How do I open WhatsApp QR code in Chrome?

WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the easiest ways to add a new contact on WhatsApp is by scanning their QR code. This allows you to instantly add a new contact without having to type in their phone number. While WhatsApp has a built-in QR code scanner in the app, you can also easily scan QR codes using your phone’s camera or Google Chrome.

Opening WhatsApp Web QR Code in Chrome

To scan a WhatsApp QR code in Chrome, simply follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome app on your phone.
2. Go to web.whatsapp.com. This will open the WhatsApp Web page.
3. You should see a QR code scanner icon in the top right corner of the screen. Tap on it.
4. This will activate Chrome’s built-in QR code scanner. Point your phone’s camera at the WhatsApp QR code you want to scan.
5. Chrome will automatically scan and process the QR code. You will instantly get logged into WhatsApp Web.

And that’s it! Scanning a WhatsApp QR code only takes a few seconds using Chrome. As long as you have the latest version of Chrome installed and an internet connection, you can easily open any WhatsApp QR link on your phone.

Using Google Lens in Chrome to Scan WhatsApp QR Code

In addition to the built-in QR scanner, you can also use Google Lens in Chrome to scan a WhatsApp QR code. Here is how:

1. Open Chrome on your Android phone.
2. Search for any image or go to the WhatsApp QR code you want to scan.
3. Tap and hold on the QR code image to bring up the context menu.
4. Select the “Search image with Google Lens” option.
5. This will activate Google Lens, which can scan QR codes.
6. Lens will automatically process and detect the WhatsApp QR code.
7. Tap on the WhatsApp link provided by Lens to open the QR code in WhatsApp.

Google Lens is an incredibly powerful image recognition tool. With its QR scanning capabilities, you can easily open any WhatsApp QR code in Chrome. The main advantage of Lens is that it can scan a QR code from an existing image, without needing to use your camera.

Accessing Chrome’s QR Code Generator

In addition to scanning QR codes, you can also generate your own WhatsApp QR code using Chrome. Here is how it works:

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://flags.
2. Search for the “Web QR” flag and enable it.
3. Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.
4. Now open a new tab and type chrome://qr-generator.
5. This will open Chrome’s QR code generator.
6. Enter your WhatsApp URL in the text field, e.g. https://wa.me/phonenumber.
7. Customize the QR code options like size, color, etc.
8. Click “Download” to save the WhatsApp QR code image to your phone.

Having access to a free QR code generator can come in handy. You can create a personalized WhatsApp QR code to share with anyone instantly. It works right from within Chrome without needing any third-party apps.

Scanning WhatsApp QR Codes from Images

While the above methods require you to scan a physical QR code, you can also open WhatsApp QR codes from existing images on your phone. Here are a couple ways to achieve this:

Using Google Photos

1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Google Photos app.
2. Open the image containing the WhatsApp QR code.
3. Tap on the Lens icon at the bottom.
4. This will detect the QR code and display the code contents.
5. Tap on the WhatsApp link to open it in the app.

Google Photos have built-in QR code scanning capabilities with Lens. This provides an easy way to open WhatsApp QR codes from existing photos.

Using Google Assistant

1. Open the Google app and go to the Updates tab.
2. Tap on “What’s New” and enable QR code scanning.
3. Now tap on the Google Assistant button and say “Scan QR code”.
4. Show the QR code image to your phone’s camera.
5. Assistant will automatically scan the image and detect the WhatsApp link.
6. Tap on the link to open it directly in WhatsApp.

Google Assistant provides hands-free QR code scanning. This makes it really easy to open WhatsApp QR codes from any image on your device.

Using Third-Party Chrome Extensions

In addition to the built-in options, you can also use third-party Chrome extensions for scanning WhatsApp QR codes:

QR Code Extension

This handy extension adds a QR scanner button to Chrome. To use it:

1. Install the QR Code Extension in Chrome.
2. While on any page, click the QR code icon in your toolbar.
3. Grant the required camera permission.
4. Scan the WhatsApp QR code to automatically open it.

QR Code Reader

This extension provides powerful QR scanning capabilities:

1. Add the QR Code Reader extension.
2. Click on the added icon and choose “Scan QR Code”.
3. Point your camera at the WhatsApp QR image.
4. It will immediately detect and process the QR code.
5. Click on the WhatsApp link to open it directly.

These Chrome extensions provide easy access to QR scanning making it convenient to open WhatsApp QR codes.

Using Chrome’s Developer Tools

For advanced users, Chrome DevTools can also scan QR codes. Here is how to leverage this:

1. Open the website containing the WhatsApp QR code.
2. Right click and choose Inspect to open DevTools.
3. Go to the Console tab.
4. Enter this code:

   
qrcode.decode(document.getElementById('qrcodeImg'))


   Replace “qrcodeImg” with your image element.
5. Press Enter and the QR code contents will be printed.
6. Open the WhatsApp URL to view the QR code in the app.

While slightly more complex, DevTools provides advanced users a programmatic way to scan QR codes from the browser itself.

Scanning Tips and Tricks

Here are some handy tips when scanning WhatsApp QR codes in Chrome:

• Make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean for optimal focus and scanning.
• The QR code should be clearly visible, avoid blurry or distorted images.
• Try using Chrome’s incognito mode, it may help with camera permissions.
• For older codes, regenerate a fresh QR code for better results.
• Use the rear camera for quick focus rather than the selfie camera.
• Tap on the scanned URL to directly open it in WhatsApp.
• Troubleshooting camera access in Chrome’s site settings can help.

Following these tips will ensure your WhatsApp QR code scans smoothly and opens properly in Chrome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common FAQs about scanning WhatsApp QR codes in Chrome:

Does Chrome require any special permissions for QR scanning?

Yes, Chrome requires access to your phone’s camera in order to scan QR codes. You will need to grant the necessary permissions when prompted.

Can I scan a QR code through my computer’s webcam in Chrome?

Unfortunately Chrome does not support scanning QR codes via your computer’s webcam. You can only scan codes through your phone’s camera.

Is there a size limit for QR codes scannable on Chrome?

There is no definitive size restriction. But very small or large QR codes may be difficult to scan properly in Chrome. The sweet spot is around 2-3 inches for reliable scanning.

Can I use Chrome’s QR scanner offline?

No, an active internet connection is required for Chrome’s QR scanner to function. Offline scanning is not possible currently in Chrome.

Does the QR code need to be an image? Or can it be displayed digitally?

Chrome’s scanner works reliably on both printed QR code images as well as digital codes displayed on screens.

How do I troubleshoot issues in scanning WhatsApp QR codes?

Common issues like camera access, focusing problems, or software bugs can affect scanning. Checking Chrome permissions, adjusting camera distance, improving lighting conditions and restarting the browser can help.

Conclusion

Scanning WhatsApp’s QR codes in Chrome is quick and convenient once you know the various methods. You can use the built-in scanner, Google Lens, Chrome extensions, DevTools or even third-party apps. For optimal results make sure to grant camera access, adjust lighting, use the rear lens and open the code directly in WhatsApp. With billions of users worldwide, WhatsApp’s QR codes make adding contacts and connecting with anyone simpler than ever.