> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getqr.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMS QR code

> Open a pre-filled text message to your number with one scan.

An SMS QR code opens the messaging app with your number and, if you want, a ready-made message. People only need to tap send.

## Create it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the QR code builder">
    Click **Create QR** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose SMS">
    In **Choose QR type**, click **SMS**. The builder moves to **Create content**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the phone number">
    In **Number**, pick the country and type the phone number that receives the messages.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write a message (optional)">
    Type the text you want to appear in **Pre-filled SMS**. People can edit it before sending.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your QR code (optional)">
    Type a name in **Name your QR Code** to find the code later. Only you see it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue to the design">
    Click **Next**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize and create">
    Style your code in **Customize & Download**, then click **Create QR**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Settings

| Setting | What it does |
| - | - |
| **Number** | Required. The number people text. Must include the country code, starting with `+`. Up to 40 characters. |
| **Pre-filled SMS** | Optional. The message text, up to 160 characters. People can change it before sending. |
| **Name your QR Code** | Optional. Up to 40 characters. Only you see it. If you leave it empty, GetQR uses a default name. |

## What people see when they scan

There is no landing page. The phone opens its messaging app with a new message to your number and your pre-filled text. Nothing is sent until the person taps send. Standard message rates from their carrier apply.

The code goes through a GetQR short link, so you can change the number or message after printing.

## Use cases

* Let customers text a keyword to join a list or enter a contest.
* Collect votes or quick replies at events.
* Offer a "text us" option for support or bookings.
* Request a callback: pre-fill "Please call me back about…".

## Common issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Include the country code, starting with +">
    Select the country in **Number** or type the number in international format, for example `+44 20 7946 0000`.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Please enter a valid phone number">
    The number contains letters or symbols, or only has a country code. Use digits, spaces, dashes and brackets only, and enter the full number.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Message cannot exceed 160 characters">
    **Pre-filled SMS** is limited to 160 characters, the length of one text message. Shorten the text.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The scan opens a message without my text">
    Check that **Pre-filled SMS** isn't empty, then test the code with both an iPhone and an Android phone before printing.&#x20;
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Nothing happens when scanning on a computer">
    SMS codes need a device that can send text messages. Ask people to scan with a phone.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Start a WhatsApp chat instead" href="/qr-types/whatsapp" />

  <Card title="Customize the design" href="/design/overview" />

  <Card title="Download your QR code" href="/downloads/formats-and-resolution" />

  <Card title="Manage your QR codes" href="/getting-started/managing-qr-codes" />
</CardGroup>


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