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QR Code Scavenger Hunt Generator

A QR code scavenger hunt is a game in which players scan hidden QR codes that reveal the next clue, usually as text stored in the code. Text QR codes work offline, so hunts run in parks and basements without phone signal. Type each clue below and download one code per stop.

Type a clue for this stop
Up to about 300 characters keeps the code easy to scan.
Fill in the required fields to preview your Text QR code.

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Phones read this code directly, so it has no scan count.

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How do you make a QR code for scavenger hunts?
A visitor scans a QR code on an outdoor trail post
QR codes on trail posts turn a walk into a self-guided hunt, one scan per stop. Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
You make a QR code for scavenger hunts in 5 steps with the free generator above.
  1. Write the route: list each hiding place and the clue that leads to the next one.
  2. Type the first clue in the field above and download the code.
  3. Repeat for every stop, naming files in order (clue-1, clue-2…).
  4. Print each code at 3 × 3 cm or larger and hide it at its stop.
  5. Walk the route once and scan every code before the players start.
How does a QR code scavenger hunt work?
Players scan a code, read the clue it reveals, find the next hiding place, and repeat until the final code.
Text QR codes display the clue directly on the phone screen. Link codes can open videos or photos, but they need mobile data.
What are good QR code scavenger hunt ideas?
Popular formats include 4 setups: birthday treasure hunts, classroom review quests, office team building and museum or campus tours.
QR code scavenger hunt formats
FormatPlayersClue type
Birthday treasure huntKids aged 6–12Riddles leading to rooms
Classroom review questStudentsQuestions; answer reveals next location
Team buildingAdults in teamsPuzzles and photo tasks
Campus or museum tourVisitorsFacts about each stop
How long can a scavenger hunt clue be?
A clue can be up to 2,953 bytes, but clues under 150 characters keep codes small and fast to scan.
Scavenger hunts QR code FAQ
Do players need an app for a QR scavenger hunt?
No. iPhone and Android cameras display text QR codes without an app.
Can a QR code scavenger hunt work without internet?
Yes. Text QR codes store the clue inside the code, so no signal is needed.
How do I stop players skipping ahead?
Hide each code at the location its previous clue describes, so players cannot find code 3 without solving clue 2.
Is a QR scavenger hunt free to make?
Yes. Text QR codes on QRJiffy are free with no scan limit, because the clue sits inside the code itself.
QR code types used for scavenger hunts
4 QR code types cover most scavenger hunts uses: Text QR code, Link QR code, Image QR code and Google Maps QR code.


Text QR codeShow a short message on screen, even with no signal

Link QR codeOpen any web address in the scanner’s browser

Image QR codeShow a photo, picture or album on the scanner’s screen

Google Maps QR codeOpen an address or pin in Maps with directions
Further reading: How to print a QR code · QR codes for other uses