Scanning a QR code received on WhatsApp is easy and only takes a few steps. QR codes allow you to quickly open links, see contact information, connect to WiFi networks, and more. Here’s a guide on how to scan QR codes from WhatsApp on both iOS and Android devices.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned by a camera to retrieve information encoded in the code. QR codes typically contain things like URLs, contact info, WiFi passwords, event details, and more.
QR codes are square in shape and contain a unique pattern of small black squares arranged on a white background. This pattern encodes the underlying data. When you scan a QR code with your phone’s camera, it uses special software to analyze the code and extract the information.
QR codes are commonly found on marketing materials, products, signage, and more as an easy way to quickly convey information. They’ve grown in popularity in recent years thanks to increased smartphone usage and applications like digital payments, online ticketing, contactless menus, and product information lookups.
Why Would I Receive a QR Code on WhatsApp?
There are a few reasons someone may send you a QR code on WhatsApp:
- To share contact information – Rather than typing out someone’s phone number or address, a QR code can instantly add them as a contact.
- To join a WhatsApp group – Scanning a group invite QR code lets you quickly join the group chat.
- To open a website link – QR codes can encode URLs to quickly open web pages.
- To make payments – Some payment apps generate QR codes to send/receive funds.
- To connect to WiFi – QR codes can store WiFi network passwords for easy login.
- To get directions – QR codes may link to maps/navigation apps to provide directions.
- For event tickets – Venues can use QR code tickets for contactless entry.
- For product information – Scanning product QR codes can show specs/details.
So if someone sends you a QR code on WhatsApp, it’s likely for one of these quick information sharing purposes.
How to Scan a WhatsApp QR Code on iPhone
Scanning a QR code on an iPhone is easy using the built-in camera app. Here are the steps:
- Open the WhatsApp chat where you received the QR code.
- Tap on the QR code image to enlarge it.
- Point your iPhone camera at the QR code on your screen.
- A notification will appear indicating the phone is scanning the code.
- Once scanned, take the appropriate action based on the QR code contents. For example, a link will open in your browser, contact info will save to your contacts, etc.
That’s all there is to it! The latest iPhone camera software recognizes QR codes automatically. There’s no need to download a separate QR scanner app.
Tips for Scanning WhatsApp QR Codes on iPhone
- Make sure your phone’s camera lens is clean before scanning.
- Hold the phone steady 6-8 inches from the code to scan it.
- QR codes should be clearly visible on your screen with good lighting.
- Avoid glare on your screen by scanning in shade or angling the screen away from sunlight.
- Tap the code to enlarge it as much as possible before scanning.
- If the code isn’t scanning, try adjusting your distance, angle, and lighting.
How to Scan a WhatsApp QR Code on Android
The process is very similar for scanning QR codes from WhatsApp on Android devices:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the QR code image.
- Tap on the QR code to enlarge it.
- Open your camera app and point it at the QR code on screen.
- Your camera will automatically scan the code (no need to take a photo).
- Follow the notification prompts based on the QR code contents.
Most modern Android devices have built-in QR scanning capability in the native camera app. If yours does not, you can download free scanner apps from the Google Play Store.
Tips for Scanning WhatsApp QR Codes on Android
- Allow camera access if prompted when scanning the code.
- Avoid moving your phone too much while scanning.
- QR codes need to be clearly visible on screen to scan properly.
- Try cleaning your camera lens if it is having trouble focusing.
- Third-party scanner apps may offer better scanning performance than your default camera.
- Make sure you have sufficient storage space for some scanner apps to work.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp QR Code Scanning Issues
If you’re having trouble getting your phone to scan a WhatsApp QR code, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure your camera lens is clean. Smudges can interfere with focusing and code scanning.
- Ensure the code is enlarged as much as possible and lighting is adequate.
- Try adjusting your distance from the code – optimal is usually 6-8 inches away.
- Attempt scanning from multiple angles in case glare is an issue.
- If your camera has auto-focus issues, try a dedicated scanner app with manual focus.
- Restart your phone – apps running in the background can sometimes interfere.
- Update your phone camera/scanner app to the latest version available.
- Check that your software is up to date, including your operating system.
- Make sure you have granted the camera app permission to access your phone’s camera.
- If the code itself seems corrupted, ask the sender to re-generate it.
Following these tips should help get rid of most scanning problems. If issues persist, reach out to the sender and have them try sending the code again or through a different method.
What Happens When You Scan a WhatsApp QR Code?
Scanning a WhatsApp QR code will trigger one of several possible actions depending on the type of information encoded:
- Open a website link – Takes you to a specific web page in your phone’s browser.
- Add a contact – Automatically saves new phone/address details to your contacts.
- Join a WhatsApp group – Adds you as a participant to a group chat.
- Make a payment – May open a payment app or initiate a funds transfer.
- Connect to WiFi – Enters WiFi network credentials on your phone.
- View product information – Opens details about a product in your browser.
- Get directions – Opens a map app like Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation.
- Event check-in – Registers your attendance for a ticketed event or location.
So scanning automatically performs the task encoded in the QR code – whether opening a web link, adding a contact, making a payment, etc. It’s an easy way to quickly complete actions vs. typing things manually.
Conclusion
Scanning a QR code on WhatsApp only takes a few seconds. Simply open the chat, enlarge the code, point your camera at it, and wait for your phone to recognize it. Both iPhone and Android devices have built-in QR scanning capabilities through the native camera app.
QR codes provide a fast way to share information through WhatsApp. By scanning codes, you can open links, add new contacts, join groups, connect to WiFi, make payments, view product info, get directions, event check-in, and more. So go ahead and scan those codes to quickly complete actions next time you receive one on WhatsApp!