Fundamentals

SMS QR Codes: SMSTO and sms: URI Formats That Actually Work

Codexengr, QR Systems Engineer

Published 2026-07-26 (Updated 2026-10-05)

4 min read

Peer Reviewed & Fact Checked

1. Common Formats

* `SMSTO:+15551234567:Hello there` * `sms:+15551234567?body=Hello%20there`

The first is the older scanner convention and the second follows URI style. Behavior differs between phones and apps, so test both on iOS and Android.

2. Encoding Tips

* Use international E.164 numbers with a leading plus sign. * URL-encode spaces and special characters in the sms: form. * Keep the message short, since long bodies enlarge the code.

3. Use Cases

Opt-in keywords ("text JOIN to 12345"), quick feedback lines, and appointment confirmations. Check local regulations on marketing messages before launching a campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the message send automatically?

No. The phone opens the messaging app with a draft; the user must tap send.

Which format should I choose?

Test both. If you target a single platform, use whichever opens correctly on your test devices.

Ready to generate high-precision QR codes?

Test your designs in real-time with our 100% client-side QR studio suite. Zero tracking, instant vector downloads.

Open Studio