Managing event check-in often feels more complicated than it should be. Between spreadsheets, printed badges, and check-in apps that glitch under pressure, the process can be stressful for organizers and frustrating for attendees.

There’s a better way. With a simple QR code for event check-in saved to an attendee’s mobile wallet, check-in becomes effortless. No app to install. No paper to print. Just tap to scan.

This isn’t just a trend. About 59% of consumers now scan a QR code daily, using it for payments, discounts, logins, and yes, event entry. With Badge, you can tap into this behavior and launch a complete, branded event check-in system using mobile wallet passes. No need for complex event check-in software.

Why QR Codes Are the Smartest Event Check-in Option

A standard event QR code is useful, but embedding that code inside a mobile wallet pass takes the experience further. Attendees no longer need to search through emails or open a check in app. Their pass is right where it needs to be: on the lock screen.

Here’s why wallet-based QR codes outperform traditional check-in methods:

• Frictionless access: Attendees scan their pass without opening an app or searching their inbox. No downloads or printed badges required.

• Dynamic QR code support: Codes can automatically update based on access rules, expire after use, or rotate to prevent screenshots and unauthorized reuse.

• Session and tier flexibility: Change a pass from General Admission to VIP without reissuing anything. Perfect for multi-day events or tiered experiences.

• Contextual, personalized experiences: 79% of businesses use dynamic QR codes to trigger personalized content based on time, behavior, or location, ideal for session reminders, sponsor messages, or zone-based alerts.

• First-party data collection: With third-party cookies phasing out, QR-based check-ins offer a privacy-respecting way to log attendance, understand behavior, and power follow-ups.

When combined with mobile wallets, these capabilities turn the QR code from a static access point into a real-time engagement tool that works for both attendees and organizers.

What You Can Build with Badge

The real impact comes from delivering a smooth, branded check-in experience, and that’s where Badge comes in. Whether you’re organizing a conference, concert, brand activation, or multi-day summit, Badge gives you the tools to launch fast, engaging, and trackable access with mobile wallet passes. No custom apps. No patchwork systems. Just a modern way to manage your event from the lock screen.

With Badge’s mobile wallet event pass infrastructure, you can create:

• Branded event badges with embedded, scannable QR codes that live inside Apple Wallet or Google Wallet

• Wallet passes tied to individual attendee identities, complete with metadata like ticket tier, session access, or group affiliation

• Access-controlled check-in, set permissions by session, zone, or day (e.g., “VIP Lounge,” “Day 2 Only,” “Speaker Access”)

• Dynamic QR code generation that auto-rotates or expires codes to prevent misuse and allow real-time updates without reissuing passes

• Reusable pass templates, so you can build once and deploy across dozens of events or registration types in just a few clicks

On the backend, Badge supports real-time check-in tracking via webhooks. Every scan is logged with a timestamp and associated with the unique pass ID, giving you clear visibility into who arrived, when, and where. You can use this data to personalize in-event messaging, power automated follow-ups, or sync with your CRM.

Step-by-Step Guide: Create Event Badges with QR Codes in 30 Minutes

With Badge, creating a fully branded, QR-powered event check-in system takes less than half an hour—no dev team required. Whether you're organizing a small seminar or a multi-day festival, the setup process is fast, flexible, and built to scale.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose an Event Pass Template

Start with one of Badge’s prebuilt templates designed specifically for event check-ins. These templates include best-practice layouts for displaying key info like event name, attendee identity, QR code, and access level. You can also build your own custom layout using the Badge designer.

Step 2: Upload Your Attendee List or Connect a Database

You can manually upload a CSV file with attendee details or integrate your backend using Badge’s API. Each attendee will be issued a unique pass tied to their name, email, or other identifier.

Step 3: Select the QR Code Value

Choose what your event QR code will encode—common options include passId, ticket number, or a custom field like registrationId. Badge automatically generates unique QR codes for each pass based on your selection.

Step 4: Customize Branding, Access Rules, and Expiration

Update the design to match your brand, colors, logo, and background. Then define access parameters such as session type (e.g., VIP, General Admission), valid dates, or expiration timing. You can even include metadata fields like seating, day passes, or group access.

Step 5: Publish and Distribute

Once your passes are ready, publish them and send via email, SMS, or embeddable link. Attendees can instantly save them to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. No app downloads needed.

Bonus: Turn Scans into Real-Time Check-In Logs

Badge makes it easy to log every check-in in real time using the built-in scan.webhook. When an attendee scans their pass, Badge’s scan webhook logs the event instantly. Each check-in is tied to the pass ID, timestamp, and location.

You can use this data to:

• Monitor check-in activity in real time

• Understand attendee flow across sessions or venues

• Trigger automated follow-ups or in-event messaging

• Sync attendance with your CRM or event platform

There is no need for extra devices or separate event check-in software. Everything works through the mobile wallet and Badge’s backend.

Better Check-ins in Less Time With Badge

Event check-ins don’t need to be painful. With QR codes and mobile wallet passes, you can offer attendees the seamless, app-free experience they already expect—while giving your team the tools to move fast, track in real time, and stay on brand.

Badge makes it simple. From dynamic QR codes to real-time scan tracking, everything you need to modernize your event check-in system is ready to go—no code, no delays.

👉 Talk to our team or explore our full Event Pass Guide to see what’s possible.

Badge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is QR code event check-in and how does it work with Badge?

QR code event check-in is a fast, contactless way for attendees to enter an event by scanning a unique QR code, typically saved in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. With Badge, you can create branded event passes that embed dynamic QR codes, eliminating the need for paper tickets, manual lists, or dedicated check-in apps. Attendees simply show their wallet pass at the door and scan to check in.

Why use mobile wallet QR codes for event check-in instead of traditional methods?

Mobile wallet QR codes streamline the check-in process for both organizers and attendees. Passes saved in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet appear on the lock screen for instant access, so there is no need to search through emails or install extra apps. QR codes can be dynamic, rotating or expiring as needed, and pass details can update in real time without reissuing tickets. This creates a frictionless, secure, and highly personalized entry experience.

How do I create a QR code for event check-in with Badge?

To set up a QR code event check-in system with Badge:

1. Choose a prebuilt or custom event pass template.

2. Upload your attendee list (CSV) or connect your database using Badge’s API.

3. Set what your QR code will encode, such as passId or ticket number.

4. Customize branding, access rules, and expiration settings.

5. Publish and distribute wallet passes via email, SMS, or link. Attendees can instantly add the pass to their mobile wallet for check-in.

Can Badge’s QR codes prevent misuse or unauthorized entry at events?

Yes. Badge supports dynamic QR codes that can automatically update, expire after use, or rotate to prevent screenshots and sharing. You can set access controls by session, zone, or day, and even upgrade or downgrade access without reissuing passes. This keeps your event secure while making check-in seamless.

How does Badge handle real-time check-in tracking and attendee data?

Every QR code scan is instantly logged with a timestamp and pass ID using Badge’s scan webhook. This gives organizers real-time visibility into who checked in, when, and where. You can use this data to monitor attendance, understand event flow, trigger automated follow-ups, or sync with your CRM, all without extra devices or software.

Do I need to build an app or use special hardware for QR code check-in with Badge?

No app development or extra hardware is required. Badge works directly with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes. Attendees scan their pass at the entry point using any standard QR code scanner or camera. The entire system can be set up and managed from Badge’s dashboard or API.

Can I customize the event pass design and what information is displayed?

Yes. Badge lets you fully customize event passes with your logo, brand colors, background, and event information. You can include attendee names, ticket tiers such as VIP or General Admission, session details, and custom metadata like group affiliation or special access.

What types of events can use Badge for QR code check-in?

Badge works for any event type, including conferences, concerts, trade shows, brand activations, workshops, and multi-day festivals. The system is flexible enough to support single or multi-session events, tiered access, and complex permissions.

How fast can I set up QR code event check-in with Badge?

You can launch a complete QR code event check-in system in under 30 minutes, with no technical team or coding required. Badge provides ready-to-use templates, an intuitive dashboard, and easy attendee import to make setup fast and scalable.

How do I distribute QR code event passes to attendees?

After creating your event passes in Badge, you can distribute them by email, SMS, or an embeddable download link. Attendees receive a link to save their unique pass directly into Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, with no app install required.