How to Create a WhatsApp QR Code

Prepare the WhatsApp number

Use the number registered with the WhatsApp account you want customers to contact. Include the country code. For example, the fictional UK number +44 7700 900077 becomes 447700900077 in the encoded link. Replace this example with your own registered number.

Leave out the domestic trunk prefix when converting a local number to international form. Do not simply put a country code in front of a local number that still starts with that prefix. PageUtil removes spaces, parentheses, and hyphens, but it cannot verify that a number has a WhatsApp account.

Create the code and optional message

Open QR Code Generator and choose WhatsApp under “1. Choose your content”. Enter the number in “WhatsApp number with country code”. Add a short greeting or request in “Pre-filled message (optional)”, such as “Hello, I would like to ask about a booking.”

Write normal text in the message field. The generator encodes spaces and punctuation for the link; entering %20 yourself would encode the percent sign again. Open “Inspect encoded content” and check the number and message. A valid example has this structure:

Number: +44 7700 900077
Message: Hello & welcome

Encoded content:
https://wa.me/447700900077?text=Hello%20%26%20welcome

Label the action and download

Open “2. Customise your design” if you want a logo, colours, or a frame. A label such as “CHAT ON WHATSAPP” tells people what a scan will do. Keep the code dark against a light background and leave the quiet zone clear.

Choose Download SVG for scalable print artwork, or Download PNG for a digital image. JPEG is also available when a publishing system requires it. Follow How to Customise QR Code Logos, Colours and Frames for the design controls.

Check the actual chat before printing

Scan the downloaded image with QR Code Scanner to inspect its wa.me link. Then scan it with a phone and confirm the intended account opens with the expected message. Opening a chat does not send the message automatically; the user must choose Send.

If the wrong account opens, correct the number and download a new image. A static code does not update when you change the form later. If a desktop browser asks for sign-in or offers to open an app, test on the phones your customers will use as well.

Stop when

The final downloaded file opens the correct WhatsApp account, the draft is readable, and the final printed sample scans with its logo and frame in place. Keep the original settings so you can reproduce the design.

References

Use the linked specifications and product documentation to check behavior in your own environment.