How to make a WhatsApp QR code
Type your WhatsApp number with its country code, for example +44 7700 900123. The code opens a chat with you straight away: nobody has to save your number first. Write the message people will send you, pick a design, then download it as PNG for screens or SVG for print.
You can also paste a link you already use, such as wa.me/447700900123 or an api.whatsapp.com/send link. The number and message are read from it, so you can change them here.
Why add a message?
A ready-made message tells you where people found you and what they want. “I’d like to book a table” from the code on your door and “I saw your flyer” from the one in the newspaper start very different conversations, and the customer only has to press send.
Track how many people scan it
A free code opens WhatsApp directly, so nobody can count its scans. A dynamic QR code goes through a short olinqs link first. It counts every scan by day, country and device, and lets you change the number or the message after the code is printed: handy when a number changes hands, or to run a new offer from the same poster.
Questions
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. WhatsApp Business uses the same chat links, so the code opens a chat with your business number in either app.
What happens if someone doesn’t have WhatsApp?
The link opens WhatsApp’s website, which offers to install the app or continue in WhatsApp Web.
Why does my number need the country code?
WhatsApp links are international: without the country code, the chat can’t know which country the number belongs to. Leave out the leading zero of a national number, for example +44 7700 900123 instead of 07700 900123.
Can I use the QR code that WhatsApp gives me?
You can, but you can’t add your logo, change its colours or count its scans. A code made here opens the same chat and can carry a message.