How to Create a QR Code for
a Phone Number or SMS

What Are SMS and Phone QR Codes?

An SMS QR code is a QR code that, when scanned, opens the user's default messaging app with a phone number and an optional pre-written text message ready to send. A phone call QR code does something similar but triggers a direct phone call instead. Both work by encoding special URI protocols that smartphones recognize natively — no extra apps required.

The magic behind these codes comes down to two simple protocols that every modern smartphone understands:

• smsto: — Opens the messaging app. The format is smsto:+1234567890:Your message here. The phone number comes first, followed by a colon and the optional message body. When someone scans this QR code, their SMS app launches with both the recipient and draft message pre-filled.
• tel: — Initiates a phone call. The format is simply tel:+1234567890. When scanned, the phone's dialer opens with the number ready to call. On most devices, the user must tap "Call" to confirm — the QR code does not force a call without user consent.

These protocols have been supported on both iOS and Android for over a decade. Unlike WhatsApp QR codes that require a specific app to be installed, SMS and phone call QR codes work on every smartphone out of the box. This makes them one of the most universally reliable types of QR codes you can create.

How to Create an SMS QR Code (Step by Step)

Creating an SMS QR code is straightforward once you understand the format. The QR code generator handles the technical encoding — you just need to provide the phone number and your desired message. Here is the process from start to finish:

The underlying data your QR code encodes will look something like this: smsto:+15551234567:Hi, I'd like to schedule an appointment. The generator creates this string automatically from the fields you fill in — you never need to write the protocol syntax yourself.

For a deeper look at how QR codes handle different content types beyond SMS, see our complete guide to types of QR codes.

How to Create a Phone Call QR Code

A phone call QR code is even simpler than an SMS code because there is no message body — just the phone number. When scanned, the device's phone app opens with the number pre-dialed, and the user taps "Call" to connect.

The Process

The creation process mirrors the SMS steps above with one key difference: you select the "Phone Call" or "tel:" content type in the generator instead of SMS. Enter the full phone number with country code, generate the code, test it, and download. The encoded data is simply tel:+15551234567.

When to Use a Phone Call QR Code

Phone call QR codes are ideal for situations where you want the user to speak with someone directly rather than send a text. Common scenarios include:

• Customer support hotlines — Put a QR code on product packaging that dials your support line directly.
• Emergency contacts — Place QR codes on ID badges or medical alert cards for quick access to emergency numbers.
• Sales inquiries — Use in advertising materials to let potential customers call your sales team with one scan.
• Reservation lines — Restaurants and service businesses can offer one-scan calling for bookings.

Phone call QR codes pair well with vCard QR codes when you want to give users the option to both call and save a contact. You can place them side by side or use a vCard that includes the phone number as a clickable field.

SMS vs Phone Call vs WhatsApp QR Codes

All three formats encode a phone number, but they trigger very different actions and have different requirements. Choosing the right one depends on your audience, the action you want them to take, and which apps they have installed. Here is a side-by-side comparison:

Choose SMS when you need universal compatibility and want to pre-fill a message that every phone can handle. Choose phone call when real-time voice communication is essential — like support lines or emergency contacts. Choose WhatsApp when your audience primarily uses WhatsApp and you want richer messaging features like media sharing and read receipts. For more on WhatsApp-specific codes, see our WhatsApp QR code guide.

You can also consider email QR codes if your use case involves longer-form communication or requires file attachments that neither SMS nor phone calls support well.

Real-World Use Cases for SMS and Phone QR Codes

Customer Service Hotlines

Product packaging, user manuals, and warranty cards are perfect places for a phone call QR code. Instead of making customers search for your support number online, they scan the code and call instantly. For text-based support, an SMS QR code with a pre-filled message like "I need help with order #" streamlines the first interaction and gives your support team immediate context.

Appointment Confirmations and Reminders

Healthcare providers, salons, and service businesses can include an SMS QR code on appointment cards or confirmation emails. The pre-filled message might read "Confirm my appointment on [date] at [time]." Patients or clients scan the code, review the message, and tap send — reducing no-shows without requiring them to navigate a website or app.

Emergency Contacts and Medical Alerts

Medical ID bracelets, emergency contact cards, and workplace safety signage can all benefit from tel: QR codes. In a medical emergency, a first responder can scan a QR code on a patient's bracelet to instantly dial their emergency contact. For non-urgent situations, an SMS QR code can send a quick "Please call me at this location" message with GPS coordinates.

Customer Feedback and Surveys

Restaurants, retail stores, and event venues can place SMS QR codes on receipts or signage that pre-fill a message like "Rate your experience: " followed by the business name and location. This is simpler than directing users to a web-based survey and works even without an internet connection.

Support Lines and Helpdesks

IT departments, HR teams, and internal helpdesks can create QR codes that appear on office signage, intranet pages, or equipment labels. An SMS QR code might pre-fill "IT Support Request: [describe issue]" to the helpdesk number, while a phone call QR code provides direct dial access during business hours. This is especially useful combined with a vCard QR code that saves the support team's contact info for future reference.

Best Practices for SMS and Phone QR Codes

Following these guidelines will ensure your SMS and phone QR codes work reliably across all devices and regions:

Always Include the Country Code

This is the single most important rule. A phone number like 555-123-4567 without a country code will only work if the person scanning the QR code is in the same country as the number. Always use the full international format: +1 555 123 4567 for the US, +44 20 7946 0958 for the UK, +91 98765 43210 for India, and so on. This ensures global compatibility.

Test on Multiple Devices and Operating Systems

The smsto: and tel: protocols are handled slightly differently across iOS, Android, and different phone manufacturers. Test your QR code on at least one iPhone and one Android phone before deploying. Check that the number formats correctly, the message body loads without encoding issues (watch for special characters), and the correct app opens.

Keep Pre-Filled Messages Short and Editable

A pre-filled SMS should be a helpful starting point, not a wall of text. Aim for one to two sentences maximum. Remember that the user can (and often will) modify the message before sending. The goal is to reduce friction and provide context, not to script the entire conversation.

Use Proper Encoding for Special Characters

If your pre-filled message includes special characters like ampersands (&), percentage signs (%), or non-Latin characters, make sure the QR code generator handles URL encoding correctly. Most modern generators do this automatically, but it is worth testing to avoid garbled text on the recipient's device.

Print at an Adequate Size

SMS QR codes typically contain less data than URL-based codes, so they generate smaller, simpler patterns that are easier to scan. Even so, print your QR code at a minimum size of 2 cm × 2 cm and always include a white quiet zone of at least 4 modules around the edges. For signage meant to be scanned from a distance, scale up proportionally — a general rule is 1 cm of QR code size for every 10 cm of scanning distance.

Provide Context Next to the Code

Always add a short call-to-action label near the QR code: "Scan to text us," "Scan to call support," or "Scan to confirm your appointment." This tells users what will happen and increases scan rates significantly. For more design and placement tips, check our complete QR code guide.

Frequently Asked Questions