WhatsApp QR Code Generator

A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with your number, even if the person hasn't saved you as a contact. It's popular with small shops, tutors, tour operators and service businesses in regions where WhatsApp is the default way to talk to customers. Add a pre-filled message such as 'Hi, I'd like to book a table' so you know where the enquiry came from. QRPebble builds WhatsApp's own click-to-chat wa.me link, strips the plus sign and formatting from your number, and URL-encodes the message so emoji and punctuation stay intact.

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 your WhatsApp number (international) with the country code, e.g. +14155550123; skip any leading zero of the local number.
  2. Optionally write a Pre-filled message that identifies the source, like 'From the shop window poster'.
  3. Download the code and scan it: WhatsApp should open a chat with your number.
  4. Confirm the number is registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business before printing.

What gets encoded

The code contains https://wa.me/14155550123?text=Hello%20there. That's WhatsApp's click-to-chat format: digits only, no plus, no spaces, with an optional URL-encoded text parameter. Because it's an ordinary https link, any phone camera can open it. If WhatsApp is installed it usually opens the chat directly; otherwise the browser shows WhatsApp's page with download and web options. The sender still has to press send.

Where people use it

  • Order-by-chat signs for takeaway or bakeries
  • Booking enquiries for tours, salons and classes
  • Customer support stickers on delivered products
  • Community group joining via an admin's chat

Tips before you print

  • Use a different pre-filled message on each flyer or location to see which one brings enquiries.
  • Leading zeros are a common mistake: UK 07700… becomes 447700… in international format.
  • If several staff answer chats, WhatsApp Business on a shared number is easier to manage.
  • Add a WhatsApp icon or 'Chat with us' label so people know which app will open.

FAQ

Does the person need to save my number first?

No. The wa.me link opens a chat with any registered WhatsApp number without adding a contact.

Can it open a WhatsApp group?

Not this generator. For a group, copy the group invite link from WhatsApp and use the URL QR code generator.

What happens if WhatsApp isn't installed?

The link opens in the browser, where WhatsApp's page offers to install the app or use WhatsApp Web.

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