SMS QR Code: Sending Messages with One Scan

Despite the advent of messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and more, text messages are still a communication channel used by millions of people.

They are also still quite effective in marketing as, according to statistics, 61% of consumers say they want the ability to text a business back.

With QR codes, you can give your prospects the possibility to connect with you via SMS, which turns out advantageous as, unlike messaging apps or emails, text messages don’t require an internet connection.

You can use QR codes for SMS to promote your business and leverage your customer service efforts. Text messages are quite effective for confirming reservations, booking appointments, and much more.

What is an SMS QR Code

SMS QR codes are a type of QR code that sends a composed message to a specific recipient, after just one scan. Anyone with a smartphone or any other QR code-reading app can send an SMS message after they scan the code.

To use QR codes to send SMS messages, you can encode the necessary information within the QR code. When the code is scanned, it triggers the SMS application with predefined details such as the recipient’s number and message.

How QR Code Messages Work

QR codes for SMS have an embedded country code and phone number. Every time people scan QR codes for text messages, the pre-set text message will appear on the text message app on their phones. Once this happens, they just have to tap Send.

Here’s a breakdown of how QR code messages work for sending SMS.

Encoding Information

The necessary information for sending an SMS, such as the recipient’s phone number and the message text, is encoded into the QR code. The format for SMS in a QR code typically looks like smsto:number:body.

Example: smsto:+1234567890:Hello, this is your QR code message!

Generating the QR code

Once the SMS information is encoded, a QR code is generated using a QR code generator tool or software.

Distribution of the SMS QR code

The QR code can be printed on physical media, displayed on a website, or shared digitally through various channels.

Scanning the QR code

Users who want to send the predefined SMS scan the QR code using a smartphone or a QR code scanner app.

Interpreting the QR code

The scanning device decodes the information from the QR code. In the case of an SMS QR code, it extracts the recipient’s phone number and the message text.

Opening the SMS application

The scanning process triggers the SMS application on the user’s device, with the recipient’s phone number and message pre-filled.

User confirmation and sending

The user can review the pre-filled message in their SMS app and choose to send it. Some applications may require user confirmation before sending the message.

Message delivery

Once the user confirms and sends the message, it is delivered to the specified recipient.
QR code messages are versatile and can be used for various purposes beyond sending SMS, such as opening URLs, adding contacts, or providing information.

The key is to encode the appropriate data in the SMS QR code, and when scanned, the QR code acts as a quick and efficient way to transfer information or initiate actions.

Advantages of Text Message QR Codes

There are several advantages to using SMS QR codes.

Convenience

Billions of people use smartphones equipped with camera apps that can read QR codes, and this opportunity cannot be wasted. Your prospects can connect with you via just one scan without the need to enter either a phone number or a text message manually.

Also see: WhatsApp QR Code: How Can You Create One?

Privacy

Believe it or not, some people don’t want to connect with a brand or a business on messaging apps if they have personal profile photos on display, or if they usually post images in their statuses —e.g., WhatsApp.

An SMS, unlike a messaging app, doesn’t have any type of this content on display, which makes it more private for people to connect.

No need for an internet connection

The text message app on every phone doesn’t need any internet connection to send or receive messages. This clearly is an advantage, as with messaging apps, on the other hand, users will need to have an active connection.

Also see: Why Using a QR Code for Calls

Create SMS QR Codes with our QR Code Generator

Step 1. Open a QR.io Account

To create a QR code for text messages, you must open a QR.io account and start your 7-day trial. To do this, click Sign Up on the top-right corner of the homepage and enter your personal information.

Step 2. Click on + Create QR Code from your dashboard

To start the creation process, click + Create QR Code on the top-right corner of your dashboard.

Step 3. Select Static > SMS

Choose Dynamic > Images and click Continue below.

Step 4. Enter the information

Select the country code from the list and add the telephone number to which the QR code will send the message. Also, type in the pre-selected message.

If you want to create QR codes in bulk, just select the option above and choose a file and a folder. Then click Create QR Codes.

Step 5. Customize your code

You can choose the background color, play with different shapes, and add a logo, image, and a call to action to make your code stand out.

Step 6. Test your code

It is always important to test your code from different distances to see how scannable it is. If you customize your code too much or print it in too small a size, users will find it hard to scan it.

Also see: Why Is My QR Code Blurry and How to Fix It?

Also see: How to Run a Proper QR Code Test, Easily and Effectively

FAQs

How to create QR code for text message?

Follow these simple steps to create a QR code for a text message:

Create an account on QR.io.
Click on + Create QR Code from the dashboard.
Select Static > SMS.
Add the country code, phone number, and message.
Customize your code.
Test it.

How to scan QR code to auto-send the SMS?

To scan an SMS QR code to send a text message, open your camera app and point it to the code keeping your phone as parallel as possible. The camera will pick it up and a notification will appear; tap this notification and the messaging app will open.

The number and the pre-selected message will appear, and you will want to tap send, and you’re done!

Wrap-Up

Sending text messages via the SMS QR code is very simple. Just scan the QR code and tap send! Offering SMS QR codes will help you connect with your customers or prospects in a flash, and offer a complementary communication channel!