QR Code Formats for Phone, Email, SMS and Location
The text formats that make a scanned QR code start a call, an email, a text message or a map search.
Some QR codes do more than show text. They contain a specially formatted string that tells the phone what to do.
URI schemes
A URI scheme is the start of the string. It tells the phone which app should handle it.
| Starts with | Result |
|---|---|
| https:// | opens a web page |
| tel: | offers to call a number |
| mailto: | offers to write an email |
| sms: or smsto: | offers to write a text message |
| geo: | offers to open a location in a maps app |
Examples
- tel:+15551234567 suggests calling that number
- mailto:name@example.com suggests emailing that address
- geo:48.8584,2.2945 points to a place by latitude and longitude
What happens on scanning
The scanner reads the string and shows a suggested action. The phone should ask before it does anything. That gives you a chance to check what you are about to do.
Why the preview matters
A code can prefill a message or call a number. Before you tap:
- Read the number or address.
- Check the message text.
- Cancel if anything looks unexpected.
Phone numbers and QR codes
Phone codes are useful on shop windows, vehicles or notice boards, since a passer-by can call without typing. For this reason it is worth checking that a printed number is right.
Support varies
Not every scanner handles every format in the same way, and some apps handle only the common ones. Testing helps.
Tips
- Use the full international number format for phone codes.
- Check before tapping.
- Test on another phone.
QR Code Scanner shows a preview before action, so you can review what a scanned code will do first.
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