How to add UTM tags to a QR code for Google Analytics
Updated:
Add utm_source, utm_medium and utm_campaign to a trackable QR code automatically, so Google Analytics shows QR visits as their own source, not as direct.
When someone scans a QR code, their phone usually opens your link without saying where it came from, so analytics tools like Google Analytics tend to file the visit as "direct" traffic. UTM tags fix that: they're small labels added to the end of the link, like ?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=qr&utm_campaign=spring-sale, that your analytics tool reads to know where each visit came from.
On Premium and Pro, QR Crab can add them for you every time a trackable code is scanned.
What each tag means
| Field in QR Crab | Added as | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source (required) | utm_source | Where the code is: the specific place or printed piece. | flyer, table-tent, storefront |
| Medium | utm_medium | The kind of channel. Keep it the same for all your QR codes. | qr |
| Campaign | utm_campaign | The promotion or season the code belongs to. | spring-sale |
Analytics tools treat Flyer and flyer as two different sources, so stick to lowercase and hyphens, and write each value the same way every time. The tags are visible in the visitor's address bar, so never put names, emails or other personal details in them.
How to turn on automatic UTM tags
- Open a trackable link code. In the dashboard, open a trackable URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube, App store or Location code and go to Edit & design, or create a new one.
- Open Options. Open the Options section and find Automatic UTM tags. In the guided editor, it's in the Finish step for new codes and the Settings tab for existing ones.
- Turn the tags on. Tick Add UTM tags.
- Fill in the tags. Enter a Source (required, for example
flyer), and if you like a Medium (for exampleqr) and a Campaign (for examplespring-sale). Each can be up to 100 characters. - Save. Click Save changes (or Create QR code). The tags are added from the next scan on, including on codes you've already printed.
Which codes can use UTM tags
Automatic UTM tags work on trackable codes that send people to a link: URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube, App store and Location. If a code uses How to redirect a QR code by time, device or country, the tags are added to whichever link the visitor is sent to.
They're most useful when the link goes to your own website, where your analytics tool runs. Facebook, YouTube, the app stores and maps apps don't share UTM data with you, so on those links the tags don't add much. QR Crab's own scan stats work either way.
Where to find QR visits in Google Analytics
In Google Analytics 4, open Reports → Acquisition → Traffic acquisition and change the table's main dimension to Session source / medium. QR visits show as, for example, flyer / qr. To compare campaigns, switch the dimension to Session campaign. Other analytics tools read the same three tags; look for a "source", "medium" or "campaign" report.
The visits in Google Analytics won't match QR Crab's scan count exactly. QR Crab counts the scan before the page opens; Google Analytics only counts visitors whose page loads, and it may miss people who block analytics or leave right away.
Common questions
Do I need to change the link to add UTM tags?
No. Keep your normal link in the code. QR Crab adds the tags when someone scans, so you can change them later without reprinting.
What if my link already has UTM tags?
Tags already in the link are left alone. QR Crab only adds the ones that are missing, so a utm_campaign you typed into the link wins over the one in the options.
Can I add UTM tags to a menu, PDF or other hosted page?
No. UTM tags are for trackable codes that open a link: URL, Facebook, X / Twitter, YouTube, App store and Location. Hosted pages already have their own scan stats in QR Crab. Static codes can't use them either.
Which plan do I need?
Premium or Pro. On Free the option is shown locked. If you move down to Free later, your saved tags are kept but not added until you upgrade again.