Skip to content
PineQR

QR code for phone number

A phone number QR code contains a tel: link. When someone scans it, the phone shows the number and offers to call it. Phones ask before dialling, so a scan never starts a call by itself.

Type of QR code

Phone call

Starts a call to this number.

With country code, for example +44 20 7946 0000.

Style

Modules
Corners
Colour
Contrast 19.5 : 1

Still scans with up to 15 % damaged · 4-module border

More settings

Estimated symbol contrast 100 % (grade A in ISO/IEC 15415)

Blank border in modules. The QR standard asks for 4.

Preview

Fill in the fields to see your QR code.

The code is checked after each change.

Download

File format

Raster image up to 4096 × 4096 px

Nothing you type leaves your browser

How to create it

  1. Enter the number in international format, starting with + and the country code, for example +44 20 7946 0000 or +49 40 123456.

  2. Spaces, hyphens and brackets are fine in the input. The generator removes them, because the tel: format only allows digits and a leading plus sign.

  3. Leave out the leading zero of the area code after the country code. In the UK, 020 becomes +44 20.

  4. Scan the preview and check the number on screen before you tap call.

  • On a vehicle, the code is usually read from several metres. Use the distance rule: for five metres, a code of about 50 cm. A phone number in large text is often more practical there.
  • On a door sign for an emergency or service line, 5 cm works at close range. Put it at a height where people can hold their phone straight in front of it.
  • Always print the number in readable digits as well. Someone with a landline or a broken camera still needs to call.

Common mistakes

  • National format without country code

    A number such as 0151 23456789 only dials correctly inside Germany. Tourists and foreign mobile phones need +49 151 23456789.

  • Wrong number in the code

    A typo in a printed number is hard to spot because people do not read the digits inside a code. Compare the number shown after scanning with your records.

  • Line not staffed

    A code on a poster invites calls at any time. Print your opening hours next to it if the line is not answered around the clock.

The tel: format

The code holds a URI defined in RFC 3966, for example tel:+442079460000. Phone apps on iOS and Android recognise it and pass the number to the dialler. Extensions and pauses are not supported by this generator, because their handling differs between devices.

Questions

This is a static QR code: the content sits in the code itself and works without our server.

Static and dynamic QR codes explained

Does the phone call immediately after scanning?

No. iOS and Android show the number and wait for the user to confirm. Nothing is dialled without that tap.

Can I use the code for WhatsApp?

Not with a tel: link. WhatsApp uses its own web links of the form https://wa.me/ followed by the number; create a link code for that instead.

Who pays for the call?

The person who calls, at their usual rate. The code does not change call charges.

Should I use a phone code or a contact code?

Use a phone code when you only want people to call. If they should save your details, a business card code with a vCard is the better fit.