What happens when someone scans a Telegram QR code?

The code opens t.me/yourusername — if Telegram is installed it jumps straight to your profile with a message button; otherwise it shows a web preview with a link to get the app.

Do I need a username for this to work?

Yes — the link uses your public @username, not your phone number, so your number stays private. Set a username in Telegram under Settings before making the code (5–32 letters, digits, and underscores).

Does this work for channels, groups, and bots?

Yes — public channels, groups, and bots all have usernames, and their t.me links work exactly the same way. Paste the username with or without the @.

Does the code expire?

Never — it is just your t.me link encoded as squares, generated free in your browser with no signup. It keeps working for as long as the username exists, but if you change your username the old code stops resolving.

Free Telegram QR Code Generator

Link straight to a Telegram profile, group, or channel. Free forever — no signup, no watermark, generated entirely in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when someone scans a Telegram QR code?: The code opens t.me/yourusername — if Telegram is installed it jumps straight to your profile with a message button; otherwise it shows a web preview with a link to get the app.
Do I need a username for this to work?: Yes — the link uses your public @username, not your phone number, so your number stays private. Set a username in Telegram under Settings before making the code (5–32 letters, digits, and underscores).
Does this work for channels, groups, and bots?: Yes — public channels, groups, and bots all have usernames, and their t.me links work exactly the same way. Paste the username with or without the @.
Does the code expire?: Never — it is just your t.me link encoded as squares, generated free in your browser with no signup. It keeps working for as long as the username exists, but if you change your username the old code stops resolving.

Want the detail? How telegram QR codes work — the payload format, what scanners do with it, and where it breaks.