Does a dynamic QR code work without internet access?
Not for the redirect. The phone can recognise the QR pattern offline, but a dynamic QR code must contact the redirect server and then load its destination, which requires a network connection.
Explanation
Scanning and loading the content are two different steps.
The camera can decode the QR pattern locally. But a dynamic QR code contains a short URL, so the phone must contact the online service to find out where that URL currently redirects.
The same is true for a static QR code that points to a website: the pattern can be read offline, but the page cannot load without connectivity.
By contrast, some static QR codes that directly contain text, contact details or Wi-Fi information can be read without internet access.
Concrete example
In a basement with no mobile signal, a dynamic QR code for a restaurant menu may be recognised by the camera, but the web page will only load once the connection is restored.
Common mistake
Scanning without internet does not mean accessing web content without internet. Check whether your use case needs to work completely offline.
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