QR Code for Ticket Validation: Simplify Event Entry Operations

Imagine the day of your highly anticipated event—guests are arriving, and excitement fills the air. But at the entrance, confusion erupts. Duplicate tickets, unauthorized entries, and long wait times create chaos and weigh you down. If you’ve ever organized an event, you know this is the last thing you want. That’s why many organizers nowadays are turning to technologies like event ticket QR codes to ensure smooth operation.

In 2024, 47% of global event planners used QR codes. However, creating a seamless entry process also requires secure ticket validation methods which simplify ticket checking, improve security layers, and enhance the attendee experience.

This article will guide you through the essentials of using QR codes for ticket validation. Discover features like scan lock with account-based validation—all designed to help you deliver a smooth, secure, and stress-free event experience.

How does a QR code for ticket validation work?

A QR code for ticket validation involves scanning a unique, digitally generated code at the event entry point to verify the ticket’s authenticity. It works with a scan limit (number of times a QR code can be scanned). Once the maximum scan limit is reached, the QR code scan gets locked to prevent further scan/entry using the same ticket. 

Generally, QR code tickets get locked once scanned until and unless the event owner keeps the scan limit setting for multiple entries or purposes. 

Now, let’s explore one key feature you must know when creating a QR code for ticket validation, ‘Lock QR code’ using QRCodeChimp. 

Lock QR code: A feature to enable or disable scan limit

QRCodeChimp’s Lock QR Code feature for event tickets is vital to secure and validate only authorized entries. It allows event organizers to set scan limits and lock the scan once it reaches the limit. As an event owner, you can allow single or multiple scans for users depending on the event type, programs, and duration.

• Single scan lock: This lock is valid for one-time use only. Once scanned, the code becomes invalid and locked.
• Multiple scan lock: It allows multiple scans, making it ideal for events with multiple scan/entry points or multi-day passes.

If yes, recheck if you followed the same steps given below:

Steps to use lock QR code for ticket validation

First, log in to your QRCodeChimp account and navigate to ‘Dashboard.’

Step 1: Create/edit your event ticket
If you’re creating a new event ticket, fill in the required event-related fields. Otherwise, select the QR code for the event ticket you want to edit. Click the edit option, and you’ll see the landing page. 

Note: If you have created event tickets in bulk, click the “Go to Bulk QR Codes” button on the dashboard. Then, select the bulk event ticket file you want to edit. Click the edit option, and you’ll see the landing page. 

Step 2: Find the ‘Lock QR code’ feature
Go to the ‘Design/Settings’ tab and scroll down the page to find the ‘Lock QR code’ feature.

Step 3: Activate lock QR code
Click the lock QR code and keep the toggle on to activate the feature.

Step 4: Decide the scan limit
Set the maximum number of valid scans per user. After the maximum scan limit, the QR code will automatically lock, preventing further scans.

Step 5: Enable ‘Lock only when scanned from owner/sub-account’ toggle
Turn on this toggle to enable ticket validation when scanned from the owner or sub-accounts logged-in device.

Important Note: When the ‘lock QR code’ feature is enabled, ensure the ‘Lock only when scanned from owner/sub-account’ toggle is on. Otherwise, the ticket will lock after the set scan limit, even if scanned by any device.

Step 6: Display the event ticket information in the background post-lock
You can decide what information you want to display in the background for users once their QR code scan gets locked. In the heading and description, you can write like, “The ticket has already been claimed” or “Contact Customer Support.” 

Step 7: Save it
Once saved, you have successfully enabled the lock mechanism for your event ticket.

How does the QR code for validation work for the owner or sub-accounts?

The event owner or sub-account users can authorize attendees’ entry and activate the scan lock. Granting access to sub-account users is crucial to decentralizing operations, speeding up the check-ins, and maintaining the validation process.

Follow the steps below for owners to grant access to sub-account users:

Step 1: Go to ‘Dashboard’ and click the ‘sub-accounts’ option at the sidebar. 

Note: The sub-account option is available only for PRO and above plan users. 

Step 2: Click ‘Create a New Sub-account’ to add a sub-account user. 

Step 3: Fill in the information on the pop-up page, including names, emails, and other details, to create a login ID for your sub-account and select the access types. 

Note: We recommend keeping both access type options ‘personal’ to allow access only to the shared file.

Step 4: Click ‘submit’ to finally create the sub-account. Your sub-account users will receive an email notification.

Step 5: Go to ‘Dashboard’ and select the file you want to share with your sub-accounts. (For files created in bulk, find “Go to Bulk QR Codes” and click it.

Step 6: Click the three dots of the file you want to share and select ‘Share with Sub-accounts’). 

Step 7: Select the accounts (you can choose multiple sub-accounts) and click the ‘share’ button. 

Steps to access shared files by sub-account users

To access shared files, sub-account users must follow the given steps: 

Step 1: Open the email link to see the page asking to set a password. 

Step 2: Reset the password. 

Step 3: Use the login ID shared by the owner in the email and enter the new password. Sub-account users will see the shared file on the ‘Dashboard.’ 

Now, sub-account users can scan tickets using their smartphones and verify event tickets. Like the owner, sub-account users must remain logged in to QRCodeChimp accounts on their smartphones (or other devices used for scanning tickets) when scanning tickets. 

Once the maximum scan limit is reached, the scan lock display will appear on sub-account users’ smartphones at the following scan. However, users can still see the landing page and access all event information. 

Verifying the scan limit in the post-lock scenario

To confirm whether the ticket has been scanned, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Click the icon (three lines in a circle) on the scan lock display. You’ll see two options: Edit Page and View Analytics.

Step 2: Select ‘View Analytics.’ You’ll see information about total scans, devices used, and day-wise analysis. 

Benefits of using the scan lock feature for the owner

• Authorized entry: Scan lock prevents the reuse of the same ticket once the limit is exceeded, allowing only authorized entry. 
• Better event management: Accurate attendee count enables better seating, catering, and logistics management. 
• Gaining attendees’ trust: Enhancing security layers in event entry helps gain attendees’ trust.

Single and multiple scan lock: Which one to choose

Choosing the right scan lock setting can make all the difference in ensuring smooth and secure ticket validation. Here’s a clear breakdown of both options to help you decide what’s best for your event.

Feature	Single scan lock	Multiple scan lock
Scan validity	Invalid after the first scan	Valid for multiple scans
Best use case	One-time access events, such as concerts, movie screenings, seminars, or workshops	Multiple entry point events or those requiring re-entry, such as conferences, entertainment parks, or festivals
Key benefit	Maximum security by eliminating duplicate or shared tickets	Flexibility for attendees to enter multiple sessions
Examples	A concert that restricts entry to one scan per attendee.	A 3-day conference where attendees use the same QR code each day. OR, keeping a scan limit for three entries at the entrance, conference room, or lunch hall.

Conclusion

QR codes streamline ticket validation and entry management. These scannable tools help event organizers find a simplified, efficient, and secure solution that reduces fraud and human errors when managing attendee check-ins. With features like scan lock and the ability to manage multiple entry points, QR codes for ticket validation become indispensable for organizing events. 

Frequently asked questions