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Can You Restrict Microsoft Forms Access to QR Code Users Only?

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can restrict access to a Microsoft Form so that only individuals who scan a specific QR code can open it, thereby preventing access via a copied or shared URL.

Can a Microsoft Forms URL Be Restricted to QR Code Users?

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Distributing a Microsoft Form using a QR code while attempting to enforce strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from opening the form via a direct web link.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms treats a QR code scan identically to a direct URL click, allowing anyone with the link to open the form based on the general sharing settings without enforcing QR-only access.

Before you start

Verify your current Microsoft Forms sharing settings and keep in mind that a QR code is fundamentally just a visual representation of a standard URL, meaning the link itself can still be copied.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Form Sharing Settings to Restrict Access

Since strict QR-code-only access is not currently supported by Microsoft, you must rely on standard audience sharing restrictions to control who can view and submit responses.

Microsoft Forms cannot verify if a user accessed the form specifically by scanning a QR code or by clicking a forwarded link. To prevent unauthorized access, adjust the form's target audience settings.

If your workflow heavily relies on this specific QR-only feature, Microsoft encourages users to submit direct feedback to their development team.

Open Sharing Settings

Open your form in Microsoft Forms and click the 'Collect responses' or 'Send' button located in the upper-right corner.

Adjust Audience Permissions

Change the primary access setting from 'Anyone can respond' to 'Only people in my organization can respond' or 'Specific people in my organization can respond'.

Access More Form Settings

To request the QR-only feature directly from Microsoft, click the three-dot menu icon (More form settings) in the upper-right corner.

Submit Feature Feedback

Select 'Feedback' from the dropdown menu, clearly type your suggestion regarding QR code restrictions, and submit the request.

Configure Form Sharing Settings to Restrict Access

URL Forwarding: Even with strict permissions applied, the URL can still be copied and shared. However, unauthorized users who click the forwarded link will be blocked from viewing the form if they do not meet your specified sharing criteria.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I generate a QR code for my Microsoft Form?

Click the 'Collect responses' or 'Send' button in the top right corner of your form. Select the QR code icon from the available sharing options and click 'Download' to save the image to your device for printing or sharing.

Can I track who submitted my Microsoft Form via the QR code?

While you cannot track whether they specifically used the QR code or the direct link, you can track their identity. If your sharing settings are set to 'Only people in my organization can respond' or 'Specific people', Microsoft Forms will automatically record the names and email addresses of the respondents.

Is there any way to prevent someone from forwarding a Microsoft Forms link?

You cannot physically prevent someone from copying and forwarding a URL. However, by restricting the sharing settings to 'Specific people' in your organization, you guarantee that even if the link is forwarded, unauthorized recipients will be denied access.

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