Free SMS QR Code Generator — Pre-Filled Text Message

Design, Generate, and Track All in One Place

Free static QR codes forever · Dynamic QR codes with scan analytics · No signup required

Simple & Fast

How to Create an SMS QR Code in 3 Steps

No account needed. Go from a phone number and message to a ready-to-scan SMS QR code in under 60 seconds — completely free.

01

Enter the phone number & message

Add the recipient's phone number with country code and type a pre-filled message — up to 160 characters. Scan recipients see the message ready to send in one tap.

02

Customise your QR code

Upload your logo, pick brand colours, select a dot pattern and frame style. Add a call-to-action like "Scan to Text Us" so users know exactly what to expect.

03

Download and share instantly

Export your SMS QR code as a high-resolution PNG or scalable SVG. Print on flyers, menus, packaging, event invitations, or embed in email footers and websites.

Why SMS QR Codes?

Everything you need from a free SMS QR code generator

Open a pre-filled text message on any phone with one scan — no internet, no app install, no friction for your audience.

Pre-filled message, zero typing

Encode both the recipient number and a ready-to-send message. Your audience scans, confirms with one tap, and the SMS is sent — no manual input whatsoever.

Works completely offline

SMS QR codes use the device's native messaging app — no internet connection required. As long as the phone has a mobile signal, the message can be sent instantly.

Fully customisable brand design

Add your logo, choose foreground and background colours, pick a dot pattern, and apply a CTA frame. Create SMS QR codes that match your brand identity perfectly.

Boosts response rates instantly

Removing friction from the message-sending process dramatically increases the likelihood of a response. A pre-filled SMS QR code converts passive readers into active senders.

Print & digital ready

Download as a lossless SVG or high-res PNG. Embed on flyers, menus, product packaging, event invites, email signatures, or digital screens at any size without quality loss.

100% free — no hidden costs

Generate unlimited static SMS QR codes at no cost. No watermarks, no scan limits, no expiry, and no credit card required. Always free on QR Code Rabbit.

Real-World Applications

Who uses SMS QR codes — and how

From restaurant tables to product packaging, SMS QR codes turn a scan into an instant, pre-written text message — in any industry.

Event RSVPs & Registrations

Print an SMS QR code on invitations with a pre-filled message like "Confirm RSVP for 2". Guests scan and send in one tap — no forms, no login, no friction.

InvitationsConferencesWeddings

Restaurant Feedback & Orders

Place an SMS QR code on receipts or table cards to collect instant text feedback. For food delivery, encode an order message so customers can reorder in seconds.

ReceiptsTable cardsTakeaway menus

Marketing & Lead Generation

Add a "Scan to Get Offer" SMS QR code to flyers, posters, or billboards. A pre-filled opt-in message captures leads directly into your SMS marketing list.

FlyersBillboardsRetail signage

Product Registration & Warranty

Include an SMS QR code on product packaging that sends a registration text on scan. The timestamp serves as proof of purchase and activates the warranty automatically.

PackagingProduct insertsLabels

Government & Civic Services

Allow citizens to register, submit requests, or get updates via pre-filled SMS QR codes on public signage, ID documents, or official communications.

Public officesID cardsOfficial forms

Healthcare & Appointment Reminders

Clinics can use SMS QR codes to let patients confirm or reschedule appointments with a single scan. Encode a short confirmation message to the reception line.

ClinicsAppointment cardsWaiting rooms

Ready to turn any scan into a pre-filled text message?

Know the Basics

What is an SMS QR code?

An SMS QR code — also called a text message QR code or SMSTO QR code — is a type of QR code that encodes a phone number and an optional pre-written message using the SMSTO: protocol. When scanned, the device opens its native SMS app with the number and message already filled in. The user simply taps Send.

Unlike URL QR codes that redirect to a webpage, SMS QR codes trigger the phone's built-in messaging client. They work anywhere there is a mobile signal — no internet connection, no app install, and no manual input needed from the user.

Up to 160 characters can be encoded in the message body — enough for an RSVP confirmation, a product registration, a feedback prompt, or a marketing opt-in. Both standard phone numbers and short codes (e.g. 40404) are supported.

160Max characters in pre-filled SMS message
0Internet connection required to send the SMS
100%Free to generate — no sign-up needed
26BSMS messages sent every day in the US alone

Technical Detail

Three SMS QR code formats explained

QR Code Rabbit supports all three standard SMSTO: formats. Choose the one that fits your use case.

SMSTO:number:message

Phone number + pre-filled message

The most common format. Opens the native SMS app with both the recipient and message already filled in. Recipient just taps Send.

ExampleSMSTO:+15550001234:Hi, I'd like to book a table for 2 at 7pm.
SMSTO:number:

Phone number only

Pre-fills the recipient number but leaves the message blank. Useful when the message varies by user or you want them to compose their own text.

ExampleSMSTO:+15550001234:
SMSTO::message

Pre-filled message only

Encodes a message body with no recipient. Useful for viral SMS campaigns where users forward the message to their own contacts.

ExampleSMSTO::Win £100 — forward this to 3 friends to enter!

Why QR Code Rabbit?

The SMS QR code generator built for everyone

QR Code Rabbit combines the best features of leading QR platforms — QR Tiger, QR Monkey, and Qrfy — into one free, all-in-one tool. Whether you need a single SMS QR code or thousands for a bulk campaign, we have every format and feature covered.

  • Static, dynamic, and bulk SMS QR code generation — all in one platform
  • Pre-fill both phone number and message body — recipient just scans and sends
  • Custom logo, brand colours, frames, and dot patterns — no design skills needed
  • Real-time scan analytics and tracking for dynamic SMS QR codes
  • Download PNG or SVG — print-ready at any resolution, from receipts to billboards
  • Supports 20+ QR code types: SMS, phone, URL, email, vCard, Wi-Fi, and more

What QR Code Rabbit includes

FeatureQR Code Rabbit
Static SMS QR codesFree, unlimited
Dynamic SMS QR codesEdit number & message anytime
Bulk SMS QR generationCSV upload supported
Custom logo & coloursAny brand, any style
SVG vector downloadInfinite resolution
Scan analytics & trackingReal-time dashboard
No sign-up for static codesInstant download

The Complete Guide to SMS QR Codes

An SMS QR code encodes an SMSTO: URI that opens the device's native text messaging app with a pre-filled phone number and, optionally, a pre-written message body. When scanned, the user only needs to tap Send — there is no typing, no number entry, and no internet connection required. For businesses running SMS marketing campaigns, customer support via text, or opt-in subscription programmes, an SMS QR code dramatically reduces the friction between seeing your campaign and taking action.

How the SMSTO protocol works in a QR code

The SMSTO: URI scheme is a cross-platform standard supported by iOS, Android, and Windows Phone devices. Its basic format is SMSTO:+PHONENUMBER or SMSTO:+PHONENUMBER:Message%20Body. When a device decodes a QR code containing an SMSTO: URI, the operating system passes it to the default messaging app, which opens a new SMS compose window with the number and message pre-populated. Unlike email QR codes, SMS QR codes do not require an internet connection to work — only a mobile signal to send the message. This makes them reliable in environments with poor data connectivity.

Business applications for SMS QR codes

SMS marketing has consistently higher open rates than email — often cited above 95% — making SMS opt-in a high-value marketing action. SMS QR codes are one of the most effective tools for growing an SMS subscriber list from offline touchpoints. A retail store prints an SMS QR code on the checkout receipt with the pre-filled message 'JOIN' to a shortcode; the customer scans, taps Send, and is subscribed in seconds. Restaurants use SMS QR codes for table booking requests. Service businesses use them for appointment confirmations. Emergency services and public utilities print SMS QR codes on vehicles and signage so the public can report incidents without navigating a website or remembering a number.

Limitations and best practices for SMS QR codes

SMS QR codes have a few important limitations to understand before deploying at scale. Not all SMS clients handle pre-filled message bodies consistently — some Android messaging apps ignore the body parameter in the SMSTO URI while correctly populating the number. Always test your QR code on at least three different devices (iPhone, Android, and a tablet if your audience uses them) before printing. The message body must be URL-encoded — spaces become %20, commas become %2C — which the QR Code Rabbit generator handles automatically. For campaigns targeting international audiences, always include the full international dialling code in the number (+country code) to ensure the SMS is routed correctly from any network.

Need Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about creating, customising, and managing QR codes with QR Code Rabbit.

QR Code Rabbit is a free QR code generator and best-in-class QR code maker available online. "QR code" stands for Quick Response Code — a 2D barcode developed by Denso Wave in 1994 that smartphones can scan in under a second. QR Code Rabbit lets you create QR codes for URLs, PDFs, WhatsApp, social media, UPI payments, Wi-Fi, vCards, and more. You can add your brand logo, customize colors and patterns, and download in PNG or SVG format — all for free, with no account required for static QR codes.

Yes. All static QR codes on QR Code Rabbit — including URL, plain text, email, SMS, phone, Wi-Fi, vCard, and crypto — are completely free to create with no expiry and no scan limits. Once generated, they are yours to keep forever. Dynamic QR codes with scan analytics and editable URLs are available on our free and paid plans. No credit card is ever required for the free tier.

Yes. Every QR code you generate with QR Code Rabbit — including custom-designed codes with your company logo — can be used freely for commercial purposes, including product packaging, marketing campaigns, business cards, menus, and event materials. There are no royalties or licensing fees.

No. Static QR codes generated on QR Code Rabbit have zero scan limits and never expire. You can print them on packaging, billboards, or business cards and they will work indefinitely, with no caps on the number of scans.

Absolutely. QR Code Rabbit includes a full design editor: upload any image as a logo to embed in the center of your QR code, choose custom foreground and background colors, pick from multiple dot patterns and eye shapes, and add a branded call-to-action frame. Custom-designed QR codes get up to 70% more scans than plain black-and-white codes — all customization is free.

QR codes generated with QR Code Rabbit can encode: website URLs, plain text messages, email addresses (with subject and body), phone numbers, SMS messages, Wi-Fi network credentials, vCard contact details, UPI payment links, WhatsApp chat links, Instagram/Facebook/YouTube/Twitter profiles, Google Form links, PDF file links, and Bitcoin/Ethereum wallet addresses. Each QR code type has a dedicated generator page optimized for that content.

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