counts against them?
Starter allows 10 dynamic codes, Pro 50, Business 600, the free trial 5. Only active codes count — archiving one frees a slot immediately.
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.
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.