For lead capture and support
Pre-fill a text message recipient and body with one scan.
Copy a starter, then tweak it for your campaign.
Support text
sms:+15555550123?body=Hi, I need help with order #
Keyword opt-in
sms:55555?body=JOIN
Listing inquiry
sms:+15555550123?body=Interested in 123 Main St
Asset fault report
sms:+15555550123?body=Issue with unit A-104:
Event feedback
sms:+15555550123?body=Feedback for tonight:
SMS QRs encode a special sms: URI that opens the user's default messaging app with the recipient — and optionally a pre-filled body — already populated. They tap send and the conversation begins.
Use SMS QRs for keyword opt-ins (Text JOIN to start), support escalation (one tap to text the on-call team), or any flow where you want a real two-way conversation rather than a one-way form submit.
The killer property of SMS versus every app-based channel: it requires nothing. No WhatsApp account, no app install, no login — every phone that can scan a QR can send a text. For audiences where app penetration is uncertain (broad consumer, older demographics, field service), SMS is the lowest-common-denominator channel that actually works.
Syntax has a platform wrinkle worth knowing: the standards-blessed separator between number and body is '?', but historically some platforms preferred ';' — and behavior has varied across iOS and Android versions. The sms:+15555550123?body=Hello form is the most widely honored today, but this is exactly the kind of behavior to test on both a current iPhone and a current Android before you print a thousand posters. Two minutes of testing beats a dead campaign.
Design the pre-filled body as a routing key, not just a greeting. 'JOIN' triggers your opt-in automation; 'Order #' prompts the customer to complete the one fact support needs; a listing code like 'INFO 123MAIN' tells the agent exactly which sign was scanned. The body text is the one piece of structured data you get to inject into an otherwise freeform channel — spend it wisely.
For marketing opt-ins, the QR doesn't exempt you from consent law. In the US, TCPA rules and carrier registration requirements govern commercial SMS programs; similar regimes exist elsewhere. The scan-to-text flow is actually compliance-friendly — the user composes and sends the opt-in themselves — but your program behind the shortcode still needs proper registration and honest opt-out handling. Verify current requirements with your SMS provider.
One deliverability honesty note: pre-filled messages can be edited by the user before sending, and some will edit them. Build your keyword automation to tolerate case variations and trailing words, or you'll silently drop signups from people who typed 'Join please' instead of 'JOIN'.
Drop a QR on posters that pre-fills your shortcode and the magic keyword — the user just taps send, and consent is unambiguous because they sent it.
Replace the phone-tree IVR with a QR that opens a text to your support number — asynchronous, queue-free, and preferred by a growing share of customers.
Let drive-by prospects text a listing reference to the listing agent without typing anything — the pre-filled body identifies the property automatically.
Stickers on equipment that pre-fill the asset ID let tenants and technicians report issues with the identifying detail already in the message.
A 'text us your feedback' QR captures complaints privately before they become public reviews — no app or form required.
Pre-configured variants tuned to specific platforms and use cases.
For guest networks
Let guests join your WiFi by scanning — no typing required.
Open variantFor restaurants and cafés
Replace laminated menus with a QR that always shows the latest version.
Open variantFor networking and events
Add a QR to your business card that drops your contact info into any phone.
Open variantFor tickets, signage, and check-in
Print one QR for tickets, agenda, and live updates.
Open variantFor sharing contact info
Encode your full contact card so anyone can save it in one scan.
Open variantFor driving follows from offline
Print a QR that opens your Instagram profile in one scan.
Open variantFor starting WhatsApp conversations
Print a QR that opens a WhatsApp chat with you pre-filled.
Open variantFor linking to documents
Encode a hosted PDF so anyone can open it instantly on mobile.
Open variantFor artists, podcasters, and playlists
Turn any Spotify link into a scannable QR for posters and merch.
Open variantFor creators and educators
Send fans straight to a video, channel, or playlist with one scan.
Open variantFor lead capture and outreach
Open a pre-filled email draft with one scan.
Open variant