Free SMS QR Code Generator
One scan opens the messaging app with your number and a pre-filled message ready to send. Enter a phone number, add an optional message, customize the design, and download. No account needed.
SMS QR opens the messaging app with the number ready and a message body capped at 160 characters.
Open a ready-to-send text message from the camera scan.
If you need to update the content or see who scans, create a dynamic QR code instead.
Create a dynamic QR codeWhat is an SMS QR code?
An SMS QR code encodes an smsto: link into the pattern. When someone scans it, the phone opens the messaging app with the recipient number and message already filled in. One tap to send. It works with iMessage, Android Messages, and other default SMS apps.
Opens the messaging app, not the dialer
This is not a phone QR code. A phone QR code opens the dialer for a voice call. An SMS QR code opens the text messaging app so the person can send a text message.
Not the same as a text QR code
A plain text QR code displays text on screen. An SMS QR code sends a text message to a number. Similar names, completely different actions.
The person taps Send
Scanning does not auto-send the message. The phone shows the number and message first. The person reviews, edits if they want, and taps Send.
Works offline for scanning
The number and message are stored in the QR pattern itself. The phone reads them without a data connection. Sending the text still requires cellular service.
What you can pre-fill in the QR code
An SMS QR code has two fields. The phone number is required. The message is optional but usually the reason you want this type of QR code.
Phone number
RequiredThe number the text message will be sent to. Include the country code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK) so the code works when scanned from any country.
Message body
OptionalA pre-written message that appears in the text field when the messaging app opens. The person can edit it before sending.
Opt-in to a mailing list
Text-to-order from a menu
Event confirmation
Trigger a survey link via auto-reply
Phone number or short code?
Both work in an SMS QR code. Which one you use depends on what happens after the text is sent.
Regular phone number
Goes to a personal phone, business line, or VoIP number. Best for small businesses, customer support, and one-on-one conversations. Someone reads and replies.
Short code
A dedicated number like 55555 or 12345, used for SMS marketing campaigns. Carrier-approved for high volume. Messages trigger automated replies (e.g., "Text JOIN to 55555"). Best for opt-in lists, promotions, and large-scale messaging.
Toll-free number
Some businesses use toll-free numbers (e.g., 1-800-555-1234) for SMS. These work like regular numbers but carry brand recognition.
Create a QR code to send a text message in 3 steps
Select the SMS type
Choose "SMS" from the QR code type options. This tells the generator to encode an smsto: link, not a URL or phone call.
Enter the number and message
Add the phone number with country code. Type the pre-filled message you want to appear when the person scans. Leave the message blank if you only need the number.
Download and use
Export as PNG or SVG. Print it on flyers, product packaging, receipts, table tents, or signage.
Where to use a QR code for text messages
SMS QR codes work best when you want someone to text a specific number with a specific message, without typing either one.
SMS opt-in campaigns
Print the QR code on posters, packaging, or receipts. Customers scan to subscribe to text updates. The pre-filled message ("JOIN" or "SUBSCRIBE") makes sign-up instant.
Text-to-order
Restaurants and food trucks place QR codes on tables or menus. Customers scan to text their order to the kitchen line. The template includes the table number or pickup instructions.
Feedback and surveys
Add a QR code to receipts or product packaging. Customers scan to text "FEEDBACK" to your number, triggering an automated survey link.
Event RSVP
Include the QR code on invitations. Guests scan to text "RSVP YES" or "RSVP NO" directly.
Customer support via text
Print the QR code where customers need help. Product manuals, equipment labels, store signage. One scan opens a text thread with your support team.
Appointment confirmations
Clinics and service businesses include a QR code in printed reminders. Patients scan to text "CONFIRM" instead of calling.
What static SMS QR codes cannot do
Static QR codes are permanent and simple. Some things are outside their reach.
No editing after print
The phone number and message are baked into the pattern. If either changes, you need a new code.
No scan tracking
Static codes do not connect to a server. You will not know how many people scanned or when. For analytics, use a dynamic QR code.
Country code matters
Always include the country code. Without it, the code only works for people in the same country as the number.
Does not auto-send
The phone always shows the number and message first. The person must tap Send. No QR code can bypass this. A security feature on every phone.
Message is a template, not final
The person can edit or delete the pre-filled message before sending. You cannot force a specific message.
For most "scan to text" use cases, these limits do not matter. The code opens the messaging app, the message is ready, and the person taps Send.
Frequently asked questions
One scan. Message ready to send.
Free SMS QR code generator. Enter a number, add a pre-filled message, customize the design, and download. No account, no watermark, no expiration.
Create an SMS QR Code