How to Create a WhatsApp QR Code

A WhatsApp QR code encodes a standard wa.me link — the same "click to chat" link format WhatsApp itself generates. Scanning it opens a chat with your number pre-filled, with an optional message ready to send.

How to get a QR code for WhatsApp (the built-in one)

WhatsApp has a built-in QR code: open Settings (or your profile picture on iPhone), then tap the QR icon next to your name. Use its Share option to send the image to another app. That's the fastest way to get a QR code in WhatsApp if you just want to share your own contact from your phone.

The built-in code is useful for sharing your own contact. This generator instead creates a standard wa.me link with an optional pre-filled message and exports a PNG or SVG for your print layout.

Step-by-step: building your own

1. Open the WhatsApp QR code generator.
2. Enter your number with the country code (e.g. +1 555 123 4567).
3. Optionally add a pre-filled message, like "Hi! I'd like to ask about...".
4. Generate and download the QR code.

Why the country code matters

A wa.me link needs the full international number to route correctly. Leaving off the country code — or guessing one — produces a broken link, which is why this tool requires it explicitly rather than assuming one.

For groups and business accounts

For example, an international number such as +1 202 555 0123 becomes the link https://wa.me/12025550123. The country prefix belongs in the link; spaces and the plus sign do not. A pre-filled message is offered to the customer and is not sent automatically.

Scan the downloaded code with the phone's ordinary camera before printing. Confirm that the intended WhatsApp account opens. Publishing the QR code also publishes a way to contact that number, so use a business number if you do not want your personal one shared.

Group invite links and WhatsApp Business catalog links are also just URLs — generate a QR code for them using the URL QR code generator instead of the phone-number-based tool.