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QRCodePrime

Pre-fill an SMS with a QR code

Create a QR code that opens a pre-filled SMS message on any phone. Ideal for promotions, support lines, and opt-ins. Free, no signup, download PNG or SVG.

1. What's in your QR code?

2. Make it yours

Fill in the fields on the left to enable download.

Want to change this SMS number later?

  • Change the destination anytime. No reprinting.
  • See scan analytics: total scans, location, device
  • 10 dynamic QR codes free for life. No ads, not even on the redirect. No watermarks.
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Free forever. No credit card required.

Why SMS QR codes get higher response rates

An SMS QR code pre-fills a text message (phone number and message body) so the user just has to hit Send. It uses the standard sms: URI format supported natively on iOS and Android, no app installation required. This is particularly powerful for businesses running SMS marketing campaigns: lower the barrier to opt-in, and more people opt in.

Common uses include 'Text to win' promotions on packaging, appointment reminder opt-ins at a front desk, subscription sign-ups for weekly deals, and two-way customer support channels. A restaurant might put an SMS QR code on the table: 'Scan to get a reminder text before your next visit.' A dentist might use one at checkout for appointment reminders.

In many countries, carriers strip the message body from the sms: URI for regulatory reasons, so the number pre-fills but the user has to type the message. Always test on both iOS and Android with the specific carriers your customers use before committing to a print run.

How to Create a SMS QR Code

1

Enter phone number and message

2

Customize the design

3

Download your QR code

Before you print, test the file itself. Drop your download into our online QR code scanner and check that it reads back exactly what you typed.

Where SMS QR codes shine

  • ✓Customer support text opt-in: shoppers start a text thread with your team instead of waiting on hold.
  • ✓Event reminders via SMS: attendees opt in to a reminder text right from the program instead of filling out a form.
  • ✓Two-way SMS marketing: a 'text to win' promo on packaging turns a purchase into an opted-in subscriber.

Static or dynamic: which fits your SMS QR code?

Static QR codes are free forever and never expire. Dynamic QR codes let you change the destination later and track scans, and every free account includes 10 of them for life, no credit card required, no watermarks. Both have valid use cases.

Compare them in depth

SMS QR code questions

What gets pre-filled in the SMS: just the number, or the message too?+
Both can be encoded: the recipient's phone number and an optional message body. However, be aware that some mobile carriers strip the pre-filled body text for regulatory reasons, so the user may arrive at a blank compose window with only the number filled in. Always test on multiple devices and carriers before deploying.
What is the difference between an SMS QR code and a WhatsApp QR code?+
An SMS code opens the native messaging app and sends a standard text message over the carrier network. It works on any phone with a SIM card, including basic smartphones, and does not require any app installation. A WhatsApp QR code opens the WhatsApp app specifically and routes through WhatsApp's platform. Choose based on your audience.
Do I need to include a country code in the phone number?+
Yes, if your QR code might be scanned by people in other countries. Use the full international format including country code, for example +1 for the US. Without the country code, the SMS app may interpret the number relative to the local carrier's country and fail to send to the right number.
Is there a character limit for the pre-filled message?+
Standard SMS messages are 160 characters per segment. You can encode longer messages in the QR code, and the messaging app will handle multi-segment SMS automatically. For a pre-filled prompt, something like STOP or YES CONFIRM or INFO [keyword], shorter is better. Long pre-filled messages also make the QR pattern denser.
Can I use an SMS QR code for a keyword campaign?+
Yes, this is one of the best use cases. Encode a short code or long code number with the keyword as the pre-filled message body. The user scans, the message appears ready to send, they tap Send. If the body does not pre-fill on their carrier, instruct them to type the keyword manually in the QR code label.
Will this work outside the US?+
Yes, with the correct international phone number format. The sms: URI scheme is a worldwide standard. The user's native messaging app handles it. Just make sure the recipient number is set up to receive SMS from the countries where your audience is scanning.
Can I track how many people text from the QR code?+
Not with a basic static SMS QR code. To track engagement, use a dedicated inbound number for the campaign, a long code or short code that you exclusively associate with this QR deployment. Every text to that number represents a scan. Some SMS marketing platforms (Twilio, EZTexting, SimpleTexting) offer this with analytics dashboards.
Do I need an account to generate the SMS QR code?+
No account required. Generate, download, and use it immediately. If you want to save your codes or use dynamic codes that let you update the number or message later, create a free account. It includes 10 dynamic QR codes free for life.
The number pre-fills but my message doesn't show up. What happened?+
Some mobile carriers strip the pre-filled message body from sms: links for regulatory and spam-prevention reasons, especially in the US. The number will still populate, but the user needs to type the message themselves. If your message is a specific keyword (like STOP or JOIN), print the keyword visibly next to the QR code as a backup in case the pre-fill doesn't work.
Should I use a long code, short code, or my regular business number?+
A regular business number works fine for low-volume, personal-feeling campaigns like appointment reminders. For high-volume marketing campaigns with many recipients, a short code (a 5-6 digit number) or a dedicated long code from an SMS marketing platform is built to handle bulk sends and gives you delivery analytics a personal number can't.

Related QR Code Types

Phone QR Code

Dial a phone number with one scan

WhatsApp QR Code

Open a WhatsApp chat with pre-filled message

Email QR Code

Pre-fill an email with address, subject, and body

Further reading

SMS QR code guides

  • Plain Text QR Code vs SMS QR Code: Which to Use

    Both codes look identical and do completely different things. The payloads, the phone behavior, where each one belongs, and the number formatting mistake that breaks SMS codes for everyone but you.

Popular Use Cases

Marketing & Print

See how marketing & print use this QR code type.

Events & Tickets

See how events & tickets use this QR code type.

Last updated: June 2026