QR codes are not just for website URLs. A QR code can encode different types of structured data, and most smartphone cameras and QR reader apps recognize the format and take the appropriate action — opening a URL in a browser, connecting to a Wi-Fi network, adding a contact to the address book, sending an SMS, or dialing a phone number.
QR Code Data Types
| Data type | What it encodes | What happens when scanned |
|---|---|---|
| URL | A web address (https://...) | Browser opens the URL |
| Text | Plain text or notes | Text is displayed |
| Wi-Fi | Network name, password, security type | Device prompts to join the Wi-Fi network |
| vCard | Name, phone, email, address, company | Contact is added to the address book |
| Recipient, subject, body | Email compose window opens | |
| SMS | Phone number and pre-filled message | SMS compose window opens |
| Phone | Phone number | Dialer opens with number pre-filled |
| Location | Latitude, longitude, optional label | Maps app opens at the coordinates |
URL QR Codes
URL is the most common QR code type. The barcode encodes a full web address beginning with http:// or https://. When a smartphone camera or QR reader scans it, the device's default browser opens the URL. URL QR codes are used for marketing campaigns, menus, product pages, and landing pages.
Enter the full URL including the protocol (https://). A URL without the protocol may not be recognized as a link by all scanning apps.
Wi-Fi QR Codes
A Wi-Fi QR code encodes the network name (SSID), password, and security type (WPA/WPA2, WEP, or open). When scanned, the device prompts the user to join the network without typing the password. The encoded format is: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:password;;
- •Security type WPA covers both WPA and WPA2 — use this for most modern routers
- •If your network has no password, select "None" for security type
- •The network name (SSID) is case-sensitive — enter it exactly as shown on your router
- •Wi-Fi QR codes are widely used in cafes, hotels, offices, and events
vCard QR Codes
A vCard QR code encodes a digital contact card. The barcode follows the vCard 3.0 standard format. Scanning the QR code prompts the device to add the encoded contact information to the address book. Fields typically include full name, phone number, email address, company, job title, and website.
vCard QR codes are commonly printed on business cards. Scanning the QR code on a business card automatically imports all the contact details without manual entry.
Email, SMS, and Phone QR Codes
Email QR codes encode a recipient address, optional subject line, and optional pre-filled body text. When scanned, the device's email client opens a compose window pre-filled with the encoded content. SMS QR codes work similarly but open the SMS compose window. Phone QR codes open the device dialer with a number pre-filled.
- •Include the full phone number in international format: +1 (123) 456-7890 → +11234567890
- •Pre-filled SMS messages are useful for customer support, feedback forms, or appointment bookings
- •Email body text should be short — very long bodies make the QR code denser and harder to scan
Location QR Codes
A location QR code encodes a set of coordinates as a geo URI (geo:latitude,longitude). When scanned, the device opens its maps app at the specified location. Location QR codes are useful for directing people to a physical address, event venue, parking area, or landmark.
Error Correction Level
QR codes have four error correction levels: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). A higher error correction level allows the QR code to be scanned even if part of it is damaged, dirty, or obscured. The trade-off is that higher correction makes the code denser (more modules) which may be harder to scan at very small sizes.
| Level | Recovery | Use case |
|---|---|---|
| L | 7% | Digital display, clean print environment |
| M | 15% | General purpose — good default |
| Q | 25% | Industrial, outdoor, or potentially dirty surfaces |
| H | 30% | Logo overlaid on QR code, damaged labels |