Developer QR codes

SMS QR code generator

Phone number

Message

Version 1 · 29×29 · 7/14 bytes

Error correction

Higher levels survive more damage and make the code denser. M is the usual choice; use H only if the code will be printed small or partly covered.

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Local · SMSTO, the format that works

What the code actually contains

SMSTO::

Uses the `SMSTO:` format, which is the one Android and iOS both handle. Scanning opens the messaging app with the recipient and message ready to send.

How to make a sms qr code

1 Fill in the fields. The code updates as you type.

2 Raise the error correction if it will be printed small or might get covered.

3 Download it as PNG for the web or SVG for print — SVG stays sharp at any size.

Three formats exist for SMS in a QR code — `SMSTO:`, `SMS:` and `smsto:` — and they are not equally supported, which is why hand-written SMS codes so often open a blank message. `SMSTO:number:message` is the one that works most widely. As with WhatsApp, the message is prepared and not sent; the person taps send. The common use is a short keyword to a shortcode for competitions and donations, where the whole point is that the recipient does not have to type a number correctly under time pressure.

Questions

Which SMS format works best? −

SMSTO:number:message. The alternatives are less consistently supported and often open a blank message.

Is the message sent automatically? +

Can I use a shortcode? +

Will this QR code expire? +

Does it work on iPhone? +

Sources

ISO/IEC 18004 — QR code specification ZXing — barcode contents formats

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