How to set up a QR code queue in 10 minutes (no app needed)

A QR code queue lets people join your line by scanning a code with their phone camera. No app, no account, no paper list. Here's how to set one up in about ten minutes.

What you need

• A free Calnify account
• A phone, tablet or laptop for whoever runs the queue
• A printer, or a screen by the door

Step 1: Create the service

In Services, select New service. Give it a name people will recognise, such as "Drop-in advice" or "Walk-ins". Pick a typical length; it's used to estimate waits, not to cut anyone off.

Step 2: Turn on walk-ins

Open the Walk-ins tab and switch on Run a walk-in queue for this service. Then choose:

• Queue hours. Whenever staff are working, or set hours such as Sundays 12:00 to 13:30.
• Most people waiting at once. Optional. Useful if you know you can only see 20 people in a session.
• Time kept for walk-ins. If the same service is also bookable, keep a percentage of time free for people who turn up.

If you only want a queue, switch off Let people book ahead in the Availability tab.

Step 3: Print the QR code

Go to Booking page. Each walk-in service has its own QR code. Select Print for a poster with the code and a short instruction, or Download PNG to add it to your own design.

Put it where people arrive: on the door, at the welcome desk, on the screen at the end of a service.

Step 4: Open the waiting-room screen (optional)

Under the QR code is a link to the waiting-room display. Open it on a TV or spare laptop. It shows numbers only, never names, so it's safe in a public space.

Step 5: Run the queue

On Home, the queue appears beside today's appointments. When you're ready:

1. Tap Call next. The person's phone shows that it's their turn.
2. Tap Start when they sit down, and Complete when they leave.
3. Use Skip if someone doesn't come forward, or Add walk-in for someone without a phone.

Need a break? Pause stops new people joining and shows a message to everyone waiting.

Tips from real queues

• Say what the number means. "Scan to get a number. We'll call you by number, not by name."
• Keep the wait honest. If you're full for today, close the queue early. People will be offered a later appointment.
• Ask for less. A first name is usually enough. You can make every field optional.
• Have a fallback. A volunteer with a tablet can add anyone who can't scan.

Create your free queue.