How to Generate a QR Code For SMS Texts – Free SMS QR Code

Imagine this: a customer scans a simple square code, and their phone instantly opens a pre-written SMS message ready to send.

No typing, no errors—just one scan and go. That’s the power of SMS QR codes.

Whether you’re collecting feedback, handling appointment confirmations, or running a text-based promo, an SMS QR code streamlines the interaction.

It’s fast, mobile-friendly, and doesn’t require any special app.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about how to generate a QR code for SMS texts, why they matter, and how to create one instantly using Linko’s Free QR Code Generator.

What is an SMS QR code?

An SMS QR code is a type of static QR code that, when scanned, opens the default messaging app on a mobile phone with a pre-filled SMS.

This could include a phone number, a message, or both.

How an SMS QR code works

When a user scans the SMS QR code, their phone does the following:

• Opens the default messaging app
• Auto-fills the recipient’s phone number
• Auto-fills a custom message you’ve written

This eliminates manual typing and boosts engagement, especially for mobile-heavy actions like:

• Opt-in to SMS marketing
• Confirming bookings or appointments
• Sending quick replies to support teams

Unlike URL QR codes, which redirect to a webpage, SMS QR codes open a message window, making them ideal for text-based interactions.

Why use a QR code for SMS messages?

Using a QR code SMS text offers real convenience to your audience while reducing your workload.

Benefits for marketers, businesses, and customer support

Here’s why SMS QR codes are gaining popularity:

• Instant engagement: No forms, no typing. Users just scan and send.
• Error-free input: Pre-filled messages reduce typos and confusion.
• Increased response rate: Especially useful for opt-in SMS campaigns.
• Offline usability: Perfect for print materials like flyers, menus, signs, or business cards.
• No internet needed: SMS works even without mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Advantages over traditional SMS opt-in methods

Traditional SMS marketing requires users to text a keyword to a short code. That’s slow and prone to errors. With a QR code for SMS messages, you skip that step.

Instead of saying:

“Text ‘JOIN’ to 44499”

You can say:

“Scan this code to join our SMS list instantly”

That’s faster, smarter, and way more user-friendly.

What does a QR code SMS message contain?

An SMS QR code stores the recipient’s number and the message body in a specific format. It’s readable by mobile devices and supported by most native camera apps.

Understanding the SMS format inside a QR code

The format is simple:

sms:+1234567890?body=Your%20message%20goes%20here

This string is embedded in the QR code. When scanned, phones recognize it and open the SMS app.

SMS number and pre-filled message explained

When creating the code, you’ll enter:

• The phone number the message will be sent to (e.g. support line, sales rep, SMS opt-in number)
• The message content users will send (e.g. “I’d like to book a table at 7 PM”)

This makes SMS interactions faster and less error-prone for users.

Step-by-step guide to generate an SMS QR code using Linko

Let’s now make your own SMS QR code using Linko’s Free QR Code Generator. You don’t need to sign up.

Accessing Linko’s Free QR Code Generator

• Go to: ➡️ linko.me/free-tools/qr-code-generator
• Once there, choose “SMS” from the QR Code Type options.

Entering phone number and message content

1. In the Phone Number field, type the number that will receive the SMS.
2. In the Message field, write the text you want pre-filled.
   Example:

• Phone: +15558675309
• Message: Hello, I’d like to schedule a demo.

You can use emojis, punctuation, and line breaks. Just be mindful of character limits (more on that below).

Choosing colors and format (PNG, SVG, WEBP)

Next, pick your design:

• Color: Choose foreground and background colors. Go for contrast.
• Format: Select between PNG, SVG, or WEBP based on your use:
  • PNG for websites and emails
  • SVG for print
  • WEBP for web apps

Linko also lets you customize the design so your QR code matches your brand style.

Downloading and using the code

Once done! You can:

• Add it to flyers, posters, brochures, menus
• Embed in websites, newsletters, or SMS campaigns

For more help, check out:

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Free QR Code Generator – Create a QR Code with Custom Colors

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How to Make a QR Code for Website Link – Free URL QR Code

Best practices when making an SMS QR code

Creating a QR code for SMS free is easy, but a few tips can help you make the best QR code for SMS that’s clear, usable, and safe.

Character limits and formatting tips

• Keep your SMS message short—under 160 characters if you want it to appear in one text.
• Don’t include links unless necessary (use short links).
• Use plain text—no rich formatting like bold or italics inside the message itself.

Font size, background contrast, and logo use

• Make sure the QR code is at least 2 x 2 inches if printed.
• Use high contrast: dark foreground + light background.
• Avoid cluttering the code with large logos. Small icons are fine in corners.

Testing before publishing

Always scan your code before you print or publish it.

Test it on:

• iPhone (iOS Camera App)
• Android (various scanner apps)
• Google Lens or Chrome’s QR scanner

Creative ways to use SMS QR codes for your business

A QR code SMS message isn’t just for marketing. It’s a versatile tool that fits into many industries.

Restaurants, salons, doctors, and real estate

• Restaurants: Let diners send “Reserve for 2 at 7PM” by scanning.
• Salons & spas: Book appointments via SMS directly from service brochures.
• Doctors and clinics: Allow patients to message for follow-ups or to confirm.
• Realtors: Place SMS QR codes on yard signs for property inquiries.

Event check-ins and customer service replies

• Add an SMS QR code to event badges for fast check-ins or volunteer communication.
• Let customers scan and send “Need help with my order” without waiting on hold.

Emergency alerts and school communication

• Schools can distribute flyers with emergency SMS contact codes.
• Parents can scan to report absences or request info.

SMS QR codes offer a fast, easy, and direct way to connect with people through their phones—and you don’t need a dev team to set one up.

Can users edit SMS QR codes after printing?

Once you print an SMS QR code, can you update the content later? The answer depends on whether you used a static or dynamic QR code.

Static vs dynamic QR codes explained

A static SMS QR code stores all data directly inside the code itself. This means once it’s generated, it cannot be changed or updated.

On the other hand, dynamic QR codes store a short redirection URL that points to content that can be edited or updated anytime.

“Static QR codes are like permanent tattoos, while dynamic ones are more like sticky notes — easy to update.”

Linko provides static SMS QR codes for free, but if you want dynamic QR codes, you can check out our paid plans.

Limitations of static SMS QR codes

Static QR codes have a few restrictions:

• You cannot change the phone number or message after printing.
• They don’t support analytics or link tracking.
• You must reprint if you need to fix a typo or change the number.

If you’re running a long-term or flexible SMS campaign, you’ll need to recreate the QR code or consider a dynamic QR code that can be updated later.

Tracking SMS QR code usage

One of the most common questions is: can I track how many people scanned my SMS QR code?

Can SMS QR codes be tracked?

Unfortunately, static SMS QR codes cannot be tracked directly. There’s no server call or redirection involved, so there’s no way to know:

• How many scans occurred
• From what device
• At what location or time

That’s the main difference between static and dynamic QR types.

What data is unavailable in static codes?

Here’s what you’ll miss if you rely on static SMS QR codes:

• Scan counts
• Time of scan
• Device info (iOS vs Android)
• Geolocation of scans

If tracking matters to your campaign, consider using a dynamic QR code. That way, you can track user actions while still sending them to a pre-filled SMS message.

QR code for SMS vs QR code for text vs QR code for email

Not all QR codes serve the same purpose. If you’re unsure whether to use an SMS, text, or email QR code, here’s a quick breakdown.

Choosing the right QR type for your goal

Each has its own advantage. If you want interaction, SMS or email QR codes work best. If you just need to display a message, go for a text QR code.

Learn how to make these with our free guides:

QR Codes

How to Generate a QR Code For Email – Free Email QR Code

QR Codes

How to Generate QR codes for Text – Free Text QR Code

How secure are SMS QR codes?

Safety is a big concern — especially when QR codes involve messaging apps or phone numbers.

What users should know about privacy

SMS QR codes are safe to use, but like any QR code, they can be abused. Users should always verify where a code comes from before scanning.

Since SMS QR codes can pre-fill phone numbers and messages, malicious actors could trick users into sending messages to premium-rate numbers.

To stay secure:

• Only scan codes from trusted sources
• Double-check the phone number before pressing send
• Avoid scanning public QR codes if you’re unsure of the source

Avoiding fake or malicious SMS QR codes

Some fake QR codes look real but lead to unwanted actions. To prevent this:

• Don’t scan QR codes taped on top of others
• Use scanners that show a preview of the action
• Create your own QR codes with a trusted generator like Linko’s Free QR Code Generator

Mobile compatibility of SMS QR codes

Mobile phones play a huge role in how QR codes behave. Let’s look at compatibility between iPhone and Android.

Do iPhone and Android scan SMS QR codes the same?

Both platforms support SMS QR codes, but behavior might differ:

• iPhones typically show a preview before opening the messaging app
• Android devices vary depending on the camera app and default SMS settings

Most modern phones scan SMS QR codes without any extra apps, but if your audience uses older devices, test compatibility before publishing your QR code widely.

Tips to ensure mobile-friendly experiences

To make sure your code works on all phones:

• Use short SMS messages (under 160 characters)
• Test your QR code on both iPhone and Android
• Keep the QR code high-contrast and not too small
• Avoid placing QR codes on glossy surfaces that reflect light

8 QR code types you can generate on Linko

Linko’s Free QR Code Generator supports 8 different types — perfect for any business, campaign, or use case.

Overview of available formats

Here’s what you can create on Linko’s QR Code Generator:

1. URL – great for links and landing pages
2. Text – show any message or code
3. Event – add events to a calendar
4. vCard – share contact info in one scan
5. SMS – open messaging apps with pre-filled message
6. Email – open email apps with auto-filled content
7. Call – tap-to-dial QR code
8. WiFi – connect to a network without entering password

Final thoughts

Generating a QR Code for SMS is one of the simplest ways to boost engagement without relying on apps or forms.

It’s direct, quick, and works for nearly every mobile user.

Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing a clinic, promoting an event, or simply offering customer support, SMS QR codes give your audience a fast way to connect via pre-filled text messages.

With Linko’s QR code maker, you can:

• Create SMS QR codes in seconds
• Customize colors and formats (PNG, SVG, WEBP)
• Choose from 8 static QR types including email, vCard, WiFi, and more
• No account required – it’s 100% free and mobile-friendly

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