WhatsApp QR codes: let customers message you in one scan

4 minute read · updated 2026-11-10

A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with your number, ready to type, without the customer saving you as a contact first. It is one of the quickest ways to let people message a small business, book a slot or ask about an order, and it can even fill in the first message for them.

How it works

WhatsApp supports "click to chat" links in the form wa.me/ followed by a phone number. When someone opens the link, WhatsApp starts a chat with that number. A QR code holding that link does the same thing when scanned.

The number has to be written in full international format, without the plus sign, spaces, brackets or the leading zero you would dial at home. A UK mobile written as 07700 900123 becomes 447700900123: 44 for the UK, then the number without its first 0.

Getting this wrong is the main reason WhatsApp codes fail. A number with a leading zero, or without the country code, opens a chat with nobody, or WhatsApp says the number isn't on WhatsApp. A good generator removes the spaces, brackets and plus sign for you, but it can’t guess the country: type the number starting with + and the country code, like +44 7700 900123.

A ready-written first message

The link can also carry a message that appears in the customer's typing box, for example "Hi, I'd like to book a table". The customer can edit it or just press send. This is useful in two ways:

It lowers the effort of starting the conversation. Many people hesitate over what to write first.
It tells you where the message came from. A code on your van could say "Hi, I saw your van", one on a flyer "Hi, about the spring offer". When the messages arrive, you know which one worked.

Keep the message short and friendly, and never make it sound like something the customer wouldn't say. The message is stored in the code, so a long one makes the code denser and it needs printing a little larger.

Personal number or WhatsApp Business?

Codes work with any WhatsApp number. For a business, the free WhatsApp Business app is worth considering: it separates work chats from personal ones, and lets you set opening hours, an away message and quick replies for common questions. It also offers its own short link and QR code from its settings.

Whatever you use, remember that the number is printed into the code permanently. If you might change phones or numbers, use the number you intend to keep for the business, not a personal one you may give up.

Privacy: your number is in the code

Anyone who scans the code can see your phone number, and they can call it or text it as well as message you on WhatsApp. That is the point for a business line, but think about it before putting a personal mobile on a poster in a public place. A separate business number keeps your private one private.

Good places for it

Shop counters and windows: "Message us to reserve an item".
Vans and trade boards: "WhatsApp us for a quote". Tradespeople often get photos of the job this way, which saves a visit.
Salons, studios and clinics: "Message to book". Pair it with an away message so people outside hours know when to expect an answer.
Delivery notes and packaging: "Questions about your order?"
Event stands: a quick way to continue a conversation after the event.

Make it clear what will happen

People are rightly careful about scanning unknown codes. Put a WhatsApp logo or the words "Chat on WhatsApp" next to the code, along with the number written out for people who would rather type it. If replies aren't instant, say so: "We reply within a working day" sets expectations and avoids frustration.

Printing it

A WhatsApp link with no message is short, so the code is simple and prints well even at 2 to 3 cm on a card. With a pre-filled message it grows; check it at the size you plan to use. Follow the usual rules: dark code on a light background, a clear margin and a matt finish. For distances, see the QR code size guide.

Testing

Scan the code with a phone that has WhatsApp installed, using a number other than the one in the code.
Check that the chat opens with the right business name or number at the top.
Check the pre-filled message reads correctly, including accents and emoji if you used any.
Send a test message and make sure it arrives where you expect, on the phone or the business app.

For other ways to reach you, a QR code can also start a phone call, a text message or an email. The same rule applies to all of them: check the number or address carefully, because it can't be changed once printed.