WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps around the world, with over 2 billion active users. One of the handy features of WhatsApp is the ability to quickly add a new contact by scanning their QR code instead of manually adding their phone number. However, sometimes users run into issues getting the QR code to work properly and add the contact. There are a few potential reasons why scanning a WhatsApp QR code may not work.
Incorrectly Generated QR Code
One of the most common reasons a WhatsApp QR code doesn’t work is that the code was not properly generated in the first place. In order for the QR code to work, it needs to be specifically created for the purpose of adding a WhatsApp contact. This is done by having the individual open their WhatsApp app, tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top right, choose Settings, then tap on QR code. This will generate a unique QR code that can then be scanned by someone else to add them as a contact.
If the person instead took a screenshot of their profile QR code in WhatsApp or generated a standard QR code through a different app, it likely won’t work when scanning to add them as a contact. The QR code must be specifically created using the method above in order for it to link properly with their WhatsApp account and share their contact information. If the code itself seems distorted or low quality, that can also prevent it from scanning correctly.
Internet Connectivity Issues
For the QR code to work, both the person scanning the code and the person who generated it need to have an active internet connection. Without a connection, the WhatsApp servers can’t properly link the QR code to the account and pull the contact information. So if either person has connectivity problems or is in an area with no internet access, it could prevent the QR code from successfully working.
The same issue can occur if the person’s phone has any problems connecting to the internet through their mobile data or WiFi. Trying toggling the internet connection off and back on again on both phones to see if that fixes any temporary glitches. Switching between WiFi and mobile data may also help get around any network issues interfering with the QR code process.
Outdated WhatsApp Version
In order for all the features to work properly, both people need to be running the latest version of the WhatsApp app. If either person is using an old, outdated version, it could cause problems with scanning and generating QR codes correctly. Open the Play Store or App Store to check for any WhatsApp updates and install the newest version.
This ensures compatibility with the newest QR code features and fixes any bugs in older versions that may prevent scanning from working properly. It’s a good idea for both people to update the app before trying to scan the code again in case an outdated version was the culprit.
Camera/Scanner Issues
The phone’s camera and scanner play an important role in successfully capturing and reading the QR code. If either device has issues with its camera or scanner capabilities, it can have trouble clearly capturing the QR image or identifying the code correctly.
Make sure the camera lens is clean and there are no obstructions covering it. Hold the device steady while scanning the code in adequate lighting. Try cleaning the camera lens and scanning again in better lighting conditions. If the phone’s camera seems faulty in general, it likely needs to be repaired for the QR code scanner to work reliably.
Device Compatibility Problems
In some cases, device compatibility issues can get in the way of the QR code working properly. WhatsApp may not fully support QR code scanning and contact adding features on very old or non-standard smartphones. Trying to scan codes between an iPhone and Android device can also cause cross-platform issues in some cases.
Make sure both devices meet WhatsApp’s minimum operating system requirements and that both are running one of the two main platforms – iOS or Android. Testing QR codes between the same types of device – iPhone to iPhone or Android to Android – avoids any cross-platform bugs.
How to Fix WhatsApp QR Code Not Working
If you’ve tried scanning a WhatsApp QR code and it’s not working, here are some step-by-step troubleshooting tips to fix the issue:
1. Regenerate the QR code
Ask the person to regenerate the QR code from their WhatsApp app’s settings. This resets the code which often fixes any issues with incorrect generation.
2. Check internet connections
Make sure both phones can connect to the internet and WhatsApp’s servers. Toggle airplane mode on and off to reset the connections.
3. Update WhatsApp to the latest version
Open app stores and install any available WhatsApp updates on both devices. This could resolve any bugs or issues with outdated versions.
4. Clean camera lenses
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the camera lenses on both phones. Remove any dust, fingerprints, or obstructions.
5. Adjust lighting conditions
Move to a bright, evenly lit area and hold phones still to capture the code clearly.
6. Use the same phone platforms
Stick to iPhone-to-iPhone or Android-to-Android to avoid cross-platform issues.
7. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can clear out any bugs or glitches preventing QR codes from working.
WhatsApp QR Code Troubleshooting FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about troubleshooting WhatsApp QR code issues:
Why does the QR code show invalid or expired?
This usually means the code has been around for too long and WhatsApp can no longer link it to the account. The person will need to generate a fresh code again for scanning.
Can I scan a QR code from a photo or screenshot?
No, it needs to be the live QR code interface in WhatsApp – screenshots and photos won’t scan properly.
What happens if I don’t have an internet connection?
QR codes require an active internet connection to pull the contact information from WhatsApp’s servers. Connect to the internet before trying to scan again.
Why does it say waiting to read QR code?
Hold the camera still over the entire code so it can be properly captured and read. Don’t move it around over just portions of the code.
How can I tell if a QR code is for WhatsApp?
A valid WhatsApp contact QR will have the WhatsApp logo and brand colors of white, green, and blue.
Can I scan a WhatsApp QR code off a computer screen?
For reliable scanning, the QR codes need to be scanned phone-to-phone. Computer screens can distort the image.
Conclusion
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the handiest messaging platforms for staying in touch. The ability to instantly add new contacts via QR codes can save a lot of time and effort. However, if the QR code fails to scan properly, there are a number of troubleshooting steps to try. The most common fixes include regenerating the code, checking internet connections, updating WhatsApp, cleaning camera lenses, adjusting lighting, using the same device platforms, and reinstalling the app. Following this simple troubleshooting guide will help get QR codes working properly again.