How Redirect Rules Work
Understand the redirect rules system — what it is, how rules are prioritised, and when to use each type.
What are Redirect Rules?
Redirect rules let a single QR code send different people to different destinations based on specific conditions. Instead of one QR → one URL, you can set up a QR code that behaves like a smart router:
- A customer in Mumbai gets the Hindi version of your website
- An iPhone user gets sent to the App Store
- Someone scanning on a Sunday morning sees a special brunch offer
- The 101st person to scan gets directed to a 'sold out' page
All of this from a single printed QR code.
Available Rule Types
| Rule Type | Condition | Plan Required |
|---|---|---|
Scan-Limit Redirect | After N total scans, redirect to a different URL | Basic+ |
Device Redirect | Based on device OS: iOS, Android, or Desktop/other | Pro+ |
Scheduled Redirect | Based on day of week and time of day | Pro+ |
Geo-Targeting Redirect | Based on scanner's country, state, or city | Premium+ |
How Rules Are Prioritised
When multiple redirect rules are active on a QR code, SMLLR evaluates them in the following priority order:
- Geo-Targeting (highest priority)
- Scheduled Redirect
- Device Redirect
- Scan-Limit Redirect
- Default URL (fallback — used if no rules match)
This means: if a user matches a Geo rule AND a Device rule, the Geo rule wins. If no rules match, the visitor goes to the default URL.
Rules are evaluated top-down. The first matching rule wins and the others are skipped for that particular scan.
The Default URL
Every QR code has a default URL — this is the destination used when no redirect rules apply (or when you have no rules set at all). It is what you entered when you first created the QR code.
Always keep your default URL updated. It is the fallback for everyone who does not match any of your redirect rules.
How to Add a Redirect Rule
Open your QR code
Go to QR Codes in the sidebar and click on the QR code you want to add rules to.
Click Edit
Click the Edit button to open the QR editor.
Go to the Settings tab
Click the Settings tab inside the editor.
Scroll to Redirect Rules
Find the Redirect Rules section and click + Add Rule.
Choose the rule type
Select the type of rule you want to add (Geo, Device, Schedule, or Scan-Limit).
Configure the rule
Fill in the rule conditions and the destination URL for when this rule matches.
Save
Click Save Changes. The rule is active immediately.
Was this article helpful?