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SMS QR Code Generator

Create a free SMS QR code that opens a pre-filled text message draft on any phone, ready to send in one tap.

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What is an SMS QR code and how it works

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 so the code matches your visual identity. Print it on receipt footers, table tents, vehicle wraps, yard signs, restaurant menus, healthcare appointment cards or trade show banners. You can encode keywords such as JOIN, RSVP or INFO so customers can reply in one tap. Every SMS QR is dynamic by default, so the destination number and message body stay editable in your dashboard and each scan can be tracked without reprinting the campaign.

Create a pre-filled SMS message in 3 quick steps

Enter the phone number with country code, write 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 tents.

  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. Add 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 tents. Export in PNG, SVG or PDF.

Frequently asked questions about SMS QR codes

Sending text messages with SMS QR codes

Enter the recipient phone number in international format, such as +1-415-555-0100, in QR Code AI and write the message body, ideally under 160 characters for a single SMS segment. The generator converts 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 on QR Code AI. You can generate them, customise them with your logo, brand colours and AI-designed templates, and 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, an SMS QR code can include both the recipient number and the message body. The RFC 5724 sms URI scheme supports a phone number plus a body parameter, so the messaging app opens with both fields already filled in. The user only needs to review the draft and tap Send. A common format is sms:+15551234567?body=JOIN, with special characters handled through URL encoding.

Yes, an SMS QR code works on both iPhone and Android in most modern cases. The RFC 5724 sms URI scheme has been supported natively on iOS and Android phones for years. Most devices can scan directly from the camera app without any extra QR code scanner app. On iPhone it usually opens Apple Messages, while on Android it opens Google Messages or the default carrier messaging app.

To scan a QR code shown inside a text message, iPhone users can usually long-press the image and choose the QR action. On Android, taking a screenshot and opening Google Lens from the gallery is the usual method. This reveals the embedded link or content. That process is useful for QR codes received in SMS, email or chat apps, and it is different from creating an SMS QR code yourself.

To send a QR code by SMS, first generate and download the QR image from QR Code AI as a PNG or JPEG file. Then open your messaging app, start a new text, tap the attachment or camera icon, choose the saved QR image from your gallery and send it. The recipient can then scan the image on iPhone with a long press or on Android using Google Lens from the gallery.

An SMS QR code is better when you want broad compatibility because it works through the mobile carrier network and does not require a separate app or data connection. A WhatsApp QR is better for richer chats, longer messages and international users who already use WhatsApp. If your audience is mixed, printing both side by side on signage is often the most practical option.

Ready for one-tap text replies?

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