Quick Answer
There are a few different ways to scan your WhatsApp QR code to another person to add them as a contact:
- Open WhatsApp > Tap More options > Linked devices > QR code. Show this code to the other person and have them scan it with their WhatsApp camera.
- On iPhone, open WhatsApp > Tap Contacts > Tap the QR code icon at the top. Show this code to the other person to scan.
- On Android, open WhatsApp > Tap More options > Linked devices > QR code. Show this to the other person to scan.
The other person needs to open WhatsApp, tap Add Contact, then scan your QR code using their phone’s camera. This will add them to your contacts.
What is a WhatsApp QR code?
A WhatsApp QR code is a digital quick response (QR) code that contains your WhatsApp number and profile information encoded in a square barcode. By scanning your WhatsApp QR code, another user can quickly add you as a contact in their WhatsApp app and start chatting with you.
QR codes are a type of matrix barcode that can be read by QR scanner apps and smartphone cameras. When you scan a QR code with WhatsApp, it will automatically parse the code and add the contact details stored in it to your contacts list.
WhatsApp generates a unique QR code for every user account. Your personal WhatsApp QR code can be found in WhatsApp settings under Linked Devices > QR code. You can share your own code with others to let them seamlessly add you on WhatsApp, or scan someone else’s code to add their number to your address book.
Why should I scan a WhatsApp QR code?
Here are some of the key benefits of using WhatsApp QR codes:
- Convenience – QR codes let you instantly add a new WhatsApp contact without having to type in their phone number manually. All of their details are encoded in the QR code.
- Easy sharing – QR codes eliminate the need to exchange phone numbers in order to connect on WhatsApp. You can display your QR code on a tablet, print it out, send it in an email, etc. for someone else to scan easily.
- Privacy – Your phone number is concealed within the QR code. You don’t have to give out your actual digits to the other person.
- Speed – It only takes a few seconds to scan a QR code and save a new contact in your phone address book.
- No typing needed – QR code scanning is less prone to manual input errors since all the details are captured automatically.
Overall, WhatsApp QR codes provide a seamless way to exchange contact information needed to connect on WhatsApp. It’s faster, more private, and more convenient than manually adding new contacts.
How to scan a WhatsApp QR code on iPhone
Scanning a WhatsApp QR code on an iPhone is very easy and only takes a few steps:
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the Chats tab at the bottom to open your contacts list.
3. Tap on the QR code icon at the top right. It looks like a square box with the corners cut off.
4. Point your iPhone camera at the other person’s WhatsApp QR code to scan it. Get the code centered in the viewfinder.
5. WhatsApp will automatically scan and read the QR code. The contact’s details will be saved in your contacts list within WhatsApp.
6. You can now start chatting with this new contact normally within WhatsApp.
If you are struggling to get the QR code to scan, try holding your phone a little closer or farther away until it’s detected. Good lighting and a steady hand also helps with clear QR code scanning. If the code is printed out, ensure it is flat with no glares or shadows.
How to scan a WhatsApp QR code on Android
On Android phones, you can scan a WhatsApp QR code to add a new contact following these steps:
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your Android phone.
2. Tap the More options icon (3 vertical dots at top right).
3. Select Linked devices.
4. Select QR code. This opens up your personal QR code.
5. To scan someone else’s code, tap Scan code at the top.
6. Line up the QR code in the viewfinder and hold your phone steady to scan it.
7. Once scanned successfully, the contact will be added to your WhatsApp contacts.
8. You can now message them within WhatsApp as you normally would.
Make sure you have good lighting and a steady hand when scanning the code. Move the camera around until WhatsApp recognizes the QR code. If it is blurry or too far away, it may not scan properly. The app will notify you once the contact is added after a successful scan.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp QR code scanning
If you are having issues getting a WhatsApp QR code to scan properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Ensure your camera lens is clean. Smudges can interfere with the scanning.
- Hold the camera closer or farther away until the code comes into focus.
- Try scanning in better lighting conditions. Avoid too much glare or shadows.
- Steady your hands to avoid blurry images.
- Increase the brightness on your phone screen to maximize contrast.
- If the code is printed out, make sure it is completely flat with no wrinkles.
- Try capturing the QR code from multiple angles until it registers.
- Increase the size of the QR code if it is too small for the camera to read.
- Make sure you are not covering part of the code with your fingers while scanning.
- Try restarting your phone camera or WhatsApp if issues persist.
With good lighting and a clear image, your phone’s camera should be able to easily recognize and scan a WhatsApp QR code. If problems continue even after troubleshooting, the code itself may be corrupted or invalid. Ask the contact to refresh their QR code and try again.
Tips for smoothly scanning WhatsApp QR codes
Follow these tips for the smoothest experience scanning WhatsApp QR codes to add new contacts:
- Use a phone with a high-quality rear camera for sharpest image capture. Newer phones work best.
- Enable auto-focus on your phone’s camera for quick focusing on QR codes.
- Tap the camera screen to manually focus when scanning if needed.
- Allow WhatsApp access to your phone’s camera so scanning can occur directly in-app.
- Scan codes under bright, even lighting for ideal contrast and clarity.
- Hold your device steady for a clear shot and to avoid blurry images.
- Make sure the entire QR code fits inside the viewfinder before capturing.
- Try holding your phone in landscape orientation for larger scanning area.
- Keep your fingers away from the camera when snapping the code to avoid obstruction.
- Double check that you’ve scanned the right contact’s code before messaging them.
With modern smartphone cameras, scanning WhatsApp’s QR codes is typically a seamless, hassle-free experience as long as you follow basic best practices. Taking a steady, properly framed shot in good lighting is key. Maintaining your camera lens and using the right focus settings helps capture codes cleanly in a single try.
How to create your own WhatsApp QR code
You can easily generate your personal WhatsApp QR code to share with others as follows:
On iPhone:
1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top left.
3. Tap QR code at the bottom of your profile screen.
On Android:
1. Open WhatsApp and tap More options > Linked devices.
2. Tap QR code at the top.
This will display your unique QR code on screen. To share this code with someone, you can:
– Display your phone screen and have them scan it directly.
– Take a screenshot and send the image via email, text, social media, etc.
– Print out the QR code on paper.
– Post the code image publicly.
When someone scans your WhatsApp QR code with their camera, your contact details will automatically be added to their phone’s address book. They can immediately start chatting with you without needing your phone number.
To update your personal code, go back to the QR code screen in WhatsApp at any time and tap regenerate code. This will invalidate your old code and create a new one. Re-share the updated code.
Conclusion
Scanning WhatsApp QR codes provides a simple, convenient way to instantly add new contacts on WhatsApp without exchanging phone numbers. Each user has a unique QR code that serves as their digital business card for sharing contact info. By scanning codes, you can quickly build up your WhatsApp contact list and start chatting with new people in seconds. Following proper QR code scanning techniques will ensure you are able to successfully read codes on the first try. With over 1 billion users, WhatsApp’s QR code integration helps you seamlessly connect with people all over the world.