How to create a WhatsApp QR code
- 1
Add your number
Enter your WhatsApp number with the country code, for example +91 for India or +1 for the US.
- 2
Pre-fill a message
Write the first message customers will send, like “Hi, I’d like to order”. It also tells you where they found you.
- 3
Download and test
Scan it with another phone and check that the chat opens with your number and message.
How a WhatsApp QR code works
The code contains a WhatsApp click-to-chat link in the form wa.me/919876543210. When someone scans it, WhatsApp opens a chat with your number, with your pre-filled message ready to send. They don’t need to save your number first, and they can edit the message before sending.
If WhatsApp isn’t installed, the link opens a web page that offers to download the app or continue in WhatsApp Web.
Entering the number correctly
Use the full international number: the country code, then the number, without the leading zero you’d dial locally. For the Indian mobile number 98765 43210, that’s +91 98765 43210. Spaces, brackets and dashes are removed automatically.
The number must be registered on WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. If it isn’t, people see a message saying the number isn’t on WhatsApp, so always test after you download.
Use the pre-filled message to learn where chats come from
A pre-filled message saves customers from typing and tells you the source of each chat. Use a different message for each placement:
- “Hi! I saw your flyer and want to know more.” on flyers
- “Hi, I’d like to order from table 4.” on restaurant tables
- “Hello, I’m interested in the 2BHK on MG Road.” on property boards
Customers can change the text, but most send it as it is. For exact scan counts per placement, use a dynamic QR code.
Where businesses use WhatsApp QR codes
- Shops and home businesses taking orders and sharing catalogues on WhatsApp
- Restaurants and cloud kitchens for delivery and table orders
- Real estate boards and brochures for quick enquiries and site-visit bookings
- Salons, clinics, tutors and repair services for appointments
- Product packaging for support, warranty questions and reorders
- Events and exhibitions, so visitors can reach you after the show
WhatsApp’s own QR code vs this one
WhatsApp can create a QR code for your number inside the app. It works, but you can’t design it, and if you reset it, the printed copies stop working. A code made here uses the public wa.me link, which keeps working as long as your number is on WhatsApp. You can also add your colours, your logo and a “Chat with us” frame, and download a print-ready SVG.
Privacy and good practice
- Anyone who scans the code sees your WhatsApp number. For public posters, use a WhatsApp Business number rather than your personal one.
- Set up a greeting and away message in WhatsApp Business, so people who scan out of hours still get a reply.
- Keep the pre-filled message short. It’s stored in the code, and a long message makes the pattern denser.
Print tips
A WhatsApp code with a short message scans easily at 2.5 cm on cards and stickers. On shop windows and boards, go bigger, about a tenth of the distance people stand away. Add the WhatsApp number in text under the code for anyone who prefers to type it.