How to Make a QR Code for WhatsApp (Free, 2026)
A WhatsApp QR code opens a chat with you the instant someone scans it — you can even pre-fill the first message so they just hit send. It's ideal for shopfronts, flyers, ads, and packaging where you want quick, direct enquiries. Here's how to make one for free using a wa.me link.
Quick answer
To make a QR code for WhatsApp, build a click-to-chat link in the format https://wa.me/<yournumber> (international format, digits only, no plus sign or spaces) and paste it into a free QR generator like onesol.io/qr-code-generator. Scanning opens a WhatsApp chat with you, and adding ?text= pre-fills a message. WhatsApp also has its own built-in QR code under Settings for adding you as a contact.
1. Build your wa.me click-to-chat link
Write your number in full international format with digits only — no plus sign, spaces, or dashes — and add it to https://wa.me/, so a US number becomes https://wa.me/14155550100. To pre-fill a message, add ?text= followed by your text, and replace spaces with %20, like ...?text=Hi%20I%20saw%20your%20ad.
2. Turn the link into a QR code
Paste your finished wa.me link into a free generator such as onesol.io/qr-code-generator using the 'Link' option, and the QR appears instantly. This works for both regular WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business numbers.
3. Or use WhatsApp's built-in QR code
In the app, go to Settings and tap the QR icon next to your name to get a code that adds you as a contact when scanned from another phone's WhatsApp camera. A wa.me QR is usually better for marketing because any camera can scan it and it can open a chat with a ready-made message.
4. Test and display it
Scan the code with another phone to confirm WhatsApp opens the right chat with your pre-filled message, then download a PNG or SVG. Place it on your shop window, receipt, flyer, or ad with a prompt like 'Scan to chat on WhatsApp.'
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FAQ
What number format does the wa.me link need?
Full international format with digits only — country code included, but no plus sign, spaces, brackets, or dashes. For example, +1 (415) 555-0100 becomes 14155550100 in the link.
Can I pre-fill the first message?
Yes. Add ?text= to your wa.me link followed by the message, using %20 for spaces. The chat opens with that text ready in the box, and the person can edit it before sending.
What's the difference between wa.me and WhatsApp's own QR code?
WhatsApp's built-in QR only scans from inside the WhatsApp app and adds you as a contact. A wa.me QR scans with any phone camera and opens a chat directly, which makes it better for posters, ads, and packaging.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. A wa.me link works with both personal and WhatsApp Business numbers, so you can use the same method to route enquiries to your business account.
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