SMS QR code generator
TL;DR — An SMS QR code encodes an sms: URL with a recipient phone number and an optional pre-filled message body. Scanning opens the texting app with the recipient and body ready.
How SMS QRs work
The QR encodes sms:+15551234567?body=Hello — when scanned, the phone opens its default messaging app (iMessage on iOS, Messages on Android) with the recipient and body pre-filled. The user taps send.
On iOS this becomes an iMessage if the recipient is on iMessage; otherwise SMS. On Android it goes through whichever messaging app the user has set as default. Either way, a one-scan path to a pre-filled text.
Common use cases
SMS QRs are a low-friction alternative to website forms when you want a quick reply:
- Restaurant 'text us your reservation' tables
- Real-estate 'text for showing' yard signs
- Marketing campaigns where the SMS triggers a chatbot or auto-reply funnel
- Customer support — pre-fill the subject with the product / SKU
- Two-way SMS marketing opt-in (the customer texts a keyword to subscribe)
Frequently asked
Can SMS QR codes pre-fill a phone number that's outside the US?
Yes — use the international format (+countrycode...) and any modern phone will route correctly.
Does SMS QR work for short codes (e.g. 33444)?
Yes, but the user-experience varies by carrier. Short codes work better when typed than scanned in some regions.