WhatsApp QR Code Generator: Create
Click‑to‑Chat Links, Groups & More
Create a free WhatsApp QR code for instant messaging, group invites, and customer support — no account required.
Paste your WhatsApp link: wa.me/[number] e.g. wa.me/1555123456
Pattern
Eyes
Overview
What Is a WhatsApp QR Code?
A WhatsApp QR code is a scannable barcode that instantly opens a WhatsApp conversation, group invite, or Web login when scanned with any phone camera. With over 2 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app globally — and QR codes eliminate the friction of typing phone numbers or searching for contacts.
WhatsApp supports three types of QR codes: the Web login QR (for accessing WhatsApp on your computer), custom click-to-chat QR codes (for business customer support and marketing), and group invite QR codes (for scaling communities). You can create a free WhatsApp QR code for any of these use cases — and a QR code WhatsApp users scan works on every phone, no special app required.
Types
Understanding Two Types of WhatsApp QR Codes
Built-in QR codes are generated automatically by WhatsApp — Web login QR (desktop access), profile QR (adding contacts), and group invite QR (from group settings). These are basic, black-and-white, and limited to WhatsApp's own features.
Custom QR codes are created with tools like QRKIT. They encode click-to-chat links (wa.me URLs), support custom branding and colors, and include scan tracking. A WhatsApp business QR code built this way lets you set predefined messages, change the destination without reprinting, and match your brand identity.
Which should you use? Built-in QR is fine for logging into WhatsApp Web or quickly adding a contact. For marketing, customer support, events, and anything requiring branding or analytics, create a custom QR code with QRKIT above — it's free and takes under a minute.
Comparison
Built-in WhatsApp QR vs Custom QR Codes
WhatsApp includes built-in QR codes for Web login, contact sharing, and group invites — but they can't create click-to-chat links, don't support custom branding, and offer zero scan tracking. Here's how they compare to a custom QR code.
Built-in WhatsApp QR
Basic- Web login
- Contact sharing
- Group invite (from settings)
- Free
- Click-to-chat links
- Custom colors & logo
- Scan tracking
- Editable destination
- Predefined messages
- Print-ready downloads
QRKIT Custom QR
Recommended- Web login (via wa.me link)
- Contact sharing
- Group invite
- Free
- Click-to-chat links
- Custom colors & logo
- Scan tracking
- Editable destination
- Predefined messages
- Print-ready downloads (PNG/SVG/PDF)
Which should you use? Built-in WhatsApp QR is fine for Web login and adding contacts. For click-to-chat links, business customer support, marketing campaigns, and scan tracking, create a custom QR code with QRKIT — it's free and works with any phone camera.
Business
WhatsApp Click-to-Chat QR for Business
A click-to-chat WhatsApp QR code is the most powerful use case for business. Customers scan the code and WhatsApp Business opens with a predefined message — no typing, no searching for your phone number. Here's how it works:
Click-to-Chat Workflow
- 1Business prints QR code on storefront, website, packaging, receipts, or event booth.
- 2Customer scans QR code with their phone camera.
- 3WhatsApp opens automatically (or prompts installation if not installed).
- 4Chat interface appears with preset message: "Hi, I need help with my order."
- 5Customer taps "Send" or types their own message.
- 6Business owner receives the message in real-time.
Pro tip: You can set a predefined message like “Hi, I need help with my order” so customers don't have to type anything. The message appears pre-filled in the WhatsApp chat when they scan. Related: SMS QR codes offer a similar workflow for text messages.
Lower Support Costs
Replace phone support with self-serve WhatsApp messaging — faster for customers, cheaper for you.
Higher Satisfaction
Customers prefer messaging over calling. Instant response on their preferred channel.
Trackable Conversions
See who scanned, when, and where — measure QR-to-conversation conversion rates.
Unlimited Scans
One QR code handles thousands of scans. No per-scan cost, no message limits.
Custom QR code
How to Create a WhatsApp QR Code
Step 1
Get Your WhatsApp Link
Your click-to-chat link format: wa.me/[your-number] (e.g., wa.me/1555123456). For groups, open group settings and copy the invite link. For predefined messages, add ?text=Your+message to the URL.
Step 2
Open QRKIT’s Generator
Scroll to the top of this page or visit QRKIT’s WhatsApp QR Code Generator. Select the URL input type.
Step 3
Paste the WhatsApp URL
Paste your wa.me link. Example: wa.me/1555123456?text=Hi%20I%20need%20help. The QR code will encode the full link including the predefined message.
Step 4
Customize Your Design
Add your logo or the WhatsApp icon. Use WhatsApp’s brand green (#25D366) for instant recognition. Pick a frame with CTA text like “Scan to Message.”
Step 5
Download & Test
Download as PNG for digital (websites, social media, email) or SVG/PDF for lossless print quality. Always test-scan on both iPhone and Android before distributing.
Why custom QR beats built-in: Custom QR codes support scan tracking and analytics so you can see who scans, when, and where. Dynamic QR codes let you change the phone number or message without reprinting the physical code. Try the custom QR code generator to explore all design options.
Groups
WhatsApp QR Codes for Group Invites
A WhatsApp group QR code lets admins invite new members instantly — no manually adding contacts one by one. Groups have a 256-member limit, and QR codes are the fastest way to fill them.
Built-in Group QR
Open your WhatsApp group → tap the group name → scroll to “Invite via link” → tap the QR code icon. This generates a basic black-and-white QR code that anyone can scan to join the group.
Custom Group QR (QRKIT)
Copy your group invite link, then paste it into QRKIT's generator above. You get a branded QR code with custom colors, your logo, and scan tracking — ideal for promoting groups on social media, posters, and websites.
Popular Group QR Use Cases
Community building
Fitness challenges, hobby communities, alumni groups, neighborhood associations.
Marketing & promotions
Exclusive groups for product launches, flash sales, VIP early access.
Team coordination
Company announcements, department updates, project-specific channels.
Events & networking
Post-event groups for attendee networking, speaker Q&A, follow-up discussions.
Courses & education
Student groups for cohort learning, assignment discussion, professor office hours.
Custom QR codes let you brand your group invite with colors, logo, and track how many people scan to join. Dynamic QR codes let you swap the group link without changing the physical code — useful if you need to create a new group.
Use cases
8 Ways to Use WhatsApp QR Codes
Customer Support
Print QR codes on your storefront, website, product packaging, or receipts. Customers scan and WhatsApp opens with a predefined help message — replacing phone support with instant messaging. Research shows customers increasingly prefer messaging over calling. Perfect for handling orders, returns, inquiries, and booking confirmations. See also: QR codes for marketing.
Restaurants & Cafés
QR on tables, menus, and takeaway packaging. Customers scan to ask about dishes, make reservations, or reorder favorites via WhatsApp.
E-Commerce & Retail
QR on product packaging, shelf displays, and ads. Customers scan for product info, size guidance, returns, or to reorder.
Events & Conferences
QR on badges, venue entrance, and booth displays. Attendees scan for schedule updates, speaker info, and networking groups.
Healthcare & Wellness
QR in clinics, pharmacies, and wellness centers. Patients scan for appointment booking, prescription refills, or health inquiries.
Real Estate
QR on property signs, flyers, and listing pages. Prospects scan to inquire about properties, schedule viewings, or request virtual tours.
Education
QR in classrooms, course materials, and campus signage. Students scan for assignment help, group Q&A, or professor office hours.
Nonprofits & Fundraising
QR on print materials, donation pages, and events. Supporters scan to communicate with your team, volunteer, or make donations.
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web QR Code — How It Works
What is WhatsApp Web QR? WhatsApp Web lets you chat from your computer by scanning a QR code. This is a login feature built into WhatsApp — it's different from creating custom QR codes for marketing or click-to-chat.
How to use it: Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer. A large QR code appears on screen. On your phone, open WhatsApp → tap Menu (⋮) → Linked Devices → Link a Device. Point your phone camera at the QR code on screen. WhatsApp syncs and you can now chat from your computer in real-time.
Custom QR codes: For custom QR codes (click-to-chat, group invites), just point your regular phone camera at the code. A link preview or notification appears — tap it to open WhatsApp. If WhatsApp is installed, it opens in the app. If not, the wa.me link opens in the browser.
Google Lens: Open Google Lens on Android or through the Google app on iPhone. Point at any standard QR code to scan and open the link. This works for custom codes but not for the WhatsApp Web login QR.
WhatsApp Web QR not working?
Ensure both phone and computer are on a stable network. QR codes expire after about 30 seconds — refresh the page and try again. Check that WhatsApp has camera permission on your phone. Make sure the QR code on screen is clear and well-lit. Update WhatsApp to the latest version. If issues persist, restart both devices and consult the WhatsApp Help Center.
Security
Is Your WhatsApp QR Code Safe?
Your WhatsApp QR code is safe to share. Here's exactly what happens when someone scans it — and what's protected.
01
Click-to-Chat QR
Only opens a chat window. No personal data is shared beyond your phone number and any pre-filled message you set.
02
Web Login QR
Only works for the scanner’s own device pair. Your account stays secure. QR expires after approximately 30 seconds.
03
Group Invite QR
Person joins the group if they accept. Their phone number becomes visible to group members — standard group behavior.
04
Can’t Hack Your Account
QR codes don’t grant account access. They only open the messaging interface. WhatsApp authenticates your phone number separately.
05
No Personal Data Transmitted
Chat history, photos, location, and contacts are never shared by the QR code alone. Only the link destination is encoded.
06
Business Best Practice
Use a dedicated WhatsApp Business account (separate from personal). Keep the app updated. Monitor group members and remove spam.
Your data is private. These codes only open conversations — they don't share personal information. Millions of businesses share QR codes on websites, storefronts, and ads every day. It's the recommended way to connect customers.
WhatsApp QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions
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Connect customers, grow groups, and drive conversations with a single scan.