A quick response (QR) code is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone or other mobile device camera. QR codes were originally created in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave to track vehicles in manufacturing. Since then, they have become widely used for storing and transmitting data in a machine-readable form.
One common use of QR codes today is to encode contact information such as phone numbers, email addresses, and website URLs. When scanned, a QR code can launch an action on the mobile device such as dialing a phone number or opening a website. So the short answer is yes, a QR code can definitely contain a phone number.
How QR codes work
A QR code is made up of black and white pixels or “modules” arranged in a square grid. The information encoded can be numeric, alphanumeric, or binary. Error correction data is also included so the code can still be read correctly even if partially damaged or obscured.
QR codes can encode up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters. This is sufficient to store common types of data like website URLs, text messages, calendar events, and contact details like phone numbers, emails, addresses, and social media profiles.
When a QR code is scanned by an app or device camera, the data encoded is extracted and the associated action is performed. For example, opening a web link, dialing a phone number, sending a text message, adding a contact, etc. QR codes provide a quick and convenient way to transmit information by simply scanning a code.
Encoding phone numbers in QR codes
There are a few different formats that can be used to encode a phone number in a QR code:
- Plain text – The phone number can be entered as simple text, like “5551234567”
- Tel protocol – The number can be prefixed with “tel:” like “tel:5551234567”
- SMS protocol – Prefixed with “sms:” or “SMSTO:” to automatically send a text message
- vCard format – The phone number can be encoded in vCard format along with contact name, address, etc.
The tel and sms protocols are convenient because when scanned, the phone number will be dialed automatically or an SMS message window will open. The plain text and vCard storage allow you to encode more customized instructions.
Here are some examples of QR codes containing phone numbers in different formats:
| QR Code | Encoded Data |
|---|---|
| 5551234567 | |
| tel:5551234567 | |
| sms:5551234567 | |
| BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:3.0 N:Doe;John TEL;TYPE=work,voice;VALUE=uri:tel:5551234567 END:VCARD |
Benefits of encoding phone numbers in QR codes
There are several potential benefits to encoding phone numbers in QR codes:
- Convenience – The phone number can be scanned and dialed instantly without having to type it in manually.
- Efficiency – Eliminates fumbling for business cards or having to ask someone to verbally relay their number.
- Accuracy – Encoding the number digitally helps avoid typos from manual entry.
- Documentation – The number is captured and stored on the scanning device.
- Compact – QR codes take up very little space whether printed or displayed digitally.
QR codes are well-suited for including phone numbers on business cards, product packaging, marketing materials, presentations, screen displays, and more. Overall, encoding phone numbers makes transferring and utilizing contact information quicker and more convenient in both business and personal contexts.
Limitations of phone number QR codes
There are a few limitations to consider when encoding phone numbers in QR codes:
- The code must be scanned by a smartphone, app, or QR reader in order to retrieve the number.
- Low resolution printing may affect scannability of the code.
- Damaged or obstructed codes may not properly scan.
- The number is exposed and not secured or encrypted within the code.
- Limited capacity means only a phone number can be stored, not additional contact info.
While QR codes have capacity for thousands of characters, phone numbers alone take up very little space. So QR codes are not the ideal format if you need to encode a lot of additional text, images, or files.
Best practices for phone number QR codes
To ensure phone number QR codes are readable, scannable, and used properly, follow these best practices:
- Use a minimum size of 1.5 by 1.5 inches for printed QR codes to maintain scannability.
- Position QR codes away from edges and clear of any obstructions like logos for best results.
- Choose shorter, simpler prefixes like “tel:” instead of “dial:” to minimize potential encoding errors.
- Use a URL shortener for long telephone protocol links starting with “telephone:”
- Enable error correction at the highest feasible level during code generation.
- Print codes on matte materials and avoid glossy finishes that can create glares.
- Supplement the code with clear instructions so users know if it can be scanned or is informational.
Adhering to size, position, simplicity, and error correction best practices will optimize QR code performance and scanning success rates.
QR code tools and generators
Creating QR codes containing phone numbers is easy thanks to a range of free online QR code generators. Both text and numbers can be input directly on these sites to generate codes. Some popular QR code generators include:
- QR Code Generator – Customizable, downloadable QR codes
- The QR Code Generator – High resolution QR codes
- UnitaG QR Code Generator – Bulk generation and design tools
- QR Code Monkey – Add logos, frames, and color
- QR Code Tiger – Create dynamic QR codes
Both free and paid QR code generator sites are available to create scannable codes for phone numbers and URLs. More advanced tools also allow bulk generation and customization with colors, logos, frames, and more design options.
Scanning phone number QR codes
Once a QR code is generated containing a phone number, it can easily be scanned using the camera on a smartphone. Most modern phones have built-in QR scanning capability through the camera app. There are also various QR reader apps that can be downloaded like:
- iOS – Default Camera App or App Store QR readers
- Android – Default Camera App, Google Lens, QR Code Reader
- Windows – Microsoft QR Scanner
The QR code scanner uses the device camera to captures and analyze the code pattern. The encoded data is then extracted and the associated action performed automatically like dialing a phone number. QR codes can be scanned from paper printouts, screens, posters, products, and more making them very versatile.
Conclusion
In summary, QR codes provide a simple and convenient way to share contact information like phone numbers by encoding them in scannable machine-readable barcodes. The code can store the number in plain text, formatted in protocols like tel or sms to enable automatic dialing when scanned, or as a vCard contact file. While QR codes have some size and positioning requirements for optimal scanning, free online generators make creation simple. Modern smartphone cameras can readily scan QR codes to extract the encoded phone number and other data. Overall, QR code encoding is a quick, compact way to share phone contact details digitally via a scannable code printout or digital display.