WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the handy features of WhatsApp is the ability to log in to your account by scanning a QR code instead of entering your phone number and verification code. This makes switching between devices or reinstalling WhatsApp much quicker and easier.
Logging in with a QR code is an optional feature that needs to be enabled in your WhatsApp settings. Once enabled, you can scan the QR code displayed in WhatsApp to instantly link your account on a new device. The QR code contains encrypted information that verifies your account.
Here are some common questions about logging in with a WhatsApp QR code and how the feature works:
How do I enable QR code login?
Enabling QR code login is simple and only takes a few taps in your WhatsApp settings:
- Open WhatsApp on your current device
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on “Link a device”
- Toggle on “Login with QR code”
This will turn on the ability to scan a QR code when logging in to WhatsApp on new devices going forward. The feature does not apply retrospectively to devices already linked to your account.
Where do I find my WhatsApp QR code?
Once QR code login is enabled, your unique WhatsApp QR code can be accessed at any time:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings
- Tap Linked Devices
- Tap “Link a device”
- Your personal QR code will appear on the screen
You can scan this code with the camera on a new device to instantly link your WhatsApp account. The QR code will refresh every few seconds.
How do I scan a WhatsApp QR code to log in?
To scan a WhatsApp QR code on a new device:
- Download and install WhatsApp if not already set up
- Open WhatsApp > Agree to Terms of Service
- On iPhone – Tap “Link Existing Device” on the Account Setup screen
- On Android – Tap “Link a device” under QR code scanner on Account Setup
- Point your camera at the QR code to scan it
That’s it! Scanning the QR code will instantly verify your account and log you in on the new device.
Is WhatsApp QR code login secure?
Yes, WhatsApp QR code login is a secure way to link your account across devices. The QR code itself contains an encrypted key that is tied specifically to your account and device.
The code can only be scanned and decoded by WhatsApp. Your personal encryption keys stay safe on your devices only. So no sensitive account information is ever transmitted or exposed.
When should I use WhatsApp QR code login?
QR code login is most handy when:
- Setting up WhatsApp on a new phone
- Linking a tablet or secondary device to your account
- Reinstalling WhatsApp after a reset or OS update
- Switching between Android and iPhone devices
It saves you the step of verifying your phone number each time. Just scan the code and your account is instantly linked.
Can someone else login with my QR code?
No, your WhatsApp QR code is unique and encrypted to your account only. It cannot be used by someone else to access your account or messages.
If you enable two-step verification for added security, you will also need to enter your six-digit PIN when scanning the QR code on a new device. This prevents unauthorized logins.
Does WhatsApp QR code work on desktop?
At the moment, WhatsApp QR code login only works on mobile devices – iOS and Android.
On WhatsApp Desktop for PC and Mac, you still need to link your account by scanning the QR code from your phone WhatsApp first. The desktop apps do not yet generate their own QR codes for login.
Can I have the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices?
Yes, with QR code login enabled, you can link your WhatsApp account to up to 4 devices at once. This includes:
- 1 phone
- 1 tablet
- 1 Facebook Portal (if linked)
- 1 desktop device (WhatsApp Web/Desktop app)
So your messages and data sync across multiple platforms for seamless chatting. Simply use your QR code to link each device or scan on the desktop apps.
Does WhatsApp QR code work on iOS and Android?
WhatsApp QR code login works seamlessly across iOS and Android devices.
You can link your account back and forth between an iPhone and Android phone using the same QR code. Just be sure to log out and unlink the old device first before scanning the code on the new phone.
Can I create a custom WhatsApp QR code?
No, the WhatsApp QR code is generated automatically and uniquely linked to your account. There is no option to create a custom or personalized QR code for WhatsApp login.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up and using WhatsApp QR code login:
Enable QR Code Login
- Open WhatsApp on your current phone
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap “Link a device”
- Toggle on “Login with QR code”
This enables QR code login for your account going forward.
Find Your WhatsApp QR Code
- In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap “Link a device”
- Your unique QR code appears on screen
- You can screenshot or point a second phone at it to scan
Scan QR Code to Login on New Device
- Download and install WhatsApp on the new phone
- Open WhatsApp & agree to TOS
- iOS: Tap “Link Existing Device” on Setup screen
- Android: Tap “Link a device” under QR scanner
- Point camera at your QR code to scan
That’s all it takes! WhatsApp will verify your account and log you in.
Troubleshooting
QR code login not working?
If you are having issues getting QR code login to work, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure QR code login is enabled in WhatsApp settings on your current phone
- Double check that you are scanning the QR code correctly using the camera
- Try reloading the QR code by refreshing in Linked Devices
- Check for app updates and install the latest WhatsApp version
- Restart both phones and try scanning the code again
- Log out and unlink old phone first if transferring between devices
QR code scanner not showing up?
If you don’t see the QR code scanner option on the new device:
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version
- Make sure WhatsApp has camera permissions enabled
- Force close and reopen the WhatsApp app
- Try switching between rear and front cameras
- Check if a VPN is blocking the scanner
This should make the QR scanner visible so you can proceed to scan and log in.
Account already registered error?
Seeing an “account already registered” error when scanning the code means your WhatsApp account session is still active on the old device.
- Log out of WhatsApp on the old phone first
- Also unlink the device under Linked Devices
- Now scan the QR code on the new phone to link it
You can only be logged in to one device at a time with the same number.
Conclusion
Logging in to WhatsApp using a QR code is a fast and secure way to link your account across multiple devices. Once enabled in settings, just scan your unique QR code to validate your account and avoid having to verify your number each time.
The encrypted QR code provides a seamless login experience as you switch between phones, tablets, or reinstall the app. Plus you can have WhatsApp on up to 4 devices at once while protecting your privacy.
If you run into any issues getting QR code login to work properly, try the troubleshooting tips outlined. With QR codes, switching WhatsApp devices is easier than ever.