Still checking names off a printed list at the entrance? You’re not alone — but there’s a better way. Setting up a QR code ticket scanner for WordPress used to mean expensive third-party apps, complicated integrations, or paying per-ticket fees to platforms like Eventbrite. With the right plugin, your entire check-in workflow lives inside WordPress — and your team can be scanning tickets in under five minutes.
This guide walks you through exactly how to do it using Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner, a free WordPress plugin that handles ticket generation, QR codes, and mobile scanning without requiring a separate app.
[SCREENSHOT: Scanner interface open on a mobile phone browser, green “Valid” confirmation on screen]
The problem isn’t that your event is too small for a real ticketing system — it’s that most ticketing solutions are built for large-scale platforms, not for WordPress site owners who want to own their workflow.
Paper lists get lost. Manual name lookups slow down queues. Shared spreadsheets break when two staff members edit them at once. And if you’re relying on a third-party ticketing platform just to get QR code check-in, you’re handing over a cut of every sale and losing control of your customer data.
The alternative? A qr code ticket scanner for WordPress that runs directly in your site, generates QR codes automatically on purchase, and lets your door team scan from any mobile browser — with no extra software.
Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner is a free WordPress plugin that turns any WooCommerce product into a scannable event ticket. When a customer completes checkout, they receive a unique QR code tied to their order. That code is what your team scans at the door.
There’s no separate scanning app to install, no third-party dashboard to log into, and no per-ticket fees taken from your revenue. The scanner runs inside the plugin itself — accessible from any mobile browser.
Here’s what the check-in flow looks like in practice:
[SCREENSHOT: Valid ticket scan — green confirmation screen with ticket details]
The scanner is also installable as a Progressive Web App (PWA). Tap “Add to Home Screen” in the mobile browser and it appears as a full-screen app icon — no App Store, no Play Store, no installation friction.
Setup is straightforward and requires no coding. Here’s how to go from a fresh install to scanning tickets at the door.
Step 1: Install the plugin
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New and search for “Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner.” Install and activate the free version from WordPress.org.
[SCREENSHOT: WordPress plugin search results showing Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner]
Step 2: Create a ticket list
Navigate to Event Tickets → Ticket Lists and create a new list for your event. Give it a name and configure the details — this is where your ticket quota and settings live.
[SCREENSHOT: Ticket List creation screen inside the Event Tickets admin menu]
Step 3: Enable ticket sales on a WooCommerce product
Open any existing WooCommerce product (or create a new one). In the product data panel, you’ll find a new “Ticket Sales” option added by the plugin. Enable it and link it to the ticket list you just created.
[SCREENSHOT: WooCommerce product edit screen with Ticket Sales panel enabled]
Step 4: Open the scanner on your phone
Go to Event Tickets → Scanner in the dashboard to find the scanner link. Open that link on your mobile device. To install it as a PWA, tap your browser’s share icon and select “Add to Home Screen.”
[SCREENSHOT: Scanner PWA installation prompt on iOS Safari]
That’s the complete setup. When customers scan their QR code, the scanner validates it against your ticket list in real time — and marks it as used so it can’t be scanned a second time.
The scanner interface is designed for real-world event conditions — not for a quiet office. Here’s what makes it practical:
For events where multiple staff members need scanner access at the same time, the Premium version adds team scanner access via auth tokens — meaning your staff can use the scanner without a WordPress login. This is especially useful for larger events where you want to hand the scanner link to volunteers or part-time door staff without giving them access to your WordPress admin.
[SCREENSHOT: Scanner showing red invalid result for a duplicate scan attempt]
The free version of Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner covers everything most events need for basic QR code check-in:
The Premium version extends the scanner setup for teams and higher-volume events:
If you’re running a community fundraiser or a small concert, the free version is fully functional. If you’re coordinating a door team with multiple people scanning simultaneously, Premium’s auth token access removes the friction of managing WordPress user accounts for every staff member.
Setting up a qr code ticket scanner for WordPress doesn’t require expensive SaaS platforms, per-ticket fees, or complicated integrations. Event Tickets with Ticket Scanner gives you the complete workflow — from ticket generation to door scanning — inside your existing WordPress and WooCommerce setup.
The free version is available now on WordPress.org and takes under five minutes to configure. For team scanner access, custom PDF tickets, and advanced features, the Premium version is available in the Vollstart shop.