SMS Link with Prefilled Message: iPhone vs Android Differences
An SMS link opens the user’s texting app with the recipient and a prefilled message ready to send. The catch: iPhone and Android use slightly different syntax. This guide covers both, plus the universal format that works on every phone.
The format that works everywhere
sms:+14155552671?&body=Hello%20thereThe ?& looks weird, but it’s the magic combo: iPhone needs the &, Android needs the ?, and putting them together keeps both happy. Tested on iOS 15+ and Android 10+.
iPhone-only format
sms:+14155552671&body=HelloiOS introduced the &body= format around iOS 8. It only works on iPhones. Android phones either ignore the body or treat the whole thing as the recipient number.
Android-only format
sms:+14155552671?body=HelloStandard URL syntax: ? introduces the query string. Works on Android. Some older iPhones ignore the body parameter when written this way.
Cross-platform comparison
| Format | iPhone | Android |
|---|---|---|
sms:+1...?body=... | Sometimes | Yes |
sms:+1...&body=... | Yes | Sometimes |
sms:+1...?&body=... | Yes | Yes |
How to write the recipient number
Use international format with the + sign:
- U.S.:
+14155552671 - UK:
+442079460958 - Spain:
+34911234567
Skip dashes, spaces, and parentheses inside the link. Use them only in the visible link text.
Encoding the message body
| Character | Encoded |
|---|---|
| Space | %20 |
| Line break | %0A |
| Comma | %2C |
| Ampersand | %26 |
| Hash (#) | %23 |
Send to multiple numbers
sms:+14155552671,+14155552672?&body=Group%20updateComma-separated numbers in the recipient field. Works on both iOS and Android, but most clients open a group MMS thread, not separate SMS messages.
Use cases that earn their keep
- Restaurant reservations. “Text us to confirm your table” with the number and prefilled message.
- Service businesses. Plumber, locksmith, dog walker — text instead of voicemail.
- SaaS support. Sometimes a quick text beats a support ticket.
- 2FA backup. “Didn’t get the code? Text us.” Lower-tech but reliable.
- Door signs. “Closed for lunch — text us if urgent.” With a QR.
SMS vs WhatsApp links
SMS works on every phone with a SIM. WhatsApp links require both parties to have WhatsApp. For local businesses where you’re not sure what app a customer uses, SMS is the safer bet. For global reach where most people use WhatsApp, that’s the better play.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the country code. Without it, international visitors get nothing.
- Using
?body=only and assuming it works on iOS. Use?&body=for safety. - Skipping URL encoding. A space or apostrophe will silently kill the link.
- Not testing on both platforms. Always test the same link on an iPhone and an Android.
FAQ
Can SMS links carry images or attachments?
No. Plain text only. For images, you need an MMS, which can’t be initiated from a link.
Does the user pay for the SMS?
Yes — same as any text message they send manually. Charges depend on their plan.
Can I track clicks on an SMS link?
Yes, with the same click event tracking you’d use for any link. Tracking the actual SMS being sent is harder — you’d need a service that controls the receiving number.
Do these links work on desktop?
On Mac, yes — Messages opens with the prefilled text. On Windows, depends on whether a connected Android phone is set up. Most desktops just show “no app to handle this link.”
Will the message send automatically?
No. The link only opens the messaging app with the message prefilled. The user still has to tap send. That’s by design — for spam protection.
Generate one in seconds
The SMS link generator handles encoding and the cross-platform syntax automatically. Drop in the number and message, copy the link. Pair it with the QR code generator for printed signs.