SMS QR Code Generator

An SMS QR code opens the phone's messaging app with your number in the 'To' field and, if you like, a message already typed. It's a quick way to run a keyword opt-in ('text JOIN'), take audience votes, collect a table number for service, or let customers text a support line without looking up the number. Texting also works where data coverage is patchy, which suits outdoor venues and rural businesses. QRPebble validates the phone number, accepts international format and places the message after the number in the widely used SMSTO: form.

Design options
Fill in the form to preview your code.

Static code: the data is encoded directly, so it never expires and is not tracked. Need to change the link after printing or count scans? Create a free dynamic code.

How to make it

  1. Enter the Phone number that should receive texts, with country code if people may scan from abroad.
  2. Type a Pre-filled message, such as a keyword or reference number.
  3. Download and scan: the messaging app should open with number and text ready to send.
  4. Tell people on the print what will happen, e.g. 'Scan to text us your order number'.

What gets encoded

The payload is SMSTO:+14155550123:Your message, or just SMSTO:<number> without a message. This is the format most QR scanners recognise for texts. iPhone and Android cameras generally open Messages with the number filled in, but whether the body text carries over varies by OS version and messaging app. Some readers prefer the sms: URI instead. Standard carrier rates apply to the sender, and the phone always asks before sending.

Where people use it

  • Keyword sign-ups for text alerts
  • Audience polls at live events
  • 'Text us when you arrive' at pickup points
  • Service requests in hotel rooms or on rental equipment

Tips before you print

  • Use full international format (+44…, +1…) for anything tourists or travellers may scan.
  • Keep keywords short and uppercase, like JOIN or TABLE7, so they survive if a phone drops the body.
  • Print the number and keyword as text too, in case a scanner ignores the message part.
  • If you run an opt-in, make sure your reply and consent process complies with local messaging rules.

FAQ

Does the message get sent automatically?

No. The code opens a draft and the person taps send.

Why is the message missing on some phones?

SMSTO body support varies between phone models and messaging apps. The number almost always carries over; the text sometimes doesn't.

Can I use a short code?

The number field accepts 5 to 15 digits, so most short codes and full numbers work.

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