QR codes for email, phone calls and SMS
Last updated 2026-11-02
A QR code can do more than open a web page. With the right text inside, it can start an email, dial a number, or open a new text message with the recipient already filled in.
sobog.com does not have separate buttons for these. You do not need them: choose Text/URL and type the payload yourself. The formats are short.
mailto:[email protected]Scanning opens the phone's mail app with a new message to that address. You can add a subject and body:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=Booking&body=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20book
Spaces and punctuation in the subject and body have to be URL-encoded: %20 for a space, %2C for a comma. Keep it short. Every character makes the code denser, and people will edit the text anyway.
Phone call
tel:+6621234567Use the full international format with the plus sign and no spaces, dashes or brackets. Then it works for anyone, including visitors from abroad. Phones show the number and ask before dialling; scanning does not place the call by itself.
Text message
SMSTO:+6621234567:Your message here
This opens a new message to the number with the text filled in. SMSTO: is the format most scanner apps recognise. Support in built-in camera apps varies more than for email and phone, so test on both an iPhone and an Android phone if you can. If you only need the number, a tel: code is the safer choice; people can text from there.
Or use a contact card
If you want people to keep your details rather than act once, a vCard QR code saves name, phone and email to their contacts in one go.
Check before printing
- Type the payload exactly. A missing colon turns it into plain text, and the phone will just show the words.
- Scan it and follow it all the way: does the right app open, with the right address or number?
- These codes are static. If the number or address changes, you need a new code. The editable short link option only works for web addresses.
Make an email, phone or SMS QR code