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SMS QR code generator

SMS QR Code Generator

Scan, the SMS app opens with your number and message body already filled in. The customer just hits send. Free to create, a free account to download, and it works on any iPhone or Android.

Create your SMS QR code

Free · works on iOS Messages and Android SMS · free account to download

What an SMS QR does

An SMS QR encodes an sms: link with two parts: a phone number to send to, and a message body. When scanned, the phone's default SMS app opens with both fields pre-populated. The user reviews, taps send.

This pattern is the basis of most SMS opt-in campaigns: "Text JOIN to 12345" becomes "Scan to join" — one step instead of two.

Best uses

  • SMS opt-in campaigns. Marketing or news lists: scan to join with the keyword already typed.
  • Live audience response. "Scan to reply A" / "Scan to reply B" with the reply keyword pre-filled. Faster than typing.
  • Customer service quick paths. "Scan to text our support line. Your order number is __."
  • Restaurant reservations. Scan to text the host with the table size pre-filled.

For longer back-and-forth conversations, a WhatsApp QR is usually a better fit — SMS QRs shine for one-shot send-and-done messages.

Watch out for the format gotchas

SMS QRs are simple but two details matter:

  1. Phone number format. Always include the country code with a leading +. +15551234567 works internationally; 5551234567 may default to the scanner's country and reach the wrong line.
  2. Body length. Keep the pre-filled message under 160 characters. Longer messages get split into multiple SMS messages, which carriers may charge extra for. The customer also sees a long pre-fill and may abandon.

Carriers and short codes

For business SMS campaigns at any real volume — opt-in lists, ordering, support — use an SMS short code or a registered business number through Twilio, Plivo, or a similar provider. Regular mobile numbers get rate-limited and may be flagged as spam.

The QR can point to either: a short code or a long number. Pre-fill the body either way for best conversion.

How to make an SMS QR code in 4 steps

  1. Pick SMS type

    On the QRolling home page, choose SMS. The form asks for phone number and message body.

  2. Enter number with country code

    Always include the + and country code. +15551234567 works worldwide. Without a country code, the SMS may go to the wrong line.

  3. Write the pre-fill body

    Keep it under 160 characters. The body is the keyword or message you want auto-typed. Common pattern: 'JOIN' or 'YES'.

  4. Brand and download

    Add your logo, brand color, and corner shape. Export SVG for print or PNG for digital. Test on iOS and Android before printing.

Create your SMS QR code

Frequently asked

Does the customer pay for the SMS?

Yes — standard SMS rates from the customer's mobile carrier apply. For toll-free or sponsor-paid SMS, you need a short code through a provider like Twilio.

Can I include emojis in the pre-fill?

Technically yes, but emojis shift the message from GSM-7 to UCS-2 encoding, cutting the 160-char limit to 70. Plain text is safer.

Does it work with iMessage?

Yes. iOS opens the Messages app, which prefers iMessage for Apple-to-Apple chats but falls back to SMS for non-Apple recipients. Either way the pre-fill works.

Can I send to multiple numbers?

No — sms: links target one number at a time. For broadcast lists, use a real SMS provider and point the QR at the opt-in keyword.

Is the customer's phone number tracked?

Not by the QR. If you're using a real SMS provider, you receive incoming numbers as part of the opt-in (which you must disclose under TCPA in the US and similar laws elsewhere).

Read next

Need a different QR type? Browse all 48 QR types on the home page.