QR codes have become an increasingly popular way for users to quickly log in to websites and applications on their mobile devices. QR code login allows users to bypass manually typing in their username and password. Instead, they simply scan a QR code using their phone’s camera and are instantly logged in. So how exactly does QR code login work and what are the benefits of using it?
How Does QR Code Login Work?
A QR code is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone or tablet camera. The black and white squares represent different bits of data that get interpreted when scanned. For login purposes, the QR code contains encrypted information about a user’s login credentials. To log in using a QR code, the steps are simple:
- User visits the login page of the website/app.
- A QR code is displayed on the screen.
- User opens their smartphone camera and scans the QR code.
- The phone interprets the data contained in the QR code.
- The phone automatically logs the user into the site without having to manually enter any usernames or passwords.
The QR code often pulls the user’s login information from their account stored on the connected website or app. The phone is able to automatically transmit these credentials after scanning the code thanks to encryption technology that is able to temporarily store this data securely on the user’s device.
Benefits of Using QR Code Login
There are several benefits that come with allowing users to log in via QR code:
- Convenience: Logging in by QR code is incredibly fast and convenient for users. They can access their account on a site within seconds without having to remember usernames or passwords.
- Security: QR codes provide a more secure login than manually typing credentials. There is no risk of having passwords phished or spied on over the shoulder. The QR code scans also often enable two-factor authentication for extra account protection.
- Branding: Custom designed QR codes allow for branding opportunities with logos and colors that match a company’s aesthetic.
- Tracking: Analytics can be built into QR code logins to track how many users are logging in this way.
- Adoption: As more sites adopt QR code logins, it trains users to get accustomed to scanning codes to access accounts faster.
Examples of QR Code Logins
Many top technology companies have implemented creative QR code login systems. Here are some real life examples:
Snapchat
Snapchat popularized using QR codes for login with the launch of their Snapcode feature. Each Snapchat user is given a unique QR code that can be scanned to instantly add them as a friend. Snapcodes are displayed on profiles and can also be used to quickly launch Snapchat lenses or unlock special promotions.
WhatsApp uses QR codes to simplify switching devices or reinstalling the app. Users can log in to WhatsApp on a new phone simply by scanning their personal QR code within the app. WhatsApp’s implementation streamlines moving between devices without losing your conversations.
Alipay
The popular Chinese payment app Alipay relies heavily on QR code logins. Users can scan QR codes to send money, pay bills, deposit checks and more. Retail stores also display Alipay QR codes allowing users to scan and pay directly from their Alipay account balance.
Boarding Passes
Many airlines now offer electronic boarding passes displayed as a scannable QR code on your phone. At the airport, travelers can bypass checking in at the counter by scanning their boarding pass QR code which logs them into the flight and allows boarding.
Event Check-In
QR codes are also used at events or conferences for easy attendee check-in. Guests can scan a personalized QR code on their phone or printed ticket to instantly register their attendance and login rather than having to manually sign in and print name badges.
Creating Your Own QR Code Login
Implementing QR code logins requires creating a system to dynamically generate codes, link to user accounts, and design a scanner process. Here are some tips on getting started:
- Use a QR code generator tool to create unique codes that encode encrypted login data
- Store user account information in a secure database
- Develop the scanner functionality and interface using a camera API
- Connect the scanned QR data to the account database
- Design the QR code presentation and user flow for the login experience
- Test extensively across different devices and operating systems
With some development work, QR code login can be seamlessly implemented. The convenience it provides users is well worth the investment for certain applications.
Conclusion
QR code login is a smart innovation that improves the mobile user experience. By scanning a code, users can instantly access accounts without passwords or usernames. The technology enhances convenience, security and branding when thoughtfully implemented.
With solutions from Snapchat, WhatsApp, Alipay and boarding passes, QR codes are becoming a mainstream login method. As more companies roll out their own QR code systems, it will train customers to expect this faster way to access accounts from their phones.
