Marketing & Design

Increase App Downloads with a QR Code for the App Store & Google Play

By Joe Wright •
Featured image for Increase App Downloads with a QR Code for the App Store & Google Play

In the competitive world of mobile apps, getting users to download your application is a top priority. While digital marketing is essential, don’t underestimate the power of offline marketing materials like business cards, posters, and flyers. The challenge, however, is bridging the gap between your physical marketing and the digital storefronts of the App Store and Google Play.

This is where a QR code for app download comes in. A mobile app QR code provides a quick, easy, and frictionless way for users to jump directly from a physical object to your app’s download page. But what’s the best way to do this when you have two different links for iOS and Android users?

This article will walk you through a simple, effective strategy: creating a dedicated QR code for the App Store and a separate one for Google Play. We’ll show you how to do this using our completely free QR code generator, ensuring you can maximize your downloads without any hidden costs.

Why a Dedicated QR Code for Each App Store is the Best Strategy

You may have heard of “smart” or “dynamic” QR codes that can detect a user’s device and redirect them to the correct app store. While this seems convenient, these codes are almost always a feature of paid subscription services. They also introduce an extra layer of redirection, which can sometimes slow down the user experience.

The most reliable, transparent, and completely free method is to create two separate, branded QR codes:

  1. An App Store QR Code that links directly to your app on the Apple App Store.
  2. A Google Play QR Code that links directly to your app on the Google Play Store.

This strategy offers several key advantages:

  • Transparency and Trust: Users know exactly where they are going. There are no redirects or unexpected pages.
  • 100% Free and Permanent: By using static QR codes, your codes will never expire and will work forever.
  • Maximum Customization: You can customize each code with branding, making it clear which store it belongs to (e.g., adding the Apple or Android logo to the center of the code).
  • Simple Implementation: You can easily place the appropriate QR code next to the “Available on the App Store” and “Get it on Google Play” logos on your marketing materials.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a QR Code for App Download

Ready to get started? We’ll show you how to create both codes using our free, no sign-up required generator.

First, you need to get the exact URLs for your app’s listing on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

  • For the App Store: Navigate to your app’s page on the App Store on a desktop computer. The URL in the address bar is the link you need. It will look something like this: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/[your-app-name]/id123456789.
  • For Google Play: Navigate to your app’s page on the Google Play Store on a desktop computer. The URL will look like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yourcompany.appname.

Copy each link and keep them handy.

Step 2: Create Your App Store QR Code

Now, let’s create the QR code for your iOS users.

  1. Go to our free QR code generator at qrcodesforfree.com.
  2. In the “Content” tab, select the URL option.
  3. Paste your copied App Store link into the URL field. The QR code on the right will instantly update.
  4. Switch to the “Design” tab to customize your code. This is where you can make it visually appealing and professional.
    • Colors: Change the colors of the code and the background to match your app’s branding.
    • Dots and Corners: Choose different patterns to give your code a unique look.
    • Logo: This is a crucial step! Upload a high-resolution image of the Apple App Store logo to the center of the QR code. This immediately tells users that this code is for iOS.
  5. Once you’re happy with the design, go to the “Download” tab. You can download your app store qr code in PNG, JPG, or SVG format. We recommend SVG for print materials, as it’s a vector file that won’t lose quality.

Pro-Tip: Save your design settings so you can easily replicate the look for your Google Play code in the next step.

Step 3: Create Your Google Play QR Code

Next, we’ll repeat the process for your Android users.

  1. Return to qrcodesforfree.com. Since you don’t need an account, you can start fresh or simply clear the URL field.
  2. In the “Content” tab, paste your Google Play Store link into the URL field.
  3. Go to the “Design” tab. To maintain a consistent brand look, use the same colors and dot styles as your App Store code.
  4. For the logo, upload the Google Play Store logo image. This visual cue is vital for guiding Android users.
  5. Finally, download your new qr code for google play in your preferred format.

Where to Use Your Mobile App QR Codes

Once you have your two permanent QR codes, you can start implementing them in your marketing. Here are a few ideas:

  • Business Cards: A small, professional QR code on your card is a great conversation starter and an easy way for people to access your app.
  • Flyers and Posters: Place the QR codes side-by-side with the “Available on…” badges. This is a classic, effective way to get more downloads.
  • Packaging: If you have a physical product, putting a QR code on the packaging is a fantastic way to encourage users to download your companion app.
  • Brochures and Presentations: In a professional setting, a QR code allows an audience to instantly download your app while you’re talking about it.
  • Retail Signage: In-store displays can leverage a QR code to drive customers to your app for special offers or loyalty programs.

Conclusion: Get Your App in More Hands Today

Using a qr code for app download is a powerful, low-cost way to boost your app’s visibility and drive more installations. By creating two dedicated, custom QR codes for the App Store and Google Play, you are providing a simple and direct path for every user, regardless of their device. This strategy is not only more transparent and trustworthy but also completely free when you use a reliable tool.

Don’t let your marketing materials be a dead end. Empower your audience to discover your app with a simple scan. Our tool provides all the customization and high-resolution downloads you need, with none of the hidden fees or expiration dates.

Ready to get started? Create your free, permanent, and fully customized mobile app QR codes today. Visit our generator now and give your app the download boost it deserves. Create your free QR code here!