WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp are groups, which allow you to communicate with multiple people at once. If you want to add someone new to a WhatsApp group, there are a few different ways to do it. In this article, we’ll focus on how to add someone to a WhatsApp group using a QR code.
What is a WhatsApp group QR code?
A WhatsApp group QR code is a unique QR code that is generated specifically for each WhatsApp group. When someone scans the QR code with their phone’s camera, it will take them directly to the group’s invite link so they can join the group. The QR code contains encrypted information about the specific group ID and the group invite link.
Group admins can easily generate a QR code for their WhatsApp group by going into the Group Info section in the app. The QR code makes it quick and convenient to add new members to the group, as they don’t have to be manually added by the admin or look up a group invite link.
Benefits of using a WhatsApp group QR code
Here are some of the benefits of using a WhatsApp group QR code to add someone new to a group:
- It’s faster than manually adding contacts – The person scanning the code gets added instantly.
- It’s convenient for the person joining – They don’t have to give their phone number to the admin.
- The code can be shared anywhere – Posted online, printed, sent in chats.
- It eliminates typing in long invite links which may have errors.
- Helps maintain privacy – Only people with the QR code can join.
How to find the WhatsApp group QR code
If you are the admin of a WhatsApp group, here is how you can find the group’s QR code:
- Open the WhatsApp group chat
- Tap on the Group name at the top of the screen
- Tap on Group Info (or Group Details)
- Tap on the QR code icon at the top right
- The QR code will be displayed. Tap on it to enlarge it.
This QR code is unique to the specific group and will remain the same unless the invite link changes. Admins can share this QR code image to allow new members to join easily.
How to scan a WhatsApp group QR code
To join a WhatsApp group using the QR code, the person needs to scan the code using WhatsApp on their phone. Here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Tap on the 3 dots menu in the top right corner
- Select WhatsApp Web/Desktop option
- Instead of scanning a code here, tap on ‘+’ icon in the top left
- Select ‘Add by QR code’ option
- Point your phone camera at the group QR code to scan it
- WhatsApp will automatically detect the code and take you to the group invite link
- Tap on ‘Join’ to join the group
That’s it! By scanning the QR code you will be promptly added to the group without needing to share your phone number. The entire process takes less than 10 seconds.
How to create your own WhatsApp group QR code
If you are an admin of a group and want to create your own QR code for members to join, follow these easy steps:
- Go into the WhatsApp group info and tap the QR code icon
- WhatsApp will generate and display the group QR code
- Tap on the QR code to enlarge it
- Take a screenshot of the QR code to save it
- Crop the screenshot to extract just the QR code image
- The QR code image can now be shared anywhere for people to scan and join!
Some tips when creating your own code:
- Make sure the QR code image is clear and scans well
- Post or share the QR code image wherever your potential members will see it
- For print, the QR code needs about 2 inch x 2 inch minimum size
- You can also share the QR code image directly in existing WhatsApp chats
How to add QR code scanner to WhatsApp (iPhone)
The QR code scanner is built into WhatsApp by default on Android phones. However, for iPhone users, here are the steps to enable QR code scanning in WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings (gear icon)
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Camera’
- Enable ‘Scan QR Codes’ option
This will add the QR scanner option to the WhatsApp camera. You can then scan any group QR code to join.
Troubleshooting tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips in case you are unable to scan and join a WhatsApp group QR code:
- Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed
- The QR code needs to be a clean image, not blurry
- Try zooming in slightly on the QR code while scanning
- Make sure there is good lighting conditions to scan properly
- Try scanning from about 6 inches away from the code
- The code itself may have expired or changed. Ask the admin for an updated one.
- On iPhone, verify the QR scanner is enabled in WhatsApp Settings
Conclusion
Using a QR code to add someone to a WhatsApp group makes the process quick, easy and convenient for both the admin and the new member. The code eliminates the need for manual number sharing and typing out invite links. For group admins, generating the QR code only takes a few taps. The ability to instantly scan and join groups makes QR codes a great way to onboard new members and grow your WhatsApp communities.