You want people to download your app. They're looking at your poster, flyer, or product packaging. Typing "search for MyApp on the App Store" is friction. A QR code takes them directly to the download page in one scan.
The challenge: iPhone users need the App Store link, Android users need the Google Play link. Here's how to handle both with one QR code.
The Problem: Two Stores, One QR Code
If you create a QR code with your App Store link, Android users land on a page they can't use. If you use the Google Play link, iPhone users hit a dead end.
You have three options:
Option 1: Smart Link (Recommended)
Use a service that detects the user's device and redirects to the correct store automatically. Several services offer this: Onelink (AppsFlyer), Adjust, Branch, or simpler tools like onelink.to.
The flow: scan QR → opens a redirect URL → service detects iOS vs Android → redirects to the correct store.
Create the smart link, then use that link for your QR code at qree.app. One QR code, both platforms handled.
Option 2: Landing Page
Create a simple landing page with buttons for both stores: "Download for iOS" and "Download for Android." The QR code links to this page. Users tap the right button.
This adds one extra tap but gives you full control. You can also add screenshots, reviews, and app description on the landing page.
Bonus: use this landing page for all app promotion (social media, email, print) so you have consistent analytics.
Option 3: Direct Link (One Platform)
If your audience is overwhelmingly on one platform (e.g., 90% iPhone), you can use the direct App Store link. But this should be a deliberate choice, not a lazy one — you're leaving the other 10% without a path.
Getting Your Store Links
App Store (iOS)
Find your app on the App Store (in a browser or in the app). Copy the URL:
https://apps.apple.com/app/yourapp/id1234567890
Google Play (Android)
Find your app on Google Play. Copy the URL:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yourcompany.yourapp
Create the QR Code
- Set up your smart link or landing page
- Go to qree.app
- Paste the smart link or landing page URL
- Customize — use your app's brand colors
- Download as PNG or SVG
Where to Use App Download QR Codes
Product Packaging
If your product has a companion app (smart home devices, fitness trackers, connected appliances), the QR code on the packaging is the primary onboarding path. The customer unboxes, scans, downloads, and starts setup.
This is the single most effective placement for app downloads because the user has just purchased and is motivated to set up.
Physical Advertising
Posters, billboards (pedestrian areas), transit ads, magazine ads. "Download our app — scan to install" with the QR code prominently displayed. The visual should show the app in action to give context.
Retail Stores
If your business has a customer app (loyalty, ordering, browsing), display the download QR at the register, on table tents, and at the entrance. Staff can point to it: "Download our app and earn points."
Business Cards and Brochures
If your app is your product (SaaS, social platform, utility), your business card QR can link to the download page instead of a website.
Events and Trade Shows
A large QR code at your booth with "Download and try it now" gets attendees to install the app while they're engaged. Combine with a demo or incentive: "Download and get 1 month free."
Email Signatures
A small QR code in your email signature: "Get our mobile app" — useful for B2B products where the sales conversation happens over email and the buyer needs to test the app.
Tracking Downloads from QR Codes
Use UTM parameters on your store link or smart link to track QR-sourced downloads:
https://onelink.to/yourapp?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=poster&utm_campaign=launch
This lets you see in your analytics (Firebase, AppsFlyer, Adjust) how many installs came from the QR code versus other channels. Create separate QR codes for each placement (packaging, poster, event) with different UTM campaigns to compare performance.
With dynamic QR codes from qree.app, you also see scan counts and geographic data — useful for understanding which markets have the most interest before the install even happens.
Tips
Show a phone screen. Next to the QR code, show a screenshot or mockup of the app on a phone. This gives visual context and makes the QR more compelling to scan.
Add store badges. Include the "Download on the App Store" and "Get it on Google Play" badges next to the QR code. These are universally recognized and signal what the QR leads to.
Test on both platforms. Scan the QR with both an iPhone and an Android phone. Make sure the redirect works correctly for both.
App Store Optimization first. The QR gets people to the store page — but the store page needs to convert. Make sure your app listing has good screenshots, reviews, and a clear description before promoting the QR.
Consider deep linking. If you want the QR to open a specific screen in the app (not just the download page), use deep links with a fallback to the store for users who don't have the app installed.
Create Your App Download QR Code
Go to qree.app, paste your smart link or landing page URL, and download your QR code.