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SMS QR Code Generator

Create an SMS QR code that opens a pre-filled text message draft on any phone.

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What is an SMS QR code and how does it work

An SMS QR code is a scannable square that opens the phone’s default messaging app with the recipient number and message already filled in, so the user only needs to tap Send. It is a QR code that encodes the RFC 5724 sms URI scheme, based on the core SMS protocol defined in the 3GPP SMS technical specification. It works natively across iPhone and Android devices.

Add your logo, brand colours and AI-generated designs for codes that match your visual identity. Print them on receipt footers, table talkers, vehicle wraps, estate agent boards, restaurant menus, healthcare appointment cards or exhibition banners. You can encode keywords such as JOIN, RSVP or INFO so customers reply in one tap. Every SMS QR is dynamic by default, so the destination number and message stay editable in your dashboard and each scan can be tracked without reprinting the campaign.

Encode a pre-filled SMS message in 3 quick steps

Enter the number with country code, keep the message body under 160 characters, add your logo and AI-generated designs, then download in PNG, SVG or PDF for receipts, vehicle wraps or table talkers.

  1. Step 1

    Enter the recipient number

    Add the destination phone number in international format (+1 555 123 4567) or a 5-digit shortcode for marketing campaigns. Format: sms:+15551234567?body=JOIN.

  2. Step 2

    Write the pre-filled message body

    Type the message customers will see, ready to send. Keep it under 160 characters for a single SMS segment. Encode keywords such as JOIN, RSVP or INFO for one-tap replies.

  3. Step 3

    Customise and download the QR code

    Add your logo, brand colours and pixel patterns. Choose from 1200+ templates or generate QR Art for receipt footers, vehicle wraps or table talkers. Export in PNG, SVG or PDF.

Frequently asked questions about SMS QR codes

Texting with SMS QR codes

Enter the recipient phone number in international format, for example +1-415-555-0100, in QR Code AI and write the message body, ideally under 160 characters for a single SMS segment. The generator wraps both into an sms: URI, such as sms:[number]?body=[text], and encodes it into the QR code. You can then customise the design with your logo and brand colours and download it in PNG, SVG or PDF.

Yes. SMS QR codes are free to create in QR Code AI. You can generate them, customise them with your logo, brand colours and AI-designed templates, then download them in PNG, SVG or PDF without watermarks. Most SMS QR codes are dynamic by default, so the destination remains editable after printing and each scan can be tracked in your dashboard with country, device, browser and timestamp data.

Yes. The RFC 5724 sms URI scheme supports both a recipient phone number and a body parameter. The messaging app opens with both fields already completed, and the user simply reviews the draft and taps Send. A typical format is sms:+15551234567?body=JOIN. Most modern messaging apps handle special characters correctly through URL encoding.

Yes. The RFC 5724 sms URI scheme is supported natively on iPhone and Android devices. Most modern phones can scan directly from the camera app, so no extra QR code scanner app is needed. Apple Messages usually opens on iPhone, while Google Messages or the network’s default messaging app opens on Android. In practice, compatibility is very broad.

On iPhone, press and hold the image, then tap the QR action if it appears. On Android, take a screenshot and open Google Lens from the gallery. Both methods can reveal any embedded link or content. This applies to QR codes received by SMS, email or chat apps, and is separate from creating an SMS QR code yourself.

Sending a QR code by SMS works much like sending any other image. Generate and download the QR code from QR Code AI as a PNG or JPEG file. Open your messaging app, start a new text to the recipient, tap the attachment or camera icon, choose the saved QR image from your gallery, then send it. The recipient can press and hold the image on iPhone or use Google Lens from the gallery on Android to read it.

An SMS QR code uses the mobile network, so almost any phone with a SIM can receive and reply without needing an app or data connection, although messages are limited to 160 characters per segment and may involve network charges. A WhatsApp QR code opens a wa.me chat over data, supports richer media and longer messages, but only works for people with WhatsApp installed. For mixed audiences, printing both is often the best option.

Ready for one-tap text replies?

Open the messaging app with the recipient and message ready in a single scan, run text-to-join opt-in flows or quick-reply campaigns, and edit the destination at any time in your dashboard. Print on receipts, table talkers or vehicle wraps so every scan opens a real draft.