An email QR code is a scannable image that stores a mailto: link. When someone scans it with a smartphone camera, their default email app opens with your address, subject line, and message body already filled in. The user reviews the draft and taps Send. Email QR codes work on packaging, receipts, business cards, and digital screens wherever you want frictionless contact.
A mailto QR code encodes a mailto: URL—the standard email URI scheme defined in RFC 6068. Scanning opens the compose window in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or any mailto-compatible app. Every email QR code is technically a mailto QR code; the QR image is simply how users access the link without typing.
No. An email QR code opens a pre-filled email draft; the user must confirm and tap Send. The code cannot send email without user action, read inboxes, or access passwords. This is standard mailto: behavior on iPhone, Android, Windows, and Mac.
Yes. iPhone Camera reads email QR codes without a special app. iOS passes the mailto: link to the default mail client—Apple Mail, Gmail, or Outlook depending on user settings. Pre-filled To, Subject, and Body fields appear in the compose screen.
Yes. Android opens Gmail, Samsung Email, Outlook, or another default handler when a mailto: QR code is scanned. No browser step is required on most devices. Test your code on Gmail and one alternate client before bulk printing.
Yes. Gmail on Android and iPhone handles mailto: links from QR codes. When Gmail is the default mail app, scanning opens a pre-filled compose screen. Google Workspace inboxes receive messages the same way—use subject prefixes like "Support Request" for routing in shared inboxes or help desk tools.
Yes. Microsoft Outlook on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android supports mailto: QR codes. When Outlook is the default client, scanning opens a pre-filled message—common in Microsoft 365 and Exchange business environments. The same QR code works across platforms.
Yes. Add any default subject in the email QR code generator. The mailto: link encodes it using URL encoding (spaces become %20). Subjects like "Product Support" or "Warranty Claim" help your team sort incoming messages in Gmail, Outlook, or Zendesk.
Yes. Include a template body with fields such as Name, Order Number, or Issue Description. Users can edit before sending. Keep bodies concise—very long mailto URLs may truncate in some email clients. A generator handles URL encoding automatically.
Yes. Mailto supports multiple addresses in To, plus CC and BCC parameters. Enter additional recipients in the generator and they appear pre-filled when the user scans. Useful for routing warranty claims to both support@ and claims@ simultaneously.