WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app in most of the world. A QR code that opens a chat with your number — with or without a pre-filled message — removes all friction from customer contact. No saving your number first, no typing it in, no searching.
Here's how to create one for different WhatsApp scenarios.
Direct Chat with Your Number
WhatsApp supports a special URL format that opens a chat with a specific phone number:
https://wa.me/31612345678
Replace 31612345678 with your full phone number including country code, no plus sign, no spaces, no dashes. For example, a Netherlands number +31 6 1234 5678 becomes 31612345678.
Paste this URL into qree.app and generate your QR code. When someone scans it, WhatsApp opens with a chat window to your number, ready to type.
Pre-Filled Message
You can add a default message that pre-populates the chat. The customer just taps send:
https://wa.me/31612345678?text=Hi%2C%20I%27d%20like%20to%20make%20a%20reservation
The text parameter contains URL-encoded text. Spaces become %20, commas become %2C, apostrophes become %27. You can use any URL encoder online, or keep the message simple enough that you only need %20 for spaces:
https://wa.me/31612345678?text=Hi%20I%20have%20a%20question%20about%20your%20menu
This is extremely useful for businesses — the customer doesn't need to think about what to write. The conversation starts immediately.
WhatsApp Group Invite
If you want the QR code to link to a WhatsApp group, you need the group invite link:
- Open the group in WhatsApp
- Tap the group name at the top
- Scroll to "Invite to group via link"
- Copy the link (looks like
https://chat.whatsapp.com/AbCdEfGhIjK...)
Paste this link into qree.app and generate the QR. Scanning joins the group (or shows a preview with a Join button).
WhatsApp Business Catalog
If you use WhatsApp Business, you can link to your business profile and catalog:
https://wa.me/c/31612345678
This opens your WhatsApp Business profile showing your business description, hours, address, and product catalog. Useful for shops and service providers.
Use Cases
Restaurants and Cafes
A QR code on the table or menu: "Scan to order via WhatsApp." The pre-filled message can say "Hi, I'd like to place an order from Table 5." This works for small restaurants that take orders via WhatsApp instead of a dedicated ordering system.
Customer Support
Place a QR code on your website's contact page, on product packaging, or in the store. "Need help? Scan to chat with us on WhatsApp." Pre-fill with "Hi, I need help with my order #" so the customer just adds their order number.
Appointments and Bookings
For service businesses — salons, clinics, tutors, consultants. A QR on the business card or front door: "Scan to book an appointment via WhatsApp." Pre-fill: "Hi, I'd like to book an appointment for..."
Real Estate
Agents can put a QR code on property listings: "Scan to ask about this property on WhatsApp." Pre-fill with the property address so the agent knows which listing the inquiry is about.
Events
A QR code on event materials that links to a WhatsApp group for attendees. Networking, updates, post-event discussions — all in one group.
Delivery and Logistics
"Scan to track your order on WhatsApp" — a QR on the shipping label or delivery confirmation email opens a chat where the customer can ask about their delivery status.
Static vs Dynamic
For most WhatsApp QR codes, static works fine — your phone number doesn't change often.
Use dynamic if you want to:
- Track how many people scan and contact you (compare signage locations)
- Change the pre-filled message seasonally ("Ask about our summer menu" vs "Ask about our winter menu")
- Switch the phone number if you change your business line
Tips
Include the country code. Always use the full international format. wa.me/612345678 won't work — it needs to be wa.me/31612345678 (or whatever your country code is).
Test the pre-filled message. Some special characters break the URL encoding. Keep messages simple and test by scanning yourself.
Label the QR clearly. Use the WhatsApp icon next to the QR code and text like "Chat with us on WhatsApp." People need to know what will happen when they scan.
Business hours note. If you won't respond instantly, add "We reply within 2 hours" or your business hours next to the QR. Setting expectations prevents frustration.
Create Your WhatsApp QR Code
Go to qree.app, paste your wa.me link, and download your QR code.