What a phone QR code does
A phone QR code holds a phone number. When someone scans it, their phone opens the dialler with your number already typed. They tap Call. No misdialled digits.
Good places for one:
- Vans and shop signs where people see you in passing.
- Flyers and posters for trades, taxis and delivery.
- Lost-item tags on keys, bags, pet collars and luggage.
- Emergency or help cards at events and venues.
How to make one
- Choose Phone call at the top.
- Type your number, ideally with the country code.
- Check for the green Scans well note, then download.
Tips
- Print the number too. Some people prefer to read it. Put the code next to it, not instead of it.
- Say who answers: “Scan to call Sam’s Plumbing, 8am–8pm.”
- Make it big on vehicles. People scan from a few metres away, so the code should be at least 20–30 cm wide.
- Pick a strong contrast. On a van, a plain black-and-white code or a low photo strength scans best in sunlight.
Call, text or contact card?
A phone code is best when you want a call now. An SMS or WhatsApp code is better when people might rather message. A contact card code saves your details so people can call you later.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the country code on things that travel, like luggage tags or products sold abroad. A local number may not connect from another country.
- Using a number nobody answers. If calls go to a voicemail that is full, people give up. Use a line that is staffed, or say the hours.
- A code too small to scan from the street. Codes on shop windows and vans need to be big. Test from the distance people will really stand.
- Hiding the number. Always print the number in plain text near the code, for people who prefer to dial or whose camera struggles.
Example uses
A dog owner adds a phone code to their pet’s collar tag. Whoever finds the dog scans it and the owner’s number is ready to call, even if the tag is too small to print the number clearly.
Questions people ask
Does scanning the code start the call straight away?
No. The phone shows the number and asks before calling. The person always chooses to call.
Should I add the country code?
Yes, it is safest. Start with + and the country code, for example +44 for the UK. Then the code works for visitors from abroad and for phones set to other countries.
Can I put spaces or dashes in the number?
Type it any way you like. We remove spaces, brackets and dashes and keep only the + and the digits, which is what phones need.
Can I use a toll-free or short number?
Yes, as long as it can be dialled from a mobile phone in the places where the code will be scanned.
What about people without a phone signal?
They can still scan the code and see the number, but the call needs a signal like any other call.