What a vCard QR code contains
The code stores a small contact file like this:
BEGIN:VCARD · VERSION:3.0 · N:Sharma;Priya · FN:Priya Sharma · ORG:Acme · TEL;TYPE=CELL:+919876543210 · EMAIL:priya@acme.in · END:VCARD
Phones recognise it and show a “Create contact” prompt with every field filled in.
vCard vs. MeCard vs. a link
vCard is the most widely supported contact format and the one iPhone and Android contact apps import directly. MeCard is a shorter, older format popular in Japan; it makes smaller codes but supports fewer fields. A link to an online profile (LinkedIn, a personal page) makes the simplest code and lets you change details later — but the person has to open a web page and save you manually. Choose vCard when saving the contact in one tap matters most.
Privacy
Your contact details are encoded in your browser and never uploaded. Remember that anyone who scans the printed code can read every field, so leave out a home address or personal number if the code will be displayed publicly.
Tips
- Always include the country code in phone numbers (e.g. +91) so they work internationally.
- The last word of the full name is used as the family name; everything before it as given names.
- Fewer fields = smaller code = easier scanning on small print like a business card.
Printing business cards? See QR codes for business cards for size and layout advice.