How to put a phone number in a QR code

A QR code can make it easier to call you or save your contact details. But the code needs to contain the right kind of information: a call link behaves differently from a contact card.

Use the QR Code Generator to create either type. Then scan the finished code with a phone before printing or sharing it.

Make a QR code for a phone number

1. Open the QR Code Generator and decide what you want to happen when someone scans the code: start a call, or offer to save your contact.
2. For a call prompt, choose the link option and enter the number as a phone link, such as tel:+12025550147. Replace the example with your number, including the country code.
3. For a contact card, choose the contact option and enter your name and phone number. Add other details only if you want them to be shared when someone scans the code.
4. Generate the code, then scan it with a phone camera. Check that the number or contact details are correct and that the next action is what you intended.

For the most reliable call link, use the international format: a plus sign, country code, and phone number. For example, a US number can look like +12025550147. Leave out spaces, parentheses, and dashes in the tel: link. A phone may show a confirmation screen before calling. A QR code should not place a call without the person choosing to continue.

What happens when someone scans it

The phone offers to call the number

The code contains a phone link. The scanner may open the dialer with the number filled in, then wait for the person to tap the call control. This is a good choice for a sign, flyer, or service card where the main goal is to make calling easy.

The phone shows a contact card

The code contains contact information. The person can review the details and choose whether to save them. Use this format if you want to share a name and number together, or include other contact fields supported by the generator.

The scanner displays the number as plain text

The QR code may contain only the digits, rather than a phone link or contact card. The number is still readable, but the person may need to copy it into the dialer. Edit the code using the call-link or contact option, then generate and test it again.

The scanner shows the wrong number or contact details

The content entered into the generator may have a typo, or the code you scanned may be an older copy. Check the information in the generator and scan the newly generated image, not a previous download or printout.

Fix a QR code that will not scan

1. Check the phone number. Confirm every digit and include the country code, especially if people in other countries may scan the code. For a tel: link, keep the value simple, such as tel:+12025550147.
2. Use strong contrast. A dark code on a light background is usually easier to scan than pale colors or a patterned background. Leave clear space around the code so nearby text, borders, or graphics do not crowd it.
3. Make the code large enough. Increase its size if the phone has trouble focusing, especially on a printed sign people will scan from farther away. A small code may work on screen but fail after printing.
4. Test the actual version you will share. Scan the downloaded image or a test print with another phone. If the code is on your own phone screen, use a second device to scan it.
5. Check camera access if you use a separate scanner app. On Android, open Settings › Apps › [your scanner app] › Permissions › Camera and allow camera access. On iPhone, open Settings › Privacy & Security › Camera and allow access for that app. Menu wording can vary by phone model and operating system version.
6. Generate a simpler code. Remove optional contact fields, a logo, or decorative styling, then create and test the code again. More information and visual decoration can make a code harder to read, particularly when it is small.

Choose a call link or a contact card

A call link is useful when you want a quick route to a phone call. It carries the number and lets the scanner open the phone's dialer. It does not tell the phone the person's name or other details.

A contact card is better when the person should be able to save your information. It can include a name as well as a phone number, and possibly other contact fields. Review every field before sharing: a scanned contact card can reveal all the information you added, not just the number.

Keep the finished code high contrast, leave space around it, and test it at the size people will scan. If the number is private, do not put the QR code somewhere the public can photograph it.