Now that many are rediscovering the use of QR codes to check menus in restaurants and cafes, why not take advantage of this technology at home? Here are several ideas for using QR codes at home and, of course, how to read and create your own.
What are QR codes
QR codes are nothing new. They were invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, and since then they have been used to a greater or lesser extent. But before going any further, what exactly is a QR code?
If for some reason you're still not clear on it, QR codes are a matrix of dots or two-dimensional barcode capable of storing various types of information. For example, you can store information related to a web address, email address, or simple plain text.
QR codes admit different versions depending on the number of modules that make up the matrix. That means it can go from 1 to 10, which would result in matrices from 21 x 21 modules minimum to 177 x 177 maximum.
With multiple customization options, including the use of colors and gradients, reading these codes requires a QR code reader . This is no longer a problem, because since the advent of smartphones, anyone can use their camera to do so through apps that are often pre-installed, such as Google Lens or the native camera app. Even so, some users are surprised when they discover how to read one of these codes using a device they always carry in their pocket and learn the information they contain.
Anyway, now that you know what QR codes are, the next step is learning how to create them . To do this, simply use one of the many online services available. Some of the options you'll see below allow you to generate your own code with information as varied as website links, map locations, email addresses, plain text, Wi-Fi passwords, vCards, and more.
These services are some of the most popular you can find, but there are many more. Even applications to use locally, without the need for an internet connection. But this is still more comfortable than having to swim making unnecessary installations.
Ideas to take advantage of QR codes at home
You already know what QR codes are and how to generate them, but now you need ideas. So, here are some practical uses for QR codes that could help you perform certain actions at home, look up information, and more. And yes, they can also be useful for visitors.
Share Wi-Fi network password for guests
Many internet service providers started using QR codes on stickers placed on their routers to make it easier for users to access the default Wi-Fi network. However, since you'll typically change the network name and password, a code you generate yourself will allow you to easily access, primarily, your guest Wi-Fi network.
So, configure your network, access a service that allows this option and create your QR code to access your Wi-Fi network for guests. Then, put that code in a visible place when you enter the house or salon. In short, the most common places where your guests will be.
Important information
If you need to have important information readily available , especially if it's extensive, QR codes are the best solution. A link pointing to a website, PDF document, or plain text will give you easy access to all that data.
It does not have to be something of life or death either, but you can use it to have the telephone numbers of establishments that you usually go to on a regular basis, health or security services, etc. These last examples can be interesting if you rent your house or receive guests on a regular basis.
Catalog the contents of boxes, cabinets and much more
The idea of ​​using QR codes to access all the contents stored in a box, cabinet, or other location is one of the most interesting. If these are places that are difficult to access, either because they are in a different location or because they are bulky boxes placed in awkward spots, create a QR code to catalog the contents.
In this way, when you need to know what is inside or if what you are looking for is there, you will only have to read the QR code and clear up any doubts. Goodbye to going down to the storage room to find out if that photo album, tool or whatever is there or not. Of course, you have to be disciplined and keep the record updated.
Sending predefined messages
With a QR code, you can also create an action to send a pre-recorded or predefined message . It might seem unnecessary, but there will be times when it's quite the opposite. Here, as always, it's a matter of seeing if and how you can take advantage of the idea.
If you live with people with possible disabilities it can be interesting. Also if you rent your house and you want to make it easier for your tenants to contact you in emergency or need situations.
Tell stories
Just as you can use QR codes to link to a website , why not use them to tell stories? For example, if you print photos, you could add a code that links to the Instagram post where you commented on that photo, describing what you were doing, feeling, or whatever.
This, which is used so much in art galleries to expand information about the work, is something that you can replicate at home for your own personal stories. That way they will never be forgotten and those who see it will be able to know what happened at that moment.
Instruction manual for your electrical appliances
For those wondering "where did I put the instruction manual?", QR codes can be a lifesaver. Create laminated stickers and attach them with the QR code that links to the PDF instruction manual on the manufacturer's website or one you've downloaded and saved on your own server or cloud storage.
You will never have problems again, nor will anyone who needs to consult things such as the operation of the washing machine, etc.
QR codes at home, more useful than they seem
As you can see, these are some ideas, mixing them together and combining them with other technologies you can achieve many interesting things at home. It's all about experimenting and rethinking ideas. But knowing how easy it is to create them and read them through a device that we always carry with us, it is worth not thinking about it and start using them.