Resetting the QR code on WhatsApp is a simple process that allows you to unlink your account from a linked device and reconnect it through scanning a new code. Here’s a quick overview of what happens when you reset your WhatsApp QR code:
Why Would You Reset Your WhatsApp QR Code?
There are a few reasons you may want to reset your WhatsApp QR code:
- You lost access to the device your WhatsApp account is linked to
- You want to link your WhatsApp account to a new device
- You suspect your WhatsApp account has been compromised
Resetting the code revokes access from linked devices and generates a new code you can scan to relink the account.
How to Reset Your WhatsApp QR Code
Resetting your WhatsApp QR code is easy:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on the link that says “Reset QR code”
This will immediately unlink all devices and devices that were previously linked by scanning your old code will no longer have access.
What Happens When You Reset the QR Code
Here’s what happens when you reset your WhatsApp QR code:
- All linked devices are immediately unlinked from your account
- A new QR code is generated that can be used to link your account to a new device
- Your chat history and data will be removed from any previously linked devices
- Your account privacy settings, profile info, contacts etc. are unaffected
- You will remain logged in on the device you reset the code from
So in summary, resetting your QR code revokes access from other devices, generates a new code, but does not affect your actual WhatsApp account details.
Relinking Your Account After Resetting
Once you reset your QR code, you will need to relink your account to any devices you still want to use WhatsApp on. Here’s how:
- On the new device, install WhatsApp and open it
- Tap “Agree and Continue” to accept the Terms of Service
- When prompted, tap “Link a Device”
- Use the device’s camera to scan your new QR code
- The device will now be linked to your account
You can repeat this process for as many devices as you want to link to your account. Just be sure you can actually view the QR code on your phone screen while scanning from the new device.
Confirming Your Identity When Relinking
For additional security when relinking devices, WhatsApp may ask you to confirm your phone number via an SMS code or personal PIN:
- SMS Verification – WhatsApp will send a 6-digit code to your phone number which you must enter on the new device
- PIN – If you previously set up a PIN, you will need to enter it on the new device
This is intended to ensure your account is being accessed only by you when unlinking and relinking to new devices.
Restoring Your Chat History
Note that resetting your QR code will remove your chat history and data from any previously linked devices. However, your chat history remains intact on your own phone number you completed the reset from.
If you want to restore your chat history on a newly linked device, you need to create a local backup on your original phone before resetting the code:
- On your current phone, go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
- Tap “Back Up” to create a fresh local backup
- Reset your QR code then link the new device
- On the new device, verify your number and tap “Restore” when prompted
- This will restore your chat history and data from the local backup
Follow this process whenever resetting your QR code to retain your full chat history on newly linked devices.
Troubleshooting Problems Relinking Devices
Here are some tips for troubleshooting issues if you have problems relinking devices after resetting your QR code:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection on both devices
- Double check that the new device’s camera can properly scan the entire QR code
- If verification codes aren’t arriving, verify your number is typed correctly
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app on both devices
- On the new device, uninstall WhatsApp entirely then reinstall a fresh copy
- As a last resort, reset the QR code once more and try re-scanning it
This should resolve most technical issues that may occur during the relinking process.
Avoiding Getting Locked Out of Your Account
To avoid getting locked out of your WhatsApp account after resetting your QR code, be sure to:
- Successfully link at least one new device before unlinking all others
- Remember the phone number associated with your account
- Back up your authentication PIN somewhere safe in case you forgot it
- Keep your phone number active so you can receive SMS verification codes
As long as you have your phone number and a way to receive verification codes, you can always relink your account, even if you lose access to your original phone.
Conclusion
Resetting your WhatsApp QR code revokes access to linked devices, generates a new linking code, but does not affect your core account details or chat history on your phone number. As long as you have your phone number and verification method, you can easily unlink then relink devices after resetting your QR code. Just be sure to backup your chat history, link new devices first, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during the relinking process.