SMS QR Codes: Tek Dokunuşla Mesajlaşma
Generate smsto: QR codes for SMS with pre-filled phone number and message. Carrier compatibility and character limits.
SMS QR Codes: One-Tap Messaging
SMS QR codes encode a phone number and optional pre-filled message using the smsto: URI scheme. On scan, the device opens the messaging app ready to send.
The smsto: URI Format
smsto:+15550123:Hello, I saw your advertisement
The format is: smsto:{phone_number}:{message_body}
Some implementations use sms: instead of smsto:, with the message in a body parameter:
sms:+15550123?body=Hello%20World
Both formats work, but smsto: with the colon separator has the broadest compatibility across Android and iOS.
Phone Number Format
Always use the international format with country code:
- US:
+15550123456 - UK:
+447700900123 - Japan:
+819012345678
This ensures the QR code works for scanners in any country.
Character Limits
Standard SMS messages are limited to 160 characters (GSM-7 encoding) or 70 characters for Unicode messages. While you can include longer text in the QR code, the messaging app may split it into multiple messages or truncate it.
Platform Behaviour
| Platform | smsto: Support | sms: Support |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | Opens Messages | Opens Messages |
| Android | Opens default SMS app | Opens default SMS app |
Both platforms pre-fill the recipient and message text, allowing the user to review and edit before sending.
Use Cases
- Opt-in marketing: "Scan to text JOIN to 55555"
- Customer service: Pre-filled product name for quick support requests
- Two-way communication: Small businesses offering text-based interaction
- Emergency contacts: Quick access to local emergency SMS services
- Event RSVPs: Pre-filled response text with event identifier
Best Practices
- Use international phone format for global compatibility
- Keep the pre-filled message short and clear
- Include a call-to-action explaining what the scan does
- Test on both iOS and Android before deployment
- Consider that SMS may incur charges for the sender
Key Takeaways
- SMS QR codes use
smsto:orsms:URI schemes - Always use international phone number format with country code
- Pre-filled messages should be concise (under 160 characters)
- Both iOS and Android support native SMS QR code handling
- Users can review and edit the message before sending