QR codes aren't just for websites. An SMS QR code provides a direct line to your audience's messaging app. Imagine a poster asking for feedback – instead of a long URL, a simple scan opens an SMS pre-filled with "FEEDBACK: ".

This lowers the barrier to interaction significantly. Use it for SMS list signups, contest entries ("Text CONTEST to win!"), quick support requests, or even interactive polls at events. Pre-filling the message makes it faster for the user and easier for you to track responses based on the initial keyword.

How Does an SMS (SMSTO:) QR Code Work?

An SMS QR Code uses the SMSTO: protocol. When a smartphone scans this code, it recognizes the data as a command to open the default messaging (texting) app. It pre-fills two fields:

  1. The Recipient Phone Number: The number you want the user to text.
  2. The Message Body (Optional): A pre-written message from the user.

For security, the user must always tap the "Send" button to confirm. The code simply does all the setup work for them. This is the key difference from a Phone Number QR Code, which uses the tel: protocol to open the dialer app for a call.

How to Create Your SMS QR Code

Using our free SMS QR Code generator is simple and secure. Your information is encoded in your browser and never sent to our servers.

  • Phone Number (Recipient): Enter the full phone number, including the + and country code (e.g., +15551234567). This is essential for it to work internationally.
  • Message (Optional): This is the most powerful part. You can leave it blank, or you can pre-fill it with a keyword for your marketing campaign (e.g., "SIGNUP", "INFO", "FEEDBACK: ").

Click "Generate QR Code" to get your free, static code that will work forever.

Best Uses for an SMS QR Code

An SMS QR code is perfect for any campaign where you want to start a text-based conversation.

  • Marketing & Contests: Put a code on a flyer with "Scan to text WIN to 12345 to enter our contest!"
  • Customer Feedback: Place a code on a receipt or table tent: "Scan to text us your feedback." You can pre-fill the message with "My feedback:"
  • Support Requests: Add a code to product packaging for non-urgent support: "Scan to text our support line."
  • List Building: "Scan to text JOIN to subscribe to our SMS alerts."
"For instant messaging apps, you can also use a WhatsApp QR Code, which opens a pre-filled chat in WhatsApp instead of the phone's default SMS app."