SMS QR Code Generator —
Create a Scan-to-Text QR Code
Create a QR code that opens a pre-filled text message. Enter the phone number and message — anyone who scans sends it in one tap.
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Fill in the details for your URL QR code
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Easy to use
Create an SMS QR Code in 3 Steps
Enter the Phone Number & Message
Enter the recipient phone number with country code (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK). Add a pre-filled message — the text that appears in the scanner's messaging app, ready to send. Keep it under 160 characters for standard SMS.
Customize Your QR Code Design
Choose colors, add your brand logo, and pick a frame style. Add call-to-action text like “Text Us” or “Scan to Message” so people know what to expect when they scan.
Download & Share
Download as PNG or SVG. Print on receipts, product packaging, signage, event flyers, or share digitally on social media and in presentations.
How it works
What Is an SMS QR Code?
An SMS QR code is a scannable code that opens the messaging app on the scanner's phone with a pre-filled phone number and text message. When someone scans it with their smartphone camera, their default texting app opens automatically — they just hit “Send.”
Encoded format
sms:+14155551234?body=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20to%20book%20a%20table%20for%20tonightThis uses the standard sms: protocol, supported by every smartphone — iPhone, Android, iMessage, Google Messages, Samsung Messages. No special app or internet connection needed to open the message. Standard SMS rates from the scanner's carrier apply. You can create one with any QR code generator that supports SMS. Pair with a vCard QR code so scanners can save your contact info alongside the text conversation.
Why pre-filling matters: A QR code that opens a blank text thread to an unknown number has very low conversion. Pre-fill even a short message like “Hi, I'm interested in...” and the chance someone actually sends it increases dramatically. Pre-filled SMS QR codes remove every friction point between “I want to text them” and “I just sent the message.” (Need to display text on screen instead of sending it? Use a text QR code.)
SMS has a 98% open rate — compared to roughly 20% for email. When someone texts you via QR code, that message lands in your inbox within seconds. No spam folder, no algorithm, no feed to get lost in.
Use cases
8 Ways to Use SMS QR Codes
Customer Support
Print an SMS QR code on product packaging, receipts, or help desks. Pre-fill with “Support request — Product: [name], Issue: ___” to route inquiries instantly. Unlike phone calls, texts create a written record and don't require hold times.
Restaurant Reservations
Place on menus, table tents, or window displays. Pre-fill with “Book a table for ___ on ___.” One scan, one text — no online booking system needed.
Event RSVPs
Print on invitations and posters. Pre-fill “RSVP — [Event Name]. Attending: Yes/No.” Collect responses in one thread. Pair with event QR codes for calendar invites.
Appointment Confirmations
Healthcare, salons, service businesses. Print on appointment cards. Patients scan to text “CONFIRM” or “RESCHEDULE” — reducing no-shows without an app.
Sales & Promotions
Add to print ads, flyers, and product displays. Pre-fill “DEAL — I'm interested in [promotion].” Every text captures the customer's phone number automatically.
Emergency & Safety
Deploy QR codes in schools, offices, or public spaces for anonymous safety reporting. Pre-fill “Safety Alert — Location: [building], Description: ___.” SMS works without Wi-Fi.
Political Campaigns
Place on yard signs, mailers, and door hangers. Pre-fill “VOLUNTEER — Name: ___, Zip: ___.” Captures supporter contact info through the fastest possible channel.
Nonprofit Donations
Print on brochures and event tables. Pre-fill “GIVE — I'd like to support [Organization]. Name: ___.” Higher completion rates than web forms — no checkout flow.
Templates
Ready-to-Use SMS QR Code Templates
Copy these pre-written messages into the SMS QR code generator above. Each template is under 160 characters to stay within the standard SMS limit — no MMS charges for the scanner.
Restaurant Reservation
Hi, I'd like to book a table for [guests] on [date] at [time]. Name: ___
84 characters · Standard SMS
Customer Feedback
Feedback — Product: [name]. Rating (1-5): ___. Comments: ___
62 characters · Standard SMS · Pair with a Google review QR code for public reviews
Appointment Booking
BOOK — Service: [type]. Preferred date: ___. Name: ___. Phone: ___
68 characters · Standard SMS
Event RSVP
RSVP — [Event Name] on [Date]. Attending: Yes/No. Guests: ___. Name: ___
74 characters · Standard SMS
Support Request
HELP — Order #: ___. Issue: ___. Name: ___
47 characters · Standard SMS · Pair with an email QR code for formal follow-ups
Loyalty Program Opt-In
JOIN — I'd like to join [Brand] rewards. Name: ___. Email: ___
64 characters · Standard SMS
Compliance note: If you use SMS QR codes for marketing campaigns or automated responses (A2P messaging), ensure recipients have opted in under TCPA regulations. Register your business phone number for A2P 10DLC to avoid carrier filtering. SMS QR codes where the scanner initiates the text are generally compliant since the user takes the action voluntarily.
Compare
Static vs Dynamic SMS QR Codes
Which type of QR code for text message delivery should you choose? It depends on whether you need to update the phone number or message after printing.
Static SMS QR Code
FreeThe phone number and message are encoded directly in the QR code using the sms: protocol. It works forever, doesn't need an internet connection, and scans are unlimited. Downside: if you change the phone number or message, you need to generate and print a new QR code. Create free SMS QR codes with our free QR code generator — no account needed.
Best for
Permanent support numbers, business cards, fixed signage, product packaging.
Dynamic SMS QR Code
PopularThe QR code points to a redirect you control from your QRKIT dashboard. Change the recipient phone number, pre-filled message, or even switch to a URL QR code anytime — the printed code stays the same. You also get scan analytics (total scans, devices, dates). Learn more about dynamic QR codes.
Best for
Campaigns, seasonal promotions, multi-department routing where the phone number may change.
Distribution
How to Send a QR Code via Text Message
While the primary use of a QR code SMS integration is creating a code that sends a text message, some people search for how to distribute QR codes throughtext messages themselves. Here's how to share any QR code for text message delivery via SMS.
Send as MMS Image
Download your QR code as a PNG image and attach it to a text message. The recipient scans it from their screen. Note: this sends as MMS, which may cost more.
Share the Link Instead
Send the QR code's URL via standard SMS to avoid MMS charges. QRKIT provides a shareable link for every QR code you create.
Size for Scanning
Ensure the QR code image is at least 300 × 300 pixels for reliable scanning from a phone screen. Larger images scan more reliably across different devices.
Add Context
Include text in your message: “Scan this QR code for your event ticket” or “Here's your check-in code.” People need to know why they're scanning.
Best practices
SMS QR Code Best Practices
Always Include the Country Code
International phone numbers require the country code prefix (+1 for US/Canada, +44 for UK, +91 for India). Without it, the QR code may not work for scanners outside your country — or at all on some devices.
Keep Messages Under 160 Characters
Standard SMS limit is 160 characters. Longer messages automatically switch to MMS, which may cost the scanner more and display differently across devices. Keep pre-filled messages short and actionable.
Pre-Fill the Message, Not Just the Number
A QR code that opens a blank text thread to an unknown number has very low conversion. Even a short “Hi, I'm interested in ___” dramatically increases the chance someone actually sends it.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action
SMS QR codes look identical to every other QR code. Print “Text Us” or “Scan to Message” next to the code so people know what will happen before they scan. Use QRKIT's frame feature for built-in CTA text.
Test on iPhone and Android
The sms: protocol is universal but handled slightly differently across platforms. Always scan on both iOS and Android. Verify the phone number and message populate correctly. Pair with a WiFi QR code for a seamless customer experience.
Print at the Right Size
Table cards: 3–5 cm. Counter signs: 5–8 cm. Flyers: 5–7 cm. Window signage: 10–15 cm. Download SVG for clean scaling at any print size. Start with a small test print to ensure scannability.
Consider Carrier Charges
Unlike email or URL QR codes, the scanner pays carrier rates to send an SMS. Most unlimited plans include texts at no extra cost, but messages over 160 characters become MMS with potential surcharges. International recipients may face higher rates.
SMS QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions
Get started
Turn Any Phone Number
into a One-Scan Text
Create a QR code that opens a ready-to-send text message — with the phone number and message already filled in. Free, instant, works on every phone.
Need a different QR code type? Try our free QR code generator with 15+ types, full customization, and no sign up required.
SMS QR codes are one of 20+ types available. See all QR code types or explore QR codes for business.