QR Codes for How-To Guides: Instant Help at Every Appliance

January 10, 2026 · 6 min read · by HostGuide Team

Take your How-To Guides to the next level. Generate QR codes for each guide, print and stick them on appliances, and watch guest questions disappear completely.

New Feature: Every How-To Guide item now gets its own QR code. Print them, stick them on appliances, and watch guest questions disappear.

Haven't set up How-To Guides yet? Start with our comprehensive guide: How How-To Guides Cut Communication Overhead by 80%

The Problem: Guests Can't Find the Right Guide

You've created beautiful How-To Guides. You've added photos, step-by-step instructions, even videos. But here's what happens at 2 AM when a guest can't figure out the heat pump:

  1. Guest opens guidebook on their phone
  2. Scrolls through welcome message, check-in, amenities...
  3. Finds "How-To Guides" section
  4. Scrolls through coffee machine, TV, dishwasher...
  5. Finally finds "Heating & Air Conditioning"
  6. By now they're frustrated and might just message you anyway

The friction isn't the guide itself—it's finding the right guide at the right moment.

The Solution: QR Codes on Every Appliance

Imagine a small QR code sticker next to your heat pump remote. Guest is confused? They scan it with their phone camera and instantly see the step-by-step guide for that specific appliance—no searching, no scrolling.

😤 Without QR Codes

  • Guest must remember guidebook exists
  • Navigate to the right section manually
  • 5+ taps/scrolls to find the right guide
  • Friction leads to messaging you instead

😊 With QR Codes

  • QR code right on the appliance
  • One scan opens the exact guide needed
  • Works even at 2 AM when tired
  • Zero friction = zero messages

How It Works

HostGuide automatically generates a unique QR code and deep link for each How-To Guide item. Here's how to use them:

Three Ways to Share

1 Download & Print QR Code

Download as PNG, print on sticker paper, and place next to each appliance. Guests scan with any phone camera.

2 Copy Deep Link

Get the direct URL to that specific guide. Perfect for sending in messages or adding to your welcome email.

3 Share in Guest Messages

If a guest does ask about an appliance, send them the direct link—one tap opens the full guide with photos and instructions.

Best Placement Ideas for QR Codes

Strategic placement makes all the difference. Put QR codes where guests will see them when they need help:

☕ Coffee Machine

Place QR sticker on the front of the machine or on the counter next to it. Include a small label: "Scan for instructions"

📺 TV & Remote

Stick QR code on the back of the TV remote or on the entertainment unit. "Need help with streaming? Scan here"

🌡️ Thermostat / Heat Pump

Place near the wall thermostat or heat pump remote. Temperature questions are common—make help instantly accessible.

🧺 Washer & Dryer

On the front of each machine, or on the wall above. Include detergent location and cycle recommendations.

💡 Pro Tip: The "Welcome Card"

Create a small card with all your How-To Guide QR codes in one place. Put it on the kitchen counter or coffee table.

Guests can scan any code they need without hunting around the property. It's like a table of contents—but instant.

How to Generate Your QR Codes

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Go to Your Guidebook Editor

    Open the guidebook you want to add QR codes to

  2. 2

    Navigate to How-To Guides Section

    Each How-To Guide item shows a QR code icon and link icon

  3. 3

    Click the QR Code Icon

    A modal opens showing the QR code for that specific guide

  4. 4

    Download PNG or Copy Link

    Download for printing, or copy the link for digital sharing

  5. 5

    Print and Place

    Use sticker paper or small labels, place near each appliance

Printing Tips

Recommended Size

Print QR codes at 2.5cm x 2.5cm (1 inch) minimum. Larger is better for older guests or low-light areas.

Paper Options

Use Avery labels or similar sticker paper. For wet areas (near sinks), use waterproof labels.

Add Context

Print a small label like "Scan for help" or "How to use" next to the QR code so guests know what it's for.

Test First

Before placing, test each QR code with your phone to make sure it links to the right guide.

Ready to Make Your Guides Scannable?

Every HostGuide How-To Guide automatically includes QR codes and deep links. Generate, download, and print in seconds.

Related Reading

Learn more about How-To Guides and reducing guest messages: How How-To Guides Cut Communication Overhead by 80%