SMS QR Code Generator — scan to send a prefilled text
Want people to text a fixed message to a set number with one scan? Use an SMS QR code: set the recipient number, optionally prefill the message, and scanning opens Messages with both filled in — the person just hits send. Common for voting, check-in, redemption codes and event participation. Local, no upload.
An SMS QR code uses the SMSTO: standard to encode a target number (and an optional message) into the pattern. Scanning opens the Messages app with the recipient and text already filled in, so the person just taps Send. It's perfect for scan-to-vote, check-in, redemption passphrases and RSVPs — anywhere you want a fixed text fired off with one scan. Enter a number below to generate.
Style
Enter content to see your QR code
How prefilling the message works
The real value of an SMS code is that the message can be preset too. Scan-to-vote: prefill 'Vote A' and participants scan and send; redemption: prefill a fixed passphrase your endpoint recognizes; check-in: prefill 'Check-in Jane Doe ID123' so staff just add a name and send. Fixing the text both cuts the person's typing and makes your receiving side easier to automate. The message is optional — a number alone makes a 'scan to text this number' code.
An honest note on cost and compatibility
A scanned text goes out over the person's own carrier, so whether it incurs an SMS charge depends on their plan, not us — best to note that beside the code to avoid surprises. On compatibility, SMSTO: is the most widely supported SMS prefix, recognized by iOS and Android cameras alike; a few old devices or third-party scanner apps may support only a bare number and ignore a prefilled message, but the number still works.
Frequently asked questions
Does scanning an SMS code send the text automatically?
No. It only opens the Messages app with the recipient and text filled in as a pending message; sending is the person's own tap on Send. Scanning never quietly sends a text for anyone.
Does scanning to text cost money?
It goes over the person's own carrier, so whether and how much it costs is set by their plan, not by QR Cat. It's worth noting 'standard SMS rates may apply' beside the code.
Is the message required?
No. Just the recipient number makes a 'scan to text this number' code, leaving the message for the person to write. A prefilled message is for voting, redemption, check-in and other cases that need fixed wording.
Updated · QR Cat team