Let customers message you in one scan
This generator turns your WhatsApp number and an optional prefilled message into a scannable QR code that opens a chat with you instantly — no need for anyone to save your number first. It is ideal for shop counters, receipts, flyers, business cards, and contact pages where you want enquiries to start with one tap.
How it works
WhatsApp’s wa.me API accepts a plain international phone number (no plus, no spaces) and an optional URL-encoded message as query parameters. The tool first strips everything except digits from the number you type, then assembles the link:
https://wa.me/<digits>?text=<URL-encoded message>That URL is rendered into a QR code in the browser using a standard QR encoding library. When someone scans it, iOS and Android cameras recognise the wa.me domain and offer to open WhatsApp directly — no third-party QR scanner app is needed. The chat opens with your number pre-addressed and, if you included a message, the text already typed in the compose field ready for the sender to review and send.
Worked example — restaurant booking
A restaurant wants scan-to-enquire from their printed menu. They enter +44 7700 900123 (UK example number) and the prefilled text Hi, I'd like to book a table for tonight. The tool produces:
https://wa.me/447700900123?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20to%20book%20a%20table%20for%20tonightThe QR code generated from this URL is downloaded as an SVG and placed on the menu. A diner scans it, WhatsApp opens addressed to the restaurant number, and the booking enquiry is pre-written — the diner just taps Send. The restaurant receives the message directly in their WhatsApp Business inbox.
Prefilled messages — what works well
The optional message field is most useful when you know exactly why someone is likely to scan the code. Effective prefilled messages:
- Short and action-specific — “Hi, I’d like a quote for X” is cleaner than a long paragraph
- Leave room for the sender to personalise — the text is editable before they send it, so a starter sentence works better than a form-like script
- Match the placement context — a QR on a job advert might prefill “Hi, I’m interested in the [role] position”, while a product packaging QR might prefill “Hi, I have a question about [product]”
Avoid encoding sensitive information (prices, availability) in the prefill because it will be visible in the URL and may become outdated.
Where to use this QR code
Physical locations: shop counter, reception desk, restaurant table tent, hairdresser mirror, market stall, taxi headrest, gym noticeboard.
Print: business card, flyer, brochure, invoice footer, product packaging, event badge.
Digital: email signature image, website contact page, social media bio, digital menu.
PNG vs SVG download
- PNG — a raster image at a fixed pixel resolution. Good for embedding in Word documents, presentations, social media posts, and digital displays where print quality is not critical.
- SVG — a vector format that scales without loss of sharpness at any print size. Preferred for signs, banners, stickers, and professional print work where the code needs to be crisp at large sizes.
For most print applications, use SVG. For screen-only use, PNG is simpler.
Privacy
The wa.me link is assembled and the QR code rendered entirely in your browser. The phone number and message text you enter never leave your device and are not sent to any server. Nothing is uploaded, logged, or stored.