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QRPro Cloud / Messaging

WhatsApp QR: from the poster to the chat in one scan

It is not the WhatsApp Web QR code. It is a link that opens a conversation with your number and, if you want, with the first message already written.

Direct answer

Use https://wa.me/<international number>?text=<message>. The number goes without a “+”, without spaces and without leading zeros. Test the QR code with another phone before printing and keep in mind that your number will be visible to anyone.

The link behind it

WhatsApp documents the click to chat scheme in the form https://wa.me/<number>. When scanned, the phone opens WhatsApp with a new conversation to that number. If you add ?text=, the text field appears with that message prefilled, although the user can edit it before sending.

The number must be in international format and digits only. For Spain, 34 in front and without the leading zero: 34600123456. For Mexico, 52 plus the number; for Colombia, 57. If you include the “+”, spaces or hyphens, the link may fail on some phones.

How to create it in QRPro Cloud

  1. Choose the WhatsApp type in the studio.
  2. Type the number with its country prefix, without symbols.
  3. Add the opening message, for example: “Hi, I would like information about…”.
  4. Generate, scan and download as SVG for print or PNG for digital.

The message is encoded in the URL, so accents and spaces are converted into safe characters automatically. You do not need shorteners.

Chat QR, group QR and WhatsApp Web QR

They are three different things, and mixing them up is common:

  • Chat QR: points to a number. It is the one printed on a shop window or a card.
  • Group QR: uses the chat.whatsapp.com/… invite link that the admin generates. It can expire or fill up.
  • WhatsApp Web QR: links a browser to your account and expires in seconds. It must never be printed.

Security: if someone sends you a photo of a QR code saying it is “to verify your account”, do not scan it. WhatsApp verification is not done by scanning other people's codes.

Best practices for the poster

Place the QR code at phone height and pair it with clear text: “Message us on WhatsApp”. A size of 3–4 cm is enough for a table; for a shop window, 15 cm or more depending on the distance. Use high contrast and avoid photo backgrounds behind the code.

If you answer from WhatsApp Business, keep the profile and the opening hours up to date: the scan leads to a chat, but trust depends on the reply. And if the number changes, the printed QR code stops working: use a dynamic QR code if you expect rotation.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same as the WhatsApp Web QR?
No. WhatsApp Web links sessions; the chat QR opens a conversation.

How do I write the number?
Digits only with the country prefix, no “+” or spaces.

Can I change the message later?
Only by reprinting the static QR code or using a dynamic destination.

Does it work without internet?
No: the phone needs to open WhatsApp and send the message.