QR Code for WhatsApp: create yours in 2 minutes
The customer scans and the chat opens directly, without saving the number
A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with your number directly when scanned. The customer does not need to save the contact or type the number. It can include a pre-filled message so the conversation starts exactly where you need it.
How does a WhatsApp QR code work?
The QR encodes a wa.me/44XXXXXXXXXX URL. When scanned, WhatsApp opens a chat with that number without needing a saved contact.
The URL encoded in a WhatsApp QR code follows this format: https://wa.me/44XXXXXXXXXX?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20to%20know%20more
Where 44 is the UK prefix, XXXXXXXXXX is the number without leading zeros, and the ?text= parameter is optional and pre-fills the customer's message.
When someone scans the QR, their phone opens the URL and WhatsApp launches the chat directly. If the contact is saved, it recognises it. If not, it opens the chat with the number as the identifier.
How to create the WhatsApp QR code on codigo-qr.es?
Open the generator, choose URL type and paste wa.me/44XXXXXXXXXX. The QR is generated instantly. No registration needed for static QR.
Option A - Static QR (free, no account): 1. Go to /generador-codigos-qr 2. Select the URL type 3. Enter https://wa.me/44XXXXXXXXXX 4. Download as PNG or SVG
Option B - Dynamic QR (Free plan, with analytics): 1. Create a free account at /registro 2. Create a dynamic URL QR with the wa.me URL 3. From the panel, see how many times it was scanned each day
To include a pre-filled message, add the ?text= parameter: https://wa.me/447700900000?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20a%20quote
Where to place the WhatsApp QR code for best results?
On shop windows, business cards, receipts, packaging and websites. Physical QR attracts customers who don't know the number. Digital avoids typing errors.
The most effective cases:
Shop window or front door: customers passing by can message you directly to ask about opening hours or prices without going in. Works for hair salons, clinics and small shops.
Business card: a WhatsApp QR on the back lets people get in touch without searching for the number. With a pre-filled message, context is clear from the start.
Receipt: for feedback or post-sale queries without having to look up a customer service number.
Product packaging: for technical support or warranty registration, straight to the right department.
Does the number need to be WhatsApp Business or does a regular number work?
Works with any number that has WhatsApp installed: personal or Business. WhatsApp Business adds automatic replies but the QR works the same way.
The wa.me URL works with any number that has WhatsApp active.
Personal WhatsApp: the chat opens directly. No additional features. Free.
WhatsApp Business (free app): adds a business profile with photo, category, hours and description. You can set up automatic welcome replies. The QR works the same.
Recommendation: for businesses, use WhatsApp Business even if only for the automatic welcome reply. The customer gets immediate confirmation even when you are not available.
§CODIGO-QR.ES / PRO
Create your WhatsApp QR code now
Free for static QR. Free plan includes 2 dynamic QR codes with scan analytics.
Preguntas frecuentes
- Does the WhatsApp QR code work on iPhone?
- Yes. The wa.me URL works on iOS with WhatsApp installed. If the user does not have WhatsApp, the URL opens the App Store. There is no difference between Android and iOS.
- Can I use the same QR for multiple numbers?
- Not directly: a WhatsApp QR points to a single number. To change numbers, use a dynamic QR from codigo-qr.es and update the destination URL from the panel.
- Is the number exposed when the QR is scanned?
- Yes: the number is in the URL encoded inside the QR. For businesses this is desirable. If you want to hide it, use a dynamic QR that redirects via a short link from codigo-qr.es.
- How much text can I put in the pre-filled message?
- Several hundred characters. WhatsApp shows it as a draft in the customer's text field. Recommendation: maximum 100 characters so it is readable before sending.
Jose Flores
Fundador · codigo-qr.es
Proyecto independiente de generación de QR dinámicos y códigos de barras, creado en Barcelona en 2026.
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