SMS QR Code Generator
Generate a QR code that opens an SMS draft to a specific number when scanned.
Quick answer: SMS QR Code Generator: generate a QR code that opens an SMS draft to a specific number when scanned. Runs entirely in your browser, free, no signup.
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An SMS QR code encodes an SMSTO: URI — the destination number plus an optional pre-written message. Scanning it opens the messaging app with everything staged, so the user just taps send. It's a natural fit for keyword campaigns, event RSVPs, or any "text us to…" prompt where you'd otherwise ask people to type a number correctly.
Format the number in E.164: a plus sign, the country code, then the national number with no spaces, dashes or parentheses — for example +442071234567. Local formats sometimes work on the scanning device's home network but break for international or roaming users, so E.164 is the only reliable choice for anything printed for a broad audience.
Short codes and premium numbers behave differently by carrier and country and may not launch from a plain SMSTO link — test with a real handset on the actual network before a print run. You can leave the message blank to simply open a fresh draft to the number, which is handy when you want the sender to write their own text.
Confirm the encoded string is exactly what you expect by decoding your finished image in the QR Code Reader before committing it to signage.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the SMS QR free?
- Yes — free with no signup.
- Will my message be uploaded?
- No — every QR is generated entirely in your browser.
- Does it work on iOS?
- Yes — both iPhone Camera and Android camera apps recognize SMSTO: URLs and prompt the user to open Messages.
- What format should the phone number use?
- International E.164 format (e.g. +31612345678) is the most reliable.
- Can I leave the message blank?
- Yes — the QR will just open a fresh SMS draft to that number.