How to Generate a QR Code for Your WhatsApp Business

Why Use Linkbreakers for WhatsApp QR Codes?

Unlike standard WhatsApp links, Linkbreakers provides valuable insights into your QR code performance:

Scan Analytics:

• Total scans - See how many people interact with your QR code
• Unique vs repeat scans - Understand customer behavior patterns
• Time-based analytics - Track when your QR codes are most effective
• Geographic data - Know where your customers are scanning from

Conversion Tracking:

• Scan-to-message conversion rate - Compare how many people scan vs actually send a message
• Drop-off analysis - Identify where potential customers abandon the process
• Campaign effectiveness - Measure the ROI (Return On Investment) of different marketing materials

Step-by-step instructions

Access QR Code generator

• Log into your Linkbreakers dashboard
• Navigate to the QR Code section
• Click to Add a new QR Code

Set up WhatsApp link format

In the URL destination, enter your WhatsApp business link using the format:

https://wa.me/[your-phone-number]

• For US number: https://wa.me/15551234567
• For UK number: https://wa.me/447911123456
• For international: https://wa.me/[country-code][phone-number]

Important: Use your phone number without any spaces, dashes, or special characters

Include the country code (without the + symbol)

Configure data collection settings

⚠️ Critical for EU/GDPR Compliance:

If your business or customers are subject to GDPR, you must configure data collection settings appropriately:

Option 1: Disable data collection

Go to QR Code settings at the bottom of the page and set Data collection to None. This ensures no personal data is collected from devices scanning the QR code

Option 2: Enable with user consent

If you need analytics data, have the level of data collection you want, but ensure you ask for consent before users scan the QR Codes generated. Only proceed if you have a legal basis for data processing.

For non-GDPR regions

You may use standard data collection settings. Consider privacy best practices regardless of legal requirements

Test and download

Test the QR Code:

• Use your phone to scan the code
• Verify it opens WhatsApp correctly
• Test with different devices if possible

Download options:

• PNG for digital use
• SVG for print materials

Best practices

Pre-filled messages (optional)

Add a pre-filled message by including ?text= parameter:

https://wa.me/15551234567?text=Hello%20I%20found%20your%20QR%20code

QR Code placement

• Ensure adequate size for scanning (minimum 2cm x 2cm)
• Place at eye level when possible
• Include clear instructions: Scan to chat with us on WhatsApp
• Ensure good contrast with the background
• Privacy policy updated to include QR code data processing

General privacy

• Inform users they'll be redirected to WhatsApp
• Consider including your business hours
• Be transparent about response times

Troubleshooting

QR Code not working

Check phone number format - Remove all spaces and special characters

Verify country code - Ensure it's correct and includes no + symbol

Test link directly - Copy the URL into a browser to verify it works

WhatsApp not opening

Ensure WhatsApp is installed on the scanning device

Check device compatibility - Some older devices may have issues

Try different QR code readers if the default camera app fails

GDPR compliance issues

Verify data collection settings are correctly configured

Update privacy policy to reflect QR code usage

Document consent mechanisms if collecting data

Any questions?

If you encounter issues not covered in this guide, contact support through the dashboard.