Free WhatsApp Link and QR Code Generator
A WhatsApp link generator creates a wa.me click to chat link from a phone number and an optional prefilled message, then turns it into a QR code. Anyone who taps or scans it opens a chat with your business number. This free tool also gives an HTML button and message ideas by industry.
- Free
- No signup to see results
- Runs in your browser
- Updated 26 Oct 2026
What is a WhatsApp link generator?
A WhatsApp link generator builds a web address that opens a WhatsApp chat with a specific number, optionally with a message already typed in. The standard format is a wa.me link, also called a click to chat link.
Define the parts once. A wa.me link is a short URL that starts a chat. The phone number inside it is in full international format. A prefilled message is text that appears in the customer's message box when the chat opens, ready to send. A QR code is a square barcode that holds the same link, so a phone camera can open the chat without typing.
The problem it solves is friction. A customer sees your hoarding, brochure, Instagram ad or website and wants to ask something. If they must save a number, open WhatsApp, find the contact and type a first message, many will not bother. A link or QR code removes those steps. One tap or scan and they are in a chat with you.
The WhatsApp Link and QR Code Generator on this page takes a phone number with country code and a message. It returns the wa.me link, a QR code image you can download as PNG, an HTML button snippet you can paste into a website, a tip for tracking where chats come from, and a short message library by industry. Everything is built in your browser, and nothing is stored.
One safety note first. Use a business number that belongs to the company, never a personal number. Anything you print or publish stays public for years. The sample number in the tool, 919876543210, is a placeholder.
Why does WhatsApp first selling matter for Indian sales teams?
It matters because most Indian customers already use WhatsApp daily, and they expect to ask a business a question there rather than fill a form or wait for a call.
A property buyer clicks a Meta lead ad and gets a callback hours later, if at all. A parent finds a school on Shiksha and wants admission dates. A buyer on IndiaMART wants a catalogue. A patient wants to know if a clinic is open on Sunday. In each case, a chat is the lower effort path.
A person who starts a chat has just shown intent. If your team replies within minutes, you reach them while interest is high. Use the Lead Response Time Calculator to see what slow replies might cost you.
A link gives you three other benefits.
- Every touchpoint becomes a lead source. A QR code on a showroom desk, standee or delivery box can open a chat.
- The customer starts the conversation. That is a clear signal of consent to talk, which matters under the DPDP Act. You still have to handle their data properly and honour opt outs.
- A customer started chat opens a 24 hour window. On the WhatsApp Business API, you can reply freely within 24 hours of their last message. Outside that window, business initiated messages need an approved template.
Problems appear when links go live without a plan. Chats land on one person's phone, nobody knows which hoarding produced them and Sunday messages go unanswered. The link is the easy part. Assigning chats, tracking sources and following up is the work.
How to use the WhatsApp Link and QR Code Generator
You need a business WhatsApp number and a few minutes.
- Enter the number with country code. Type digits only, with 91 first for India. For example, 919876543210. Leave out the plus sign, spaces, dashes and any leading zeros.
- Write the prefilled message. Keep it short and specific, such as "Hi, I would like to know more". Mention the source if you want to track it, for example the project, course or product name.
- Generate the link. The tool encodes the message and shows the final wa.me link. Click it to test that it opens the right chat on your phone and on WhatsApp Web.
- Download the QR code. Save the PNG. Test it by scanning with at least two phones before printing.
- Copy the HTML button. Paste the snippet into your website, landing page or email template.
- Pick a message from the library. Choose an industry and use the sample as a starting point.
- Note where each link will live. Give each placement its own message wording so you can tell the sources apart.
After you have the link, decide who answers. Name the person or inbox that will take these chats, set response hours and write a first reply. Then connect the next steps. Use the WhatsApp Sales Follow Up Message Generator for the reply that goes out after the first chat, and the Follow Up Cadence Planner to plan what happens if the customer goes quiet.
How does the WhatsApp link generator work?
The tool cleans your phone number, encodes your message so it is safe inside a web address, and joins them into a wa.me link. It then draws a QR code from that link.
The pattern is:
https://wa.me/<phone number>?text=<encoded message>
Each part works like this.
- Phone number. Full international format with digits only. For India, 91 followed by the 10 digit mobile number gives 12 digits.
- Message. Plain text that the tool converts to URL encoding, where spaces become %20 and punctuation becomes codes.
- text parameter. The question mark and text= tell WhatsApp to prefill the message box. The message is a suggestion, so the customer can edit it before sending.
- QR code. A picture that stores the whole link. The tool creates it in your browser and lets you download it as PNG.
- HTML snippet. An anchor tag with your link, so visitors can tap a button on your page.
Common characters and how they appear in the link:
| Character | Encoded as | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Space | %20 | Hi%20there |
| Comma | %2C | Hi%2C |
| Question mark | %3F | Is%20it%20open%3F |
| Ampersand | %26 | Rooms%20%26%20halls |
| Hash | %23 | Plot%20%2312 |
| New line | %0A | Line%20one%0ALine%20two |
| Rupee sign | %E2%82%B9 | %E2%82%B950 |
Assumptions to know. The customer still has to press send. WhatsApp can change how links behave, so test after app updates. The prefilled text sits in the URL, so never put personal data in it. Long messages make denser QR codes, which scan less easily when printed small.
Two link formats exist. wa.me is the short, current format that WhatsApp documents for click to chat. The older api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=NUMBER&text=MESSAGE format still works and does the same thing. Use wa.me unless a system you integrate with asks for the longer form.
Worked example: a wa.me link for an enquiry button
This example uses the sample values loaded in the tool. The number is a placeholder and should never be replaced by a personal number on a public page.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Phone with country code | 919876543210 |
| Prefilled message | Hi, I would like to know more |
| Message length | 29 characters |
| Generated link | https://wa.me/919876543210?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more |
| Link length | 75 characters |
| QR code | PNG image of the link above |
Break the link into pieces:
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| https://wa.me/ | WhatsApp click to chat address |
| 919876543210 | 91 for India plus the 10 digit number 9876543210 |
| ?text= | Start of the prefilled message |
| Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more | The message, with comma and spaces encoded |
The HTML button snippet from the tool looks like this:
<a href="https://wa.me/919876543210?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chat on WhatsApp</a>
Read the result as a first draft. The message "Hi, I would like to know more" works, but it tells you nothing about the source. Change it per placement. A hoarding QR might say "Hi, I saw your hoarding and would like to know more". The website button might say "Hi, I am on your website and have a question". When a chat arrives, the first line tells your team where it came from.
Now test it. Open the link on a phone with a different number, send the message and see who replies, how long it takes and whether the first reply asks the right question.
How do you read your result?
Judge the output by whether it opens the right chat, whether it can be scanned in real conditions and whether you can tell the sources apart.
Use this checklist after generating.
| Check | Pass condition |
|---|---|
| Number | Opens your business account, not a personal one |
| Country code | 91 appears first, with no plus sign or leading zero |
| Message | Reads naturally and has no price or promise you cannot honour |
| Source | Different placements use different wording |
| QR scan | Works on iPhone and Android cameras, in daylight and indoors |
| Web link | Opens in WhatsApp Web on a desktop |
| Reply | Someone responds within your promised hours |
Read the QR code with care. It should have strong contrast, normally dark on light, and a clear blank border around it. Do not place it over a busy photo or stretch it. Test at the final size and on the actual material, since glossy paper and glare cause trouble.
If a link opens a chat with no text, check the message for unusual characters. If it says the number is not on WhatsApp, the number is wrong or inactive.
A link that gets chats nobody answers is worse than no link, because customers feel ignored. The tool gives you the entry point. Your process decides what comes out of it.
WhatsApp links by industry
Each industry places links and codes in different spots and needs a different first message. Keep messages short and free of prices.
Real estate
Put QR codes on site hoardings, brochures, sales office desks and hoarding photos for Meta ads. A message such as "Hi, I saw your hoarding for the project and would like to book a site visit" tells the team to offer slots. Use a different message for each project.
Education: schools, colleges, EdTech and study abroad
Place links on admission forms, prospectus covers, Shiksha listings, Instagram bios and webinar pages. A sample message is "Hi, I would like to know about admissions for the coming session". Study abroad firms can add a country, such as "Hi, I want to study in Germany". Reply with a counselling slot.
Manufacturing and B2B
Add the link to catalogues, trade show standees, email signatures and IndiaMART replies. A message like "Hi, I need a quote for the product on your catalogue" signals intent. Ask for quantity, specification and delivery city in the first reply. Use a team number, not one person's phone.
Healthcare and clinics
Use links on clinic boards, appointment cards and Google Business listings. A message such as "Hi, I would like to book an appointment" works well. Never ask for diagnosis details in the first reply. Offer slots and ask for the patient's name. Limit who can see chats.
Automotive
Put QR codes on showroom desks, vehicle windows and service reminders. A message such as "Hi, I want to book a test drive" gives you a clear next step. Use a separate link for service bookings. Confirm the visit by message the day before.
Insurance and financial services
Place links on visiting cards, branch counters and policy renewal reminders. A message such as "Hi, I would like to check my policy renewal" suits renewals. For new business, "Hi, I would like to compare plans for my family" opens a needs conversation. Avoid sharing identity or account numbers in chat.
SMBs and services
Put the link in your Instagram bio, Google profile, bills, packaging and shop signage. A message such as "Hi, I would like to order" or "Hi, I would like a quote" suits shops and service firms. Keep it short and reply the same day. For a small team, the WhatsApp Business app may be enough to begin with.
What mistakes do teams make with WhatsApp links and QR codes?
Most problems come from rushed setup and poor follow through. Check these before you print.
- Using a personal number. Once printed, the number is public for good. Use a business number with a team behind it.
- Writing the country code wrongly. A plus sign, a leading zero or a missing 91 breaks the link. Use digits only.
- One link for every placement. You cannot tell whether the ad, the hoarding or the website worked. Vary the message or the code per placement.
- Putting prices or promises in the message. The text is public. Keep it neutral.
- Not testing the QR code. Printed codes fail on glossy paper, at small sizes or with low contrast. Scan before printing a large batch.
- No reply plan. Chats that wait for hours lose their value. Define response hours and who answers.
- Sending bulk messages without consent. A customer who starts a chat has given you a reason to reply. It does not allow marketing broadcasts to everyone. Use opt in and approved templates for outbound messages.
- Leaving chats on one phone. If the person leaves or goes on leave, the history goes with them. Use a shared inbox.
How can you improve your results from WhatsApp links?
Improve results by tracking sources, answering fast and routing chats to the right person. Each part has an owner and a deadline.
Tag every placement
Owner: marketing. Timeline: before printing.
- Give every hoarding, brochure, ad and web page its own prefilled message or code word.
- Keep a simple sheet that lists placement, wording, print date and location.
- Standard UTM parameters on a wa.me link are ignored by WhatsApp. For web traffic, send visitors through a landing page with analytics first, then redirect to the chat.
Make the first reply fast
Owner: sales head. Timeline: this week.
- Write a first reply for each industry message and save it.
- Set an auto greeting and away message for out of hours chats in the WhatsApp Business app or the API inbox.
- Hand over to a person for questions that need judgement.
Route chats to an owner
Owner: sales operations. Timeline: two weeks.
- Decide who takes which chats, by project, course, region or product.
- Test your rules with the Lead Assignment Simulator, which shows how round robin, least busy and territory rules behave under load.
- Make sure absent reps' chats are picked up by someone else.
Move to the API when volume grows
Owner: founder or sales head. Timeline: when one phone is not enough.
- The WhatsApp Business app suits one or two people on a single number.
- The WhatsApp Business API suits teams with several agents, automation and CRM integration, and it needs approved templates for business initiated messages.
- Collect opt in clearly. State what you will send and let people opt out, in line with the DPDP Act. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
WhatsApp links: free generator, Business app or Erino?
Start with the free generator, then move to a shared inbox and CRM as volume grows. The link is the same in every case. What changes is what happens to the chat.
A free generator like this one gives you the link and QR code. It does not store chats, track sources or assign owners. The WhatsApp Business app adds a profile, quick replies, labels, greeting messages and a catalogue, but it is designed for a small number of users on one number.
Generic CRMs such as Zoho CRM, HubSpot, LeadSquared, Kylas and TeleCRM can store leads and some connect to WhatsApp, usually through an add on or a partner. Wati and AiSensy focus on WhatsApp messaging and automation. What each includes depends on plan and setup, so check each vendor's current plans.
Erino is an AI first sales CRM for high velocity sales teams in India with a WhatsApp Business API inbox. When your number is connected, your team works chats in one inbox. Every lead gets an owner on arrival, the next follow up is created at every stage, and stuck deals are flagged in real time.
| Need | Free generator | WhatsApp Business app | Generic CRM or WhatsApp tool | Erino |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create link and QR | Yes | Has its own short link | Varies | Use this tool |
| Several agents on one number | No | Limited | Varies by vendor | WhatsApp Business API inbox |
| Owner assigned on arrival | No | No | Depends on setup | Yes |
| Next follow up created | No | No | Depends on setup | At every stage |
| Cost | Free | Check WhatsApp | Check each vendor | Pricing is quoted after a free 15 minute demo |
Read how the Erino platform handles leads, see the small and medium business page if you run a small team, or view the real estate page for site visit workflows. You can book a free 15 minute demo and see it working with your own links.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a WhatsApp link with a prefilled message?
Build the link as wa.me, a slash, your phone number with country code, then ?text= and your message with each space written as %20. For example, the number 919876543210 with the text Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20to%20know%20more opens a chat with that message ready to send. The free tool does the encoding for you, shows the final link and lets you test it before you use it in an ad, a button or a QR code.
How do I write a phone number in a wa.me link?
Write the number in full international format using digits only. For India, type 91 followed by the 10 digit mobile number, for example 919876543210. Do not add a plus sign, spaces, brackets, dashes or a leading zero, because any of these can break the link. Always use a business number that you control, not a personal number, because anything printed or published is public and hard to withdraw later. Test the link on a second phone to confirm it opens the right account.
What is the difference between wa.me and api.whatsapp.com links?
Both open a WhatsApp chat, and both accept a phone number and a prefilled message. The wa.me link is the shorter and current format, written as wa.me/number?text=message. The older api.whatsapp.com/send link uses phone= and text= parameters and still works. Use wa.me by default for ads, buttons and QR codes, and use the longer form only if a platform you integrate with asks for it. Test whichever you choose on both a phone and WhatsApp Web before publishing.
Can I track where my WhatsApp chats come from?
Yes, but not with standard UTM parameters, because WhatsApp ignores extra parameters in a wa.me link. Use a different prefilled message or a code word for each placement, such as one for the hoarding and another for the website. For web traffic, you can send visitors through a landing page that records the visit and then redirects to the chat. Review chat counts per placement every month and stop printing the placements that bring no chats, so your budget goes to those that do.
Is a WhatsApp QR code free to create?
Yes. Creating a wa.me link and a QR code costs nothing, and this tool gives you a PNG you can download and print. The QR code simply stores the link, so anyone with a phone camera can scan it. Test the code on several phones and at the final print size before you order a large batch. Costs apply later only if you use paid advertising or WhatsApp Business API messaging, so check the current rates with your provider and keep the link itself on a number the company owns.
Should I use the WhatsApp Business app or the WhatsApp Business API?
Use the WhatsApp Business app if one or two people answer from a single number and volume is low. Use the WhatsApp Business API when several agents need one number, when you want automation, or when you need to connect chats to a CRM. The API requires approved templates for business initiated messages outside the 24 hour window. Many teams access it through a provider, so compare current plans before you choose. Erino includes a WhatsApp Business API inbox, so you can see how it fits your team in a free demo.
Do I need consent before messaging people who click my link?
A customer who starts the chat has invited a reply about their question, and you can answer within the conversation. That does not give you permission to send unrelated promotions later. Under the DPDP Act, tell people how you will use their data and collect clear opt in before marketing messages. For business initiated messages on the API, you also need approved templates. This is general information, not legal advice, so check with your legal advisor for your case.
Where should I place a WhatsApp QR code?
Place it wherever customers already pause and have a question: hoardings, brochures, standees, showroom or reception desks, invoices, packaging, visiting cards and website pages. Keep it large enough to scan from the distance people will stand, with a clear border and strong contrast. Add a short line telling people what happens when they scan, such as "Scan to chat with our admissions team", and vary the message by placement so you can see which one brings chats.
Written by the Erino team
Erino Tech Ventures Pvt. Ltd. builds Erino, an AI first sales CRM for high velocity sales teams in India. Last reviewed 26 Oct 2026. This tool runs in your browser; the numbers you type are not sent anywhere.
Customer results mentioned here come from Erino's published success stories.
See this on your own pipeline in 15 minutes
Book a free demo and we will map your sales process, show how Erino assigns every lead, enforces follow ups and flags stuck deals in real time, and quote after the call.