Google Review QR Code, Phone, SMS and Email QR Codes Explained

A QR code doesn't have to open a website.

It can start a call, a text, an email, a map, or a calendar date.

Wi-Fi from episode 6 works the same way.

Start with a call.

The code holds tel, a colon, then the number with a plus and the country code.

Scan it and the dialer opens with the number filled in.

Nothing is called until you tap the button.

A text works the same way.

SMS, the number, then a body with the message.

Your messages app opens with every word typed.

You still press send.

For email, it's mailto, the address, then a subject and a body.

Spaces are written as percent 20, or the message can get cut short.

And again, nothing goes out until you press send.

For a place, there's the geo link.

Latitude, then longitude.

But not every phone acts on it.

A normal Maps link opens almost anywhere, so it's the safer choice.

A calendar code carries an event.

Begin vEvent, a title, a start, an end, and a place.

Write the times in UTC with a Z, so they show up right in every time zone.

Some cameras offer to add it straight away.

Others only show the text, so test it first.

And for Google reviews, you don't build the link yourself.

Your business profile gives you a review link and a ready-made code.

Customers scan it and land on your review page.

They just need to be signed in to Google.

One habit for everyone who scans.

The number or address is shown before you send, so read it.

A premium number you don't know is a warning sign.

Can a QR code call someone on its own?

No, it only fills things in.

You always tap call or send yourself.

Whatever the scan does, the code can still look like you.

AriaQR turns any image into a QR code that still looks like your image.

Tested on real scanners before you pay.

Make yours at ariaqr.com.

Whatever the scan does, the code can still look like you.