How a WhatsApp QR code works
The code contains an official WhatsApp click-to-chat link (wa.me). When someone scans it, WhatsApp opens a chat with your number. They don't need to save you as a contact first. If you add a message, it's already typed in, so they just tap send.
Great for small businesses
- Take orders and bookings straight from flyers and posters
- Add it to packaging and receipts for customer support
- Put it on your shop window for out-of-hours enquiries
- Use different pre-filled messages to see which flyer brought customers in
Tip: always include your full international number with the country code, but without leading zeros, dashes or brackets. We clean those up for you.
Writing the pre-filled message
- Make it the first line of the conversation you want: “Hi, I’d like to book a table for”.
- Mention where the code was, so you know which flyer or sign works: “Hi, I saw your poster at the station”.
- Keep it short. The message is part of the code, and long messages make it denser.
Number format
WhatsApp links need the number in full international format, digits only. Start with the country code, then the number without its leading zero. A UK mobile 07700 900123 becomes 447700900123, and a US number (555) 123-4567 becomes 15551234567. The tool removes spaces, dashes, brackets and the plus sign, but it can’t add a missing country code, so always type it.
Business tips
- A WhatsApp Business account lets you set a greeting, away messages and quick replies for common questions.
- Print your opening hours near the code, so people know when to expect a reply.
- Test the code from a phone that doesn’t have your number saved, to see what a customer sees.
Privacy
The code is made in your browser. Your number and message are not uploaded to us. Once someone scans it, the chat happens in WhatsApp, under WhatsApp’s own privacy policy.