Which QR code type should you use?
1 min read · Updated 30 Aug 2026
Seven types, and what each one does when scanned.
For: EveryoneDifficulty: Easy⏱ 2 min
Step by step
- Website link — opens a page. The only type that can be re-pointed after printing.
- Plain text — shows a message on the phone.
- WiFi network — joins your network without anyone typing the password.
- Contact card — saves your details straight into their phone.
- Email — opens a new message addressed to you, with an optional subject.
- SMS — opens a text message to your number.
- Phone — dials you.
Tips
- If there is any chance the destination will change, use a website link pointing at a LinkVault short link. Everything else is encoded in the printed code itself and cannot be changed.