SMS QR code generator

One scan opens a text message to your number with the words already typed. Ideal for keyword opt-ins, competitions, bookings and quick support.

Colors
Style
Shape
Dots
Corners
Logo
Your logo stays on your device. Error correction is set to maximum automatically.
Advanced
Grid
…
Error correction
…
Smallest print
…
Capacity used
…

Made in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

How to use it

  1. Enter the phone number that should receive the text, ideally with the country code.
  2. Type the message you want pre-filled, for example a keyword like “JOIN”.
  3. Customize the design and download PNG or SVG.
  4. When scanned, the messaging app opens ready to send.

Popular uses for SMS QR codes

  • Text-to-join: sign people up to SMS updates with a keyword.
  • Competitions and voting: “Text WIN to enter”.
  • Bookings and callbacks: “Please call me back about…”.
  • Feedback: quick ratings from customers on receipts and tables.

The text is never sent automatically. The person always sees the message and chooses to send it. Standard messaging rates may apply for them.

How an SMS QR code works

The code contains your phone number and message in the SMSTO: format that phone cameras recognise. Scanning it opens the Messages app with a new text to your number and your words already typed. The person can change the text, and nothing is sent until they press send.

SMS, WhatsApp or email?

  • SMS works on every phone, with no app and no internet connection, and reaches a normal mobile number or an SMS service. Good for keywords, short replies and quick bookings.
  • WhatsApp suits ongoing conversations, photos and customers who already use it. See the WhatsApp QR code generator.
  • Email suits longer requests and anything with attachments. See the email QR code generator.

Writing the message

  • For keyword campaigns, put only the keyword: JOIN, WIN or MENU. Your SMS service matches it.
  • For bookings and callbacks, start the sentence and let them finish it: “Hi, I’d like to book a table for ”.
  • Keep it short. A long message makes a denser code.

Rules for text marketing

If the code signs people up to marketing texts, many countries require clear consent and an easy way to stop, such as replying STOP. Print what people are signing up for next to the code, and check the rules where you operate.

Test it

Scan the code with an iPhone and an Android phone if you can, check that the number and message are right, and send a test text to yourself.

Questions

Does it work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. The built-in camera on both iPhone and Android recognizes SMS QR codes and opens the Messages app.

Will the message send automatically?

No. It is only pre-filled; the person taps send themselves.

Should I include the country code?

Yes, if people may scan it from abroad. For local use, a normal local number works too.

Does it work without mobile data or Wi‑Fi?

Yes. Scanning the code and opening the message happen on the phone, and the text is sent over the normal mobile network. No internet connection is needed.

Can I use the code for a short code or SMS service?

Yes. Enter the short code as the number and your keyword as the message, for example JOIN. The person’s carrier rates apply when they send it.

Can I change the number or message later?

No. Both are stored in the code, so make a new code if they change. Codes are free, so you can make one for each campaign.

Try another tool

Buy me a coffee