Do you use WhatsApp? Of course. It is among the most used applications globally. It is convenient to communicate with friends and family. However it is also a large business tool. To get an idea of how big it is, we will consider some big numbers: WhatsApp has more than 3 billion monthly users or nearly half of the population in the world.
The special WhatsApp Business application is used by more than 200 million businesses to chat with customers. QR codes are used by people more than ever. In one study it was discovered that more than half, 59 percent, of the people scan a QR code at least once a day. The use of WhatsApp QR Code Generators in paying bills increased by over 150 percent within a year. It shows people love to scan.
Why then do we associate the biggest chat application with the quickest expanding scanning application? The solution is a WhatsApp QR code.
This list of the top 10 tools to create your own WhatsApp QR code. We are going to discuss both free and paid tools. We will make it simple and easy to comprehend.
What Is a WhatsApp QR Code and What Does It Do?
You have seen QR codes before. They are small black and white patterns squares. You see them on the menus of the restaurants, at bus stops, and in magazines. Special QR code is a WhatsApp QR code.
In most cases, when you point your phone camera on a regular QR code, it opens a site.
When you scan a WhatsApp QR code with your camera, it does not respond in the same manner. It opens WhatsApp app and initiates a new conversation with a particular individual or company.
You do not have to write down their phone number or save them. Just scan, and you can chat.
How does it work?
It works like a secret link. The QR code is a kind of link that is stored in the form of a special link:
The link is read by the camera on your phone. It recognizes the wa.me and understands that it is WhatsApp. It commands the app to open and initiate a conversation with the number 155 512 34567.
There are QR codes that can contain a prepared text. Once scanned, the chat starts with a message like, Hello, I noticed your ad and I want to ask you some questions. You just press send.
How useful are WhatsApp QR Codes | Advantages of using them.
These are not just a gimmick of a square. They are quite helpful particularly to businesses that are of any size.
1. Connect in One Second
This is the greatest benefit. Suppose that you are a small cake shop and posted a flyer in a window.
- Old way: The customer reads your phone number, unlocks his or her phone, opens contacts, adds a new contact, types your number (possibly incorrect), saves it, and opens WhatsApp to see you.
- New way: The customer perceives your flyer, opens his/her phone, scans the code, and a chat with your shop opens immediately. It’s 10 times faster.
2. No More Typing Mistakes
How many times have you attempted to write down a number and got it wrong? “Sorry, wrong number!” It happens a lot. It is impossible with a QR code. The code has the exact number. It never errs. That is great for businesses. You can never lose a customer due to typing mistake.
3. A Big Help to Business (Online and Offline)
QR codes in WhatsApp connect the real life to your chat online.
- On the business card: Scan to talk to me.
- On one of the product boxes: Scan to reorder or help.
- On a restaurant table: Scan to request the help of a waiter.
- On a contact us page on a web site: Click or scan to chat rather than emailing at a slow rate.
- On social media: Post it in your Instagram profile. You can be messaged by people scanning it through their computer screen.
4. Appears Business-like and intelligent.
The QR code demonstrates that your business is contemporary. It demonstrates that you are concerned about the convenience of customers. It helps a small shop to appear as intelligent as a large organization. It makes people believe you more.
5. Get More Messages
It is very easy and thus more likely to contact you. They might not desire a phone call or an extended email. However, it is not hard to send a WhatsApp message in a few seconds. A QR code makes it even easier. It results in additional questions, leads and additional sales.
How to create a WhatsApp QR Code (Step-by-step).
There is no need to be a computer expert in order to create one. It is very easy. This is a basic guide and can apply to the majority of the tools in our list.
Step 1: Select a QR Code Generator.
First, pick a tool. These 10 tools can be selected. In this case, we will take a free one such as QR Code Monkey.
Step 2: Find the “WhatsApp” Option
When you open the site, you will find numerous choices. It will enquire, what type of code do you wish to create? You will find such options as Website, Text, Email, or Phone. Find the one that is marked with the WhatsApp name or the WhatsApp logo. Click it.
Step 3: Enter Your Phone Number
You will see two boxes. You can leave your phone number in the first box. You are required to add your country code. Do not include any zero, dashes or spaces.
- Correct: 15551234567 (for a USA number)
- Correct: 442071234567 (for a UK number)
- Correct: 919876543210 (for an India number)
- Wrong: 001‑555‑123‑4567
- Wrong: 9876543210 (you have forgotten the country code!)
Step 4: Include a Pre-written Message (Very Strongly Recommended)
The second box concerns a pre-filled message. This is what will automatically appear on the chat box of the user who scans your code. This is very useful.
- Good Example for a shop: Hi! I spotted your sign and I would like to have your products.
- Good Example to get assistance: Hello, I require assistance with my order.
- Bad Example: Hi. (This is not very helpful.)
Step 5: Make It Your Own (The Fun Part)
You may make your code now look nice. Most tools let you:
- Change Colors: You can choose the black boxes to the color of your brand such as blue or red. (But keep it dark!)
- Add a Logo: It is possible to add the logo of your company to the very center of the code. This appears quite professional.
- Change the Shape: Certain tools allow modification of the shape of the small squares.
Step 6: Learn and Get Your Code.
When you like what you have designed, press the large button which has the text Create QR Code or Generate. The tool will make your code. Next, select the option of downloading PNG (PNG is a nice image file on the web). SVG should be used in case you would like to print it on a very large banner.
Step 7: Test It!
This is the most significant step. You will need to test your code before you print 1,000 flyers. Open the camera of your own phone and scan it. Does it open WhatsApp? Is the appropriate phone number displayed? Is your pre-prepared message there? Ask a friend to scan it using his or her phone. Check it on iPhone and Android wherever possible.
That’s it! You have now a working WhatsApp QR Code.
Top 10 Free and Paid WhatsApp QR Code Generators.
Below is the list of the best tools to make your codes in 2026.
1. ME‑QR
ME-QR is an excellent general purpose tool. It is extremely easy to navigate and its site is uncluttered and not disorganized. It is not only with WhatsApp, you can create QR codes with websites, WiFi and a lot more. When you choose the WhatsApp option, you are presented with the two basic boxes, one having the phone number and the other one with a pre-written message. It’s very straightforward, making it one of the most convenient WhatsApp QR Code Generators available.
The tool is excellent when the beginner wants to create a code within a short time. It also provides dynamic QR codes which implies that you are able to follow the number of people who scan your code. It provides you with a lot of good features on a free generator.
Key Features:
- Clean and very simple interface.
- Free (that is, non-dynamic) and paid (that is, dynamic) codes.
- Allows you to add a custom image or a logo.
- You are able to design it and customise the colours.
- Makes numerous kinds of QR codes, not just WhatsApp.
Ideal Use Case:
- A small business owner or a freelancer that wants a fast, working, and attractive QR code on a business card or a webpage.
Pricing:
- It has an excellent free version which is best with simple WhatsApp codes. Its premium services begin at approximately 9.95 monthly and it allows you to follow your scans and create editable codes.
2. QR Code Monkey
One of the most popular free generators on the internet is QR Code Monkey. The greatest advantage that it has is the fact that you receive high design customization at no charge. You are not required to even create a membership. You simply enter the website and make. It provides you with sliders to adjust the colors, a choice of adding a color gradient, and numerous shapes of the code with eyes (the corners).
Your own logo can be added very easily and it makes it look great. Its codes are of high resolution, meaning that they appear very clear after printing. It is an ideal device to use by an individual who desires to have a beautiful, custom-branded QR code without spending a single penny. Tools like QR Code Monkey are also widely used as WhatsApp QR Code Generators, allowing users to create personalized WhatsApp links with ease.
Key Features:
- Completely free to use.
- No sign‑up is needed.
- Stunning design alternatives: custom colors, gradients, and shapes.
- Easy to add your logo.
- Generates quality and high resolution codes (PNG, SVG, PDF).
Ideal Use Case:
- A designer/ student/ small business interested in a free QR code that looks beautiful and includes a brand name in a poster, flyer or menu.
Pricing:
- It is 100% Free. (It belongs to a company that has a paid service known as QR Code Generator PRO, yet this Monkey-tool is free).
3. The QR Code Generator (by Bitly)
It is among the most reliable and ancient QR generators. It has been acquired by Bitly, the popular link-shortening firm. That gives it a lot of power. The free version is simple: pick WhatsApp, provide your information and it generates a code. It is quick and reliable.
The actual advantage is the paid PRO. Its tracking and analytics are the best since it is compatible with Bitly. You can view the number of people who have scanned your code, when they scanned your code and where (which city) they scanned your code. This is quite beneficial to a business. It also forms dynamic codes, therefore, you can alter the link at a later date.
Key Features:
- – Quite credible and reliable (owned by Bitly).
- – Free for basic static codes.
- – Paid version has got dynamic codes.
- – Analytics with scans globally (city, time, scans).
- – Has the capability of generating massive batches of codes.
Ideal Use Case:
- A marketing department or a developing business that would like to know the effectiveness of their posters or advertisements.
Pricing:
- It offers a free plan with limited features of creating static codes. The tracking and dynamic code-based paid plans (PRO) begin at approximately 13 dollars in a month.
4. Uniqode (previously Beaconstac)
Uniqode is the tool for you in case you are a serious large business. It is a professional, advanced QR code platform. It is not intended to be made by a client who has fun with one code. It is suitable to those companies who wish to utilize QR codes to conduct large-scale marketing campaigns. Like many WhatsApp QR Code Generators, it offers robust options for businesses looking to integrate QR technology into their communication and marketing strategies.
It is all-inclusive: it has numerous design choices, has excellent security, and features very detailed analytics that can be confusing to a beginner. You have an option of producing beautiful branded codes that will fit the appearance of your company. It is also linked to other tools such as Google Analytics.
Key Features:
- – designed to suit medium and large business (enterprise level).
- – Extremely high security and privacy ( GDPR compliant ).
- – Incredibly thorough analytics and tracking.
- – Integrates with other applications such as Google Analytics and Zapier.
- – Allows you to generate dynamic codes to bulk.
- – Customization of high-end design.
Ideal Use Case:
- A major retail brand, a real estate agency or any other large business requiring secure, trackable, and professional QR codes of numerous products or locations.
Pricing:
- This is a premium, paid tool. It offers a 14‑day free trial. Subsequently, the plans begin with $15 per month (charged annually) and increase rapidly in price with additional features.
5. QRCode‑Tiger
Another highly popular and powerful tool is QRCode-Tiger. It refers itself to be an advanced generator, and it possesses the features to support it. Large organizations such as Disney and Lululemon use it. Security is one of its most outstanding aspects.
It is completely GDPR compliant or, in other words, it is under strict European regulations concerning data privacy. This is relevant in businesses that deal with customer information. It is also highly trackable and according to their research, a branded, custom QR code can receive 70 percent more scans in comparison with a simple black and white code.
Key Features:
- – Extremely high attention to security and privacy (GDPR compliant).
- – Excellent tracking analytics (time, location, type of device).
- – Color and logo customization is easy.
- – Option to generate large volumes of codes.
- – Provides a team account that can be used by multiple users.
Ideal Use Case:
- A company or a marketing firm requiring secure, trackable, and professional looking code and values privacy.
Pricing:
- It comes with a free version that allows creation of 3 dynamic codes. This is great for testing. Paid schemes are priced at 7 dollars monthly (billed annually) and they have additional codes and capabilities.
6. QRFY
QRFY is a highly contemporary and smooth product that is well liked among companies. It is concentrated on designing the dynamic QR codes that appear to be beautiful and effective. In addition to WhatsApp, it is very nice to make digital business cards or connect to all your social media profiles in one scan. The interface is user friendly, making QRFY one of the most reliable WhatsApp QR Code Generators for both professionals and businesses.
You are able to design your own code, place your own logo and then monitor all your scans through an easy dashboard. One aspect to consider is that some users on the internet have claimed to be cautious of its auto-renewal billing system, therefore, just read the terms in case you subscribe to a paid plan. The tool is however solid, fast and produces very professional looking codes.
Key Features:
- – Contemporary and user-friendly dashboard.
- – Every strategy is centered on dynamic, measurable codes.
- – Excellent with online business cards and social media connections.
- – Customization of good design using frames and logos.
- – Provides scan statistics.
Ideal Use Case:
- A businessperson, influencer, or any contemporary business that desires a single beautiful QR code that can direct them to their WhatsApp and other social media.
Pricing:
- It provides a seven days free trial to test all features. Paid plans begin at approximately $19 a month (charged annually) after the trial.
7. Scanova
Scanova is a business QR code developer. It is in direct competition with such tools as Uniqode. It is aimed at marketing campaigns. It provides over 20 types of QR codes, such as the ones connecting to WhatsApp. The greatest strength of it is that it creates leads. As an example, you may write a code which once scanned requests the user to provide his name and email and then send them to a chat. This is highly potent to businesses.
Scanova also provides quite elaborate analytics and design options. It is also intended to serious marketers who would like to streamline print advertisements to their sales and marketing systems. It can be overly sophisticated to a user who simply requires a personal and easy QR code.
Key Features:
- Constructed to conduct business and marketing campaigns.
- Hi-tech lead generation technology.
- Superior, comprehensive analytics.
- Customizable and lots of design features.
- Invents dynamic codes, which are editable in the future.
Ideal Use Case:
- Marketing team who would like to use QR codes to achieve new customer leads and monitor the success of their advertisements.
Pricing:
- It is a paid tool. It offers a 14‑day free trial. Paid plans begin at $15 monthly (charged on an annual basis).
8. QR.io
QR.io is an easy and efficient application that performs its task well. It has a flashy site that is easy to begin with. A personalized QR code can be made within a few minutes. It allows you to make customizations with colors, logo and customizing the shape of the code. It is dedicated to dynamic codes and thus even on its entry-level plan, you are able to follow your scans. This is a big plus. It even possesses an option to make simple landing pages.
A one-page mini-website is referred to as a landing page. Thus, a user would scan your code and would get to a page with your photo and a button to chat on WhatsApp and would just press it. This is a good additional measure that brings in professionalism.
Key Features:
- User-friendly and easy interface.
- Specializes in dynamic and trackable codes.
- Proper customization (color, shapes, logo).
- Capacity to formulate straightforward mobile landing pages.
- Displays statistics of scan point and time of scan.
Ideal Use Case:
- A freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, who needs a simple and convenient tool to develop and manage a dynamic code.
Pricing:
- It offers a 7‑day free trial. Then there are paid plans beginning with $17 a month (annually).
9. Flowcode
Flowcodes are familiar to you; they are the beautiful circular QR codes, commonly having a logo in the center. Flowcode is an American company that consists of design and analytics. Many Fortune 500 companies trust them. They have codes that are dynamic, thus you can always follow them. They think that a beautiful code is more scanned, that is why they pay attention to the ease of customization. Tools like Flowcode also stand out among WhatsApp QR Code Generators for their elegant design and enterprise-level analytics.
Their dashboard is excellent in following real-world connections. As an illustration, a TV commercial may display a Flowcode and the company can know the exact number of people that scanned a Flowcode. In the case of WhatsApp, it can be used to place on laws, packaging, or signs to provide VIP Support.
Key Features:
- Develops gorgeous custom-made circular codes.
- Codes are all dynamic and traceable.
- Superior analytics dashboard.
- Trusted by major US brands.
- Specializes in the association of real-life advertisements with online outcomes.
Ideal Use Case:
- A brand, artist, or business that is very much concerned with design and would like to have a beautiful looking unique looking QR code on their package or advertisements.
Pricing:
- Its simple free system allows you to create dynamic codes, which is very generous. Paid plans have enhanced tracking, design features and speedy support, and begin at about $5 per month (billed annually).
10. Canva
This is somewhat surprising, yet it may be the best to most people. Canva is not a special QR code generator. It is a design tool which contains QR code generator within. Canva has millions of users who create flyers, social media posts, business cards, and presentations. When you are designing your flyer with Canva, it is simply necessary to go to the left side and into the Apps section, and there you can make a QR Code. You just enter your Whatsapp address and it includes the code in your design. It can be colored in any way that you design. It is so easy and convenient.
Key Features:
- It is integrated directly with Canva design tool.
- Super convenient. There is no necessity to visit another web site.
- You may include the code on your flyer, poster or business card.
- Colors can be easily changed to your design.
- 100 percent free under the Canva free plan.
Ideal Use Case:
- Any person that already uses Canva to create their marketing content. This is the quickest and simplest means of including a WhatsApp QR code to a design.
Pricing:
- Canva (with an excellent free plan) is 100% free to use the QR code generator.
How to Generate WhatsApp QR Code with a Phone Number
This we have already done in the steps, but we ought to take a closer look at the magic link you are forming.
QR code is a mere picture containing a link. In the case of WhatsApp, there are two components of the link.
Part 1: The Phone Number
The simple URL is https://wa.me/Your Number.
YourNumber should be your complete phone number in which the country code has been included without the plus symbol or zeroes or dashes.
- If your number is +1 (555) 123-4567, the link is: https://wa.me/15551234567
- If your number is +91 98765 43210, the link is: https://wa.me/919876543210
This link alone will work. This link is contained in a QR code that will open a chat with you.
Part 2: The Pre-filled Message
It is better to include a pre-written message to make it easier to your customer.
This is done by appending the query text= to the link.
But wait! The spaces cannot be used in a link. You have to change all the spaces to percent 20.
WhatsApp QR Codes Best Practices.
Making the code is easy. The step that follows is to get people to scan it. These are just a few of the rules to observe.
1. Add a “Call to Action” (CTA)
Your poster does not need to be simply hung with the code on it. People won’t know what it is. Including instructions about what and why.
Others may be considered as good CTAs (Scans to Chat With Us on WhatsApp!).
- Good CTA: “Have Questions? Scan Here for 24/7 Support.”
- Bad CTA: (No text at all)
2. Add Your Logo
The add logo option should always be used. Place the logo of your brand or a basic WhatsApp icon in the middle. This causes individuals to have faith in the code. They are more secure scanning it since they are aware of its destination.
3. Test, Test, and Test Again
I repeat it since it is so crucial. Test the code prior to printing 1,000 boxes. Scan it with an iPhone. Scan it with an Android phone. Scan it from far away. Scan it up close. Ensure that it functions correctly all the time.
4. Keep It a Good Size
Don’t make the code too small. It needs to be at least 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) on a business card. Phone cameras do not have the ability to focus on it, which is too small.
5. Use Good Color Contrast
Your code must have little dark squares and the background light.
- Good: Black on white. Dark blue on light yellow. Dark green on white.
- Bad: Yellow on white. Light gray on white. Blue on black (inverted).
The first reason why a code will not scan is a lack of contrast.
6. Leave a “Quiet Zone”
There has to be a blank area for the QR code, or a border. Do not have other texts or pictures influence it. This quiet zone is what the camera requires as a reference point of the beginning and ending of the code. The majority of generators provide you with this border. Simply ensure that you do not cut it off.
7. Use the Right File Format
Upon downloading your code you will have choices.
PNG should be used on the websites, emails, and social media.
- Use SVG or PDF for printing. One can create an SVG file as large as a billboard, and it will never become blurry. When you make a PNG file too big it will look blocky and ugly.
Conclusion
WhatsApp QR code is an easy yet a powerful tool. They create a magic instant connection between the real world and your online conversation. In your case, it can make it easy to share your contact. To a business, it may simplify the process of a customer posing a question. This may translate to additional friends, contacts and sales. You do not have to be a technology genius. It is possible to use a free tool, such as QR Code Monkey to create a beautiful, free code in two minutes.
In case of business expansion, a paid service such as Uniqode or QRCode-Tiger can be used to monitor scans and determine the effectiveness of your advertisements. The last and most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you should always remember to add an obvious “Call to Action” (such as Scan to Chat!). You should also test your code before printing it. Go try it! Get your first code and find out how simple it is.
Also Read:- Shopping Cart Abandonment Software Tools
FAQs
Do WhatsApp QR codes expire?
In case you create a free (static) code, it will not expire. It will be working as long as your phone number is functioning. When you pay (dynamic) code, it will expire when you give up paying for your subscription.
Is it possible to create a QR code with an already written message?
Yes! This is among the most admirable features. Every tool on our list allows adding a pre-filled message. The moment somebody scans your code, the message will already be typed in their chat box waiting to be sent.
Should a free QR code generator be used?
Yes, for the most part. Such tools as QR Code Monkey are non-dangerous. They just create a link. Be wary of websites that are unknown. An unhealthy site might write down a dynamic code and then alter the link in the future to an unhealthy site.
What is a “dynamic” QR code?
A dynamic code is a code that is editable. It indicates a short connection which can be changed in the future. It also allows you to trace all scans. It is an optional service and works well with companies that desire to view data.