Unique scan
A unique scan is the first scan from the same device within a set period. It estimates how many people saw your code, while total scans count every opening.
Updated September 24, 2026
Example
A guest scans the menu three times during dinner: 3 scans, 1 unique scan. Her husband scans once: 4 scans, 2 unique scans.
How QRTada counts it
At scan time, the IP address is truncated, combined with the browser identifier, then hashed with a key that changes every day. That recognizes the same device for 24 hours without storing any identifier, and without cookies. The next day the key changes, so two days can never be linked.
Why it matters
Total scans measure usage; unique scans measure reach. For a poster, the second tells you how many people it touched. More on the QR code analytics page.
Frequently asked questions
Do two people on the same phone count as one unique scan?
Yes, the method recognizes the device, not the person.
Why 24 hours?
It balances accuracy and privacy: the key changes daily, so no long-term tracking is possible.
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