How do I create a WhatsApp QR code for customers?
You create a code with a short link for your business number. Whoever scans it starts a chat with you without typing in your number.
The short answer.
You create a WhatsApp QR code for your business by creating a code with a short link for your business number and printing or sharing the image. According to Meta, scanning starts a chat without the customer typing in your number. You can prefill a message, and it may be up to 140 characters long. As of: 02.11.2026.
QR code and short link at a glance.
| Question | Answer according to Meta |
|---|---|
| What does the scan do? | The customer starts a chat without entering your number |
| What is the short link? | A shorter, readable form of the link that you can send as text |
| Prefilled message | Possible, up to 140 characters, can be changed or removed later |
| Image formats | SVG or PNG, Meta recommends SVG for printing and resizing |
| Does the code expire? | No, only by deleting |
| How many codes per number? | At most 2,000 QR codes and short links |
| Scan statistics from WhatsApp? | No, not available according to Meta |
Sources: Meta, QR Codes and Short Links and Meta for Developers, Blog, accessed on November 2, 2026.
How do you create a WhatsApp QR code for your business?
You create the code for your business number and get a short link and a QR image with it. Meta names two ways: the WhatsApp Business Management API or the interface in Business Manager. There you can view, create, edit and delete codes. With the API, you set the prefilled message and the image format and get back the short link and the address of the QR image. It is simpler with software that does this for you.
Source: Meta, QR Codes and Short Links, accessed on November 2, 2026.
What should the prefilled message contain?
The prefilled message should briefly say what the customer is writing about, because Meta does not allow more than 140 characters. When scanning, the text field is already filled, and the customer only has to tap Send. Meta names customer service, online shops and collecting consent for marketing messages as uses, among others. An example of a message that you choose yourself:
How to collect consent properly is explained under double opt-in on WhatsApp.
What do you watch out for when printing and sharing?
It is best to use the SVG image and change neither the color nor the look of the code. Meta recommends SVG for printing and resizing. The code cannot be designed by WhatsApp itself. You can edit it in other software, but Meta advises against it, because changes to color or shape can make scanning harder. Test every printout with several phones before you order posters, flyers or table stands.
Source: Meta, QR Codes and Short Links, accessed on November 2, 2026.
Can you change a printed QR code later?
Yes, you can change the prefilled message later without the QR image changing. Printed codes therefore stay valid. Meta also writes that codes do not expire on their own. If you delete a code, customers see an error message when scanning saying that it has expired. So only delete a code when it is no longer hanging anywhere.
Sources: Meta, QR Codes and Short Links and Meta for Developers, Blog, accessed on November 2, 2026.
Can you count how often a QR code is scanned ?
You get no scan numbers from WhatsApp. According to Meta, statistics for QR codes and short links are not available, because Meta stores little data for privacy reasons. If you want to know which poster works, create a separate code with its own prefilled message for each location and compare the incoming chats. This is a recommendation, not a requirement from Meta.
Source: Meta, QR Codes and Short Links, accessed on November 2, 2026.
What does that mean for SmartChat?
SmartChat is a WhatsApp marketing solution for businesses. You get a QR code and a Click-to-WhatsApp button in every plan, including the free. Whoever signs up through a landing page or popup automatically gets a confirmation (double opt-in).
Frequently asked questions about the QR code.
How long can the prefilled message in the QR code be?
Up to 140 characters, says Meta.
Does a WhatsApp QR code expire at some point?
No. It only ends when you delete it.
Do I have to reprint the QR code if I change the message?
No. The QR image stays the same, only the prefilled message changes.
Which image format is best for posters?
SVG. Meta recommends it for printing and resizing.
May I color the QR code or add a logo?
Meta advises against it, because the code can then be harder to read.
How many QR codes may one number have?
At most 2,000 QR codes and short links, according to Meta.
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Last updated: By SmartChat Team