WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is its ease of use – with just a phone number, you can create an account and start messaging friends and family.
Normally, when you install WhatsApp on a new device, you are prompted to scan a QR code with your old device to link the accounts and transfer your chat history. However, sometimes you may not have access to your old device or the QR code for whatever reason.
In this article, we will go through multiple methods to log into your WhatsApp account on a new device without using the QR code or old device.
Using SMS Verification
The easiest way is to use SMS verification. Here are the steps:
- Install and open WhatsApp on your new device.
- When prompted, enter your country code and phone number that is registered with your WhatsApp account.
- WhatsApp will automatically detect your number and send a 6-digit verification code via SMS to that phone number.
- Once received, enter the code in WhatsApp to verify your number.
And you’re done! With SMS verification, you can log into your WhatsApp account on a new device without needing the QR code or old device. This method works as long as you have access to the phone number linked to your account.
The only caveat is that SMS verification only works if your phone number has not already been verified on another device in the last 7 days. WhatsApp has this limit to prevent abuse.
Using Email Verification
If SMS verification doesn’t work, for example if your number has already been recently verified or you’ve lost access to your SIM, you can also use email verification. Here are the steps:
- Install and open WhatsApp on the new device
- Enter your phone number when prompted
- WhatsApp will detect your number is already linked to an account
- Tap on “Use email instead” when prompted
- Enter and confirm the email address linked to your WhatsApp account
- WhatsApp will send a 6-digit confirmation code to that email
- Enter the emailed code in WhatsApp to verify your identity
This method works if you have access to the email linked to your WhatsApp account. Do note that you need to have already added and verified an email with your WhatsApp account for this method to work.
Using Verification Call
Another option is to use WhatsApp’s verification call feature. Here are the steps:
- Install and open WhatsApp on the new device
- Enter your phone number when prompted
- WhatsApp will detect your number is already registered
- Tap on “Call me” when prompted
- WhatsApp will place an automated verification call to your phone number
- Enter the 6-digit code you hear on the call to verify your number
This method works as long as you can receive phone calls to your registered WhatsApp number. It does not need access to SMS or email. However, it can only be done if there are no pending verification SMS sent recently – otherwise WhatsApp will not give the voice call option.
Using Backup Codes
The final method is using backup codes, which are like passwords for your WhatsApp account. Here are the steps:
- You would have previously generated and saved 8-digit backup codes for your WhatsApp
- On the new device, install and open WhatsApp
- Enter your phone number when prompted
- WhatsApp will detect your number is already registered
- Tap on “Use backup codes” when prompted
- Enter one of your remaining backup codes to log in
Backup codes are the most reliable way to log in without other verification methods, but they need to have been previously generated and saved from your old device while you still had access.
Escaping the QR Code Requirement
As you can see, there are multiple ways you can bypass the QR code requirement and log into your WhatsApp account by leveraging SMS, email, calls or backup codes for verification.
The specific method will depend on your particular situation – for example, whether you still have access to your old number, have added an email to your account, and so on.
But in most cases, as long as you have access to either your phone number, email, or have backup codes saved, you should be able to regain access to your WhatsApp account on a new device without needing the old device or QR code.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips in case you face issues with the above methods:
- Make sure your phone number or email you are entering is definitely the one linked to your WhatsApp account. Double check for any typos.
- If SMS verification is not working, try the call and email options. And vice versa.
- For email verification, check spam folders for the confirmation code if not received in inbox.
- Make sure there are no pending SMS or call verifications already requested recently, as you can only have one pending at a time.
- If you had previously set up two-step verification, you may need to enter an app password instead of backup codes.
- Ensure your phone has cellular reception or WiFi to receive verification codes/calls when using those methods.
Following these tips should help you identify and fix any issues that arise during the verification process.
Risks of Multi-Device Support
It is important to note that while logging in without the QR code is possible, WhatsApp was designed to work best when syncing across devices via the code. Bypassing this has some risks, such as:
- Message history and data may not properly sync to the new device
- There could be issues with endpoints getting out of sync
- Increased chances of messages going to wrong device or delivery issues
- Higher potential for bugs, crashes and data corruption
- More prone to hacks/unauthorized logins without QR code binding
So while logging in without a QR code is possible for convenience, it does come with some technical trade-offs compared to a proper multi-device setup using the camera code binding process. Use the workaround judiciously.
When You May Need To Do This
Some examples of situations where you may need to log into WhatsApp without QR code include:
- You lost your old phone and don’t have access to it for scanning
- Your old phone is broken and cannot turn on
- You factory reset your old phone and lost the WhatsApp pairing
- You uninstalled WhatsApp from your old phone
- Your old phone was stolen so you cannot use it anymore
- You are migrating numbers and getting a new SIM card
- Want to use WhatsApp on a friend’s device temporarily
Essentially any case where you no longer have your previously linked WhatsApp device but still want to use your account on a new phone or tablet.
Conclusion
While normally WhatsApp requires scanning a QR code to link devices, there are several handy methods to bypass that requirement if needed:
- SMS verification code
- Email confirmation link
- Automated WhatsApp verification call
- Entering previously saved backup codes
The best method will depend on your specific situation. As long as you have access to either your number, email, call or backup codes, you can log into WhatsApp on a new device without your old phone.
Just be aware that logging in without the QR code does carry some technical risks. But in a pinch, it can be done if you don’t have access to the old device or need to change phones. With the right troubleshooting, you’ll be back messaging in no time.
Summary Table
| Method | What You Need | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Verification | Access to registered phone number | Recent verification locks out |
| Email Verification | Access to linked email address | Email delays or goes to spam |
| Verification Call | Ability to receive calls | Poor cellular reception |
| Backup Codes | Previously saved backup codes | Codes could be lost or stolen |
This summarizes the key information about each method in a quick visual reference.