Phone-call QR code
TL;DR — A phone QR code encodes a tel: URL. Scanning brings up the dial pad with the number ready to call.
Tel URLs and one-tap dialling
tel:+15551234567 is the URI format. Phones recognise it and offer to call. iOS shows a banner with the formatted number; Android opens the dialer directly. Either way the user is one tap from the call.
Always use international format (+1...) so the QR works for visitors from other countries. Local-format numbers (like 5551234) only dial correctly within the same area code.
Where it makes sense
Anywhere you want a phone call instead of a form:
- Storefront windows ('Closed — call to schedule a fitting')
- Service businesses (plumbers, electricians, locksmiths) on flyers and vehicles
- Emergency contact info on equipment and tools
- Real-estate signs ('Call the listing agent')
- Business cards (instead of asking the recipient to type the number)
Frequently asked
Will tapping the QR auto-dial?
No — phones always require a confirmation tap before placing a call. This is intentional, to prevent malicious QRs from triggering pocket-dials.
Can the QR dial an extension?
Yes — encode the extension as part of the tel URL: tel:+15551234,,123 (the commas are pause-then-dial-tones).