How to Scan a QR Code on WhatsApp

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: June 25, 2019 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to log into the WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop application by scanning the login code with WhatsApp on your phone. Keep in mind that you cannot use the WhatsApp QR code scanner to scan QR codes outside of the ones used to log into WhatsApp on desktop, though you can always use your smartphone to scan other QR codes.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On iPhone

1
Open the WhatsApp Web website. Go to https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your web browser. As long as you aren't already logged into WhatsApp here, you'll see a square, black-and-white QR code in the middle of the page.
- If you're attempting to log into the desktop version of WhatsApp, open the desktop program instead. The QR code will be in the middle of the program's window.
2
Open WhatsApp on your iPhone. Tap the WhatsApp app icon, which resembles a white phone inside of a white speech bubble icon on a green background.
- If you aren't logged into WhatsApp on this phone, you'll need to enter your phone number and verify it when prompted before proceeding.
3
Tap Settings. This gear-shaped icon is in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Doing so opens the Settings page.
- If WhatsApp opens to a conversation, first tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen.
It's near the top of the screen.
5
Tap OK, got it when prompted. Doing so will open the WhatsApp QR scanner.
- If you're logged into WhatsApp Web or Desktop on any other computer, you must first tap Scan QR Code in the middle of the page.
Your phone should be around a foot away from your computer screen when you do this.
Once the code scans, the WhatsApp Web web page will refresh, and you'll see your messages and conversations appear.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On Android

1
Open the WhatsApp Web website. Go to https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your web browser. As long as you aren't already logged into WhatsApp here, you'll see a square, black-and-white QR code in the middle of the page.
- If you're attempting to log into the desktop version of WhatsApp, open the desktop program instead. The QR code will be in the middle of the program's window.
2
Open WhatsApp on your Android. Tap the WhatsApp app icon, which resembles a green-and-white speech bubble with a white phone receiver in it.
- If you aren't logged into WhatsApp on this phone, you'll need to enter your phone number and verify it when prompted before proceeding.
3
Tap ⋮. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
- If WhatsApp opens to a chat, first tap the "Back" button to go back to the main WhatsApp page.
This option is in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the WhatsApp QR scanner page.
5
Tap OK, GOT IT when prompted. The QR scanner will open.
- If you're logged into WhatsApp Web or Desktop on any other computer, you must first tap ＋ in the top-right corner of the screen.
Your phone should be around a foot away from your computer screen when you do this.
Once the code scans, the WhatsApp Web web page will refresh, and you'll see your messages and conversations appear.

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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I know what's a QR code?

Community Answer

It is a very distinct patterned square; do a Google Image Search on the term to see some examples.

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Question

If someone scans the code to view my messages, how do I sign out of their computer remotely?

Community Answer

If you go into the WhatsApp web version settings page (WhatsApp → Settings → WhatsApp Web/Desktop on iPhone, WhatsApp → three-dot menu button → WhatsApp Web on Android) and tap "Log me out of all computers", that should do the trick.

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Question

How do I come to know if someone else is spying on my messages?

Community Answer

If a professional is spying on your messages, you won't know.

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Tips

If you wait too long to scan the QR code, it will expire. Simply click Refresh Code in the green circle that's in the middle of the code box to refresh it.

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You can log out any computer on which you're signed into your WhatsApp account by opening the WhatsApp Web/Desktop section of WhatsApp and then tapping Log out from all computers.

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Warnings

Don't forget to close the WhatsApp web version after you're done using it—especially if you're on a shared computer—or others may be able to read your messages.

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