> ## 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.

# WhatsApp QR code

> Start a WhatsApp chat with your number, with an optional pre-typed message.

A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with your WhatsApp number. You can add a message that is already typed in, so people only need to tap send.

## Before you start

* Use a phone number that has a WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account.
* Know the number in international format, including the country code.

## Create it

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

  <Step title="Choose WhatsApp">
    In **Choose QR type**, click **WhatsApp**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick the country">
    In **WhatsApp Number**, choose your country from the country picker.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter the number">
    Type your phone number.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a message (optional)">
    Type the text people will send in **Pre-typed Message**, for example "Hi! I'd like to book a table."
  </Step>

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

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

  <Step title="Design and create">
    Customize the design (see [Design overview](/design/overview)), then click **Create QR**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Settings

| Setting | What it does |
| - | - |
| **WhatsApp Number** | Required. The number people message. Must include the country code (starting with `+`). Up to 40 characters. |
| **Pre-typed Message** | Optional, up to 160 characters. Appears in the chat box; people can edit it before they send. |
| **Name your QR Code** | Optional, up to 40 characters. Only you see it. Default: **My WhatsApp QR Code**. |
| **Custom short link** | Optional. Lets you choose the end of the short link, 3–15 characters. You can't change it after the QR code is created. |

## What people see when they scan

WhatsApp opens a chat with your number, with your pre-typed message in the chat box. Behind the scenes, the code redirects to a standard WhatsApp chat link (`wa.me`).

Scans go through a GetQR short link, so they're counted in [analytics](/analytics/overview), and you can change the number or message later without reprinting the code.

## Use cases

* Take bookings or orders by chat from a flyer, menu or shop window.
* Offer customer support from product packaging or receipts.
* Let event guests or real-estate leads contact you instantly.
* Pre-fill a message with a campaign or product name, so you know where the chat came from.

## Common issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Include the country code, starting with +">
    The number needs an international country code. Pick your country in the picker, or type the number starting with `+` and the country code, for example `+44`.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Please enter a valid phone number">
    The number contains characters that aren't allowed. Use only digits, spaces, dashes, brackets and a leading `+`.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Message cannot exceed 160 characters">
    Shorten **Pre-typed Message** to 160 characters or less.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The chat opens with the wrong contact, or WhatsApp says the number isn't on WhatsApp">
    Check that the number has a WhatsApp account and the country code is correct. Edit the QR code in **My QR Codes** to fix it: printed codes update automatically.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Add a logo" href="/design/logo" />

  <Card title="Print your QR code" href="/downloads/printing" />

  <Card title="SMS QR code" href="/qr-types/sms" />

  <Card title="Track scans" href="/analytics/overview" />
</CardGroup>


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