How to make a WhatsApp QR code for your business

A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with your number when someone scans it, with a message typed in if you like. It takes a minute, and a fixed code is free with no account. This is for a chat with your business number, not a group invite or a login code.

Four steps

1. Write your number with the country code. For a US number, that's +1 and then the ten digits, like +1 954 555 0100. For a UK number, leave out the 0 at the start and add +44. Spaces, dashes and parentheses are fine. Use a business number, not your personal one. Anyone who scans the code can see it.
2. Add a first message, if you like. If you add one, it's typed in when someone scans, and they can change it before they press send. Nothing is sent until they do. You can use up to 300 characters, and a short message also makes a code that's easier to scan, like "Hi, I'd like a quote."
3. Make the code and test it. On our home page, choose WhatsApp chat, type your number and add your message. It's a fixed code, so it's free and needs no account. Add your colors or a logo, then download it. Scan it with your own phone: it should open a chat with your number, with your message in the box. If it opens the wrong number, check the country code. If your message is missing, try a shorter, plainer one. Print one copy at full size and scan that too. What to check when a code won't scan.
4. Put it where people will use it. Good spots are the counter, the window, the van and the invoice. Say what it opens, like "Message us on WhatsApp." In the hand, a code needs at least 1.2 in (3 cm), and on a counter at least 1.8 in (4.5 cm). How big should a QR code be? has the full chart. When someone scans, they start the chat, so you can reply. Don't add people to broadcasts or send them promotions without asking first.

If your number may change

A fixed code holds your number, so it can't be changed after printing, and it doesn't count scans. If you might move to a new number, make an editable code with a free account and point it at your WhatsApp link. Changing the destination link updates every printed copy. Saved pauses and access restrictions still apply. It also shows how many times the code was scanned. An editable code keeps your link, and the number in it, on ovbq. A free account includes 2 editable codes.

To make the link, keep only the digits of your number with its country code: no +, no zeros at the start, no spaces. Then put WhatsApp's own address for starting a chat in front. For +1 954 555 0100:

https://wa.me/19545550100

Open it in your browser to check that it opens your chat, then paste it into a new Website link code and make it editable. That's the format on WhatsApp's help page (opens in a new tab).

If you have a WhatsApp Business account, the app can make a short link that hides your number. Choose a Website link code and paste that link in.

What we record, and what we don't

For a fixed code, we record nothing. The number and message are inside the code, and a scan doesn't go through ovbq. Anyone who scans this code can see the number and message, and a printed code can't be changed. The chat itself happens in WhatsApp, under its privacy policy, not ours.

WhatsApp is a trademark of WhatsApp LLC. ovbq is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by WhatsApp.

Related: WhatsApp QR codes for business · Change a QR code's link

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