Free SMS QR code generator
Scan to text. An SMS QR opens the phone's native messaging app with the recipient and message pre-filled — the user just hits Send. Used for opt-ins ("Text JOIN to subscribe"), RSVPs ("Text COMING to confirm"), customer-service triage, and quick deliveries.
The encoder uses the SMSTO: URI scheme (the modern, broadly supported standard). It works on iOS, Android, KaiOS, and most non-Apple SMS-capable phones. The number must include the country code (+44, +1, +49 etc.) — without it, scans on phones travelling abroad fail.
Pre-filling the message body is optional but heavily recommended — it converts maybe-scanners into actual senders. Keep messages under 160 characters so they fit in one SMS segment; longer messages may split into multiple sends and cost more for the recipient on metered plans.
- Opens the system SMS composer pre-filled with number + message.
- Country code required — works internationally.
- No app needed — uses the phone's built-in messaging.
- Works as RSVP, opt-in, broadcast trigger, support handoff.
SMS QR — frequently asked questions
Does the SMS get sent automatically when scanned?
No — the QR opens the SMS composer pre-filled. The user has to tap Send. This is intentional: phones never auto-send messages without consent.Why does my SMS QR not work on iPhone?
Two common causes: missing country code (numbers must start with + and the country code) or the message contains characters that need escaping. The designer handles escaping for you, but make sure the country code is there.Can I include emojis or accented characters in the message?
Yes, the message body supports UTF-8. Be aware that non-GSM characters force the message into UCS-2 encoding, which halves the per-segment limit from 160 to 70 characters.What's the difference between SMSTO: and SMS:?
SMSTO: is the more recent and broadly supported scheme. SMS: was the original but has flaky support on some phones. We use SMSTO: by default.Will scanning charge the user money?
It opens the composer for free — only the actual send (which the user controls) goes against their plan. On most modern unlimited-text plans this is zero cost.Can I pre-fill more than one number?
No — SMSTO: encodes a single recipient. For group SMS, the user has to add others manually after scanning.
Design your SMS QR
SMS QR examples
Opt-in keyword
Text JOIN to subscribe.
Phone: +1 555 0100 · Message: JOIN
RSVP confirmation
Wedding or event invitations.
Phone: +44 7700 900111 · Message: RSVP-YES-table-12
Customer support
Scan-to-message your support line.
Phone: +1 555 0199 · Message: I need help with order #