How to create a QR code with a prewritten SMS

You want someone to scan a code and find a text message ready to send, instead of typing the phone number and message themselves. An SMS QR code can open the person’s messaging app with those details filled in, but the person still has to review and send the message.

Use the QR Code Generator to create the code, then scan it with a phone before you print it or put it on a sign. That test catches missing message text, a mistyped number, and differences between phones.

Create the SMS QR code

1. Open the QR Code Generator and choose the SMS QR code type.
2. Enter the phone number that should receive the message. Include the country code if people may scan the code from another country, such as +1 for a US or Canadian number.
3. Enter the message you want to prefill. Keep it short, clear, and safe to send as written. Check the number and every word before continuing.
4. Generate the code and save the QR image using the option shown in the tool. Scan it with a phone camera, check the recipient and message in the text app, and only then share or print it.

Scanning does not send a text automatically. The person should see a draft in their messaging app and choose whether to send it. If you are creating the code for a poster, label, or handout, test the actual saved image, not just the preview on your computer.

Choose the number and message carefully

Use a number people can text

Enter the intended recipient, not the phone number of the person who will scan the code. Add the country calling code when appropriate. A number written without it may work on a local phone but fail or point to the wrong place when scanned elsewhere. Check the digits against a trusted source before generating the QR code.

Make the message useful as a draft

Say what the sender is contacting you about, and leave out details the sender should decide for themselves. For example, a shop might prefill “Hello, I have a question about my order.” A code for an event could prefill “Hello, I would like information about the event.” Avoid putting private information, passwords, or payment details in the message.

Keep the text brief. Long messages take more space in the code and can be harder to scan when the printed code is small. Simple punctuation and ordinary characters are a safer choice than unusual symbols or several line breaks. Phone apps can display some characters differently.

Leave room for the sender to review

A prewritten message is a convenience, not consent to send it. The recipient may edit or delete the draft. If you need a specific detail, such as an order number, explain beside the code that the sender should add it before sending. Do not imply that scanning alone contacts you.

Check what happens when someone scans it

The messaging app opens with the number and text filled in

This is the expected result. Confirm that the recipient is correct and the whole message appears as intended. The phone may ask which messaging app to use if more than one is installed.

The app opens, but the message is blank or incomplete

The phone may not handle the message information the same way as another device, or the code may not contain the full text. Scan the saved image with another phone if possible. Keep the message shorter and use plain text, then generate and test a new code.

The phone displays a send confirmation or message draft

That is normal. The person must still tap the app’s send control. A QR code cannot send an SMS by itself, and the phone’s messaging plan or carrier may charge for a message after the person sends it.

Fix common scanning problems

1. Check the saved image. Scan the file you plan to publish, since resizing or cropping can make a code fail even when the original preview works. Keep the code square and leave clear space around all four edges.
2. Make the printed code larger. A small code is harder to scan from a distance or in dim light. For a sign, print a test copy at its intended size and scan it from the distance a visitor will stand.
3. Verify the recipient and draft. If the wrong number or message appears, correct the details in the generator and make a fresh code. Do not try to fix a printed code by adding text beside it.
4. Try another phone camera. Open the camera app, point it steadily at the code, and tap the prompt that appears. If one phone cannot read it, improve the code’s size, contrast, or lighting and test again.
5. Check SMS availability. Some tablets, computers, or phones without a configured messaging service may not open a usable text draft. Test with the kind of phone your audience is likely to use, and provide a phone number or another contact method beside the code.

Before you publish the code

The phone number and message are encoded in the QR image. They are not hidden or protected by a password, so anyone who can scan or decode the image may be able to read them. Use a number you are comfortable sharing publicly, and avoid adding confidential details to the prewritten text.

Test the final code on at least one phone before printing a large batch. For a public sign, test it again after printing to make sure the physical copy still scans and opens the intended message.