Have you heard about QR Codes as doorbells? If not, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll share with you another great way to use QR Codes – QR Bell!
Whether you own or rent a home, or you occupy an office space, or you have a store, you will benefit from devices that can signal that someone is at your door. And with QR Codes to serve as your very own virtual front desk at a more affordable cost, you have a solution right at your fingertips.
QR Bells: What are They?
QR Bells are doorbells that are powered by QR Code technology. It allows any person at your front door to communicate with you simply by scanning a QR Code using their smartphone camera. As long as the phone of your guest or delivery person has a QR Code scanner, they can easily find ways to reach you.
In QR Cloud, QR Bells can be made using the QR Page feature. QR Pages are mobile-optimized landing pages that serve as the backbone for your dynamic QR Codes. We will not be discussing QR Pages in depth in this article, but if you’re interested to know more about this feature, we have published a great article that will guide you on how to use them.
Your QR Page becomes the link that you encode on your QR Code. Once someone scans your QR Bell, they will be directed to the landing page you have designed. From here, they can find ways to contact you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of QR-powered Doorbells
Using QR Codes as doorbells offer a long list of advantages and some disadvantages. To help you decide if QR Bells are good for you or your business, let’s check these lists.
QR Doorbells: The Advantages
- Wireless. QR Bells don’t need any complicated installation. This means no need for special equipment, wirings, and trained personnel when installing them. All it is is a QR Code printed on a small sheet of paper!
- Electricity and WiFi are not required. Since QR Codes are wireless, they do not require electricity or WiFi to function. All you need is your smartphone camera that can scan QR Codes and you’re good to go. You don’t even have to replace batteries because, well, they are not battery operated!
- Budget friendly. Because all you need is your QR Code printed on paper (and perhaps framed in acrylic or laminated to extend their lifespan), your new doorbell doesn’t cost so much. This is in comparison to smart doorbells that also require electricity, internet, storage, and regular software updates.
- Editable. The best feature of dynamic QR Codes is that the contents can be modified anytime without the need to generate a new QR Code.
- Respond wherever you are. You don’t even have to be in the vicinity to answer your front door since all you need is your phone to receive their messages and calls. You can definitely tell them to leave your parcel to your trusted neighbor (make sure you’ve told them before) or arrange delivery at another schedule.
- Contactless. Although the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic are decreasing, it is still beneficial to continue contactless transactions. Compared to traditional doorbells, your guests no longer have to push a button that… who knows who touched what before them?
- Trackable. Dynamic QR Codes can provide you data analytics that will show you the number of scans, which we can translate to more or less the number of visitors you’ve had when you’re away.
QR Doorbells: The Disadvantages
- Can’t run without a QR Code scanner. Most people nowadays have smartphones, so it surprised me that not all phones are capable of reading QR Codes! But it turns out that that is sometimes the case. So, those people whose phones can’t scan QR Code still can’t use them.
- In the case of QR Cloud, those who scan your code can see your contact details. It would be better if your visitors cannot see your private information, but
- Finally, just like traditional doorbells, QR Codes can be prone to pranks. But then, that’s part of every front door situation since the beginning. At least this time, you also know their instant messaging account or phone number.
How to Create a QR Bell with QR Cloud
To date, there are a small number of companies that specialize in QR doorbells that can create customized QR Bells for your home or business. Some of them come with an app – literally your virtual front door – through which you can answer your doorbell. But what if you don’t want an app?
If this is the case, or if you’d rather create a QR Bell with your existing subscription on QR Cloud, we have a neat option.
One great thing about creating your own with QR Pages instead of buying a pre-made one is that you can print your QR Bell multiple times as an easy solution to wear and tear concerns.
Step 1. Set up the QR Page for your QR Bell
The first thing you have to do is set up your mobile-optimized QR Page. Here’s a brief walkthrough:
- On your QR Cloud dashboard, tap “Total QR Pages”. This redirects you to all the QR Pages you have created. Tap “Create Link”. On the pop up, type in the name you want for your doorbell QR Page and tap “Create QR Page”. (Don’t worry if you change your mind since you can edit this shortly.)
- Manage the settings of your QR Page. Here, you can change the background color, experiment with fonts, or toggle with branding. Don’t forget to click Save!
- Next, tap “Blocks”. From here, you can add your logo, a heading, and a paragraph to identify yourself to your delivery rider or guest.
- For each contact link, use the URL block. Paste the direct link to your instant messaging account, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger. Or if you want to enable phone calls to your phone number as well, use tel: (tel:123456789). If you want to receive SMS, simply replace tel: with sms: (sms:123456789) and you’re good to go.
- Customize according to your preferences and tap “Update”.
Once you’re satisfied with how your QR Page looks and it passes your required test scan, you’re done!
Step 2. Generate your QR Code
Next, generate your QR Code. All you have to do is copy the URL of your fresh QR Page and create a new QR Code.
Now, you can download your QR Code and prepare it for printing.
Step 3. Design and Post
Now, all that’s left to do is design your QR Bell and post it outside your gate, door, office building, or store. Make sure to add your identification and a short instruction so your delivery drivers and guests know exactly what to do.
Voila! You now have a virtual doorbell that you can access anywhere.
Enjoy peace of mind because you can now answer your front door from any location. If you want to try if QR Bells using QR Pages are the perfect option for your lifestyle, sign up for QR Cloud’s 7-day risk-free trial.
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