How do I fix WhatsApp scan code again?

WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. However, like any technology, it can sometimes encounter issues. One common problem is the “scan code again” message popping up when trying to log in, making it impossible to access your account.

What causes the “scan code again” message?

There are a few potential reasons you may see this message when trying to log into WhatsApp:

• Your phone number changed or was reassigned to a new user
• You recently switched devices and didn’t properly transfer your account
• Your account was temporarily banned by WhatsApp
• There are issues or interruptions with your Internet connection
• Your phone’s date/time settings are inaccurate
• The WhatsApp server is down or undergoing maintenance

The “scan code again” message ultimately means that WhatsApp is unable to verify your account properly and reconnect you to your conversations. But not to worry – in most cases, it can be easily fixed.

Step 1: Check your Internet connection

The first thing to check is that your phone is connected to the Internet and you have a stable connection. WhatsApp requires an active Internet connection to verify accounts and codes. Try these troubleshooting tips:

• Turn airplane mode on and off
• Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or cellular data
• Restart your phone
• Check if certain websites or apps work – the issue may be with your Internet provider if none do

Once you have a working Internet connection, try scanning the code again in WhatsApp.

Step 2: Make sure date & time settings are correct

Another simple fix is to ensure your phone’s date and time settings are correct. WhatsApp relies on accurate time to sync your account properly across devices. Here’s how to check your date/time on an iPhone vs Android:

iPhone

1. Open Settings app
2. Go to General > Date & Time
3. Toggle “Set Automatically” on – this syncs time with network
4. If off, manually set date/time accurately

Android

1. Open Settings app
2. Go to System > Date & Time
3. Toggle “Use network-provided time” on
4. If off, manually set date/time accurately

Once the correct date and time are set, try scanning the code again.

Step 3: Update the WhatsApp app

An outdated version of WhatsApp can also cause connectivity issues and problems with account verification. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed:

iPhone

1. Open the App Store
2. Tap Updates at bottom right
3. Pull down to refresh the list
4. If WhatsApp is listed, tap Update

Android

1. Open the Play Store app
2. Tap the hamburger menu icon
3. Go to My Apps & Games > Updates
4. Check if WhatsApp needs an update and update it

The most recent WhatsApp version contains bug fixes and optimizations to deliver the best messaging experience.

Step 4: Reinstall and cache clear

If updating WhatsApp doesn’t work, the next troubleshooting step is to uninstall and reinstall the app completely. This will clear out any corrupt files or cached data that could be causing connection issues.

It’s also recommended to clear the app cache before reinstalling. Here are the steps for both:

iPhone

1. Hold finger on WhatsApp icon until icons shake
2. Tap x icon to delete app
3. Go to App Store and reinstall WhatsApp
4. Hard reset phone – hold Power and Home buttons for 30 seconds

Android

1. Open Settings > Apps & Notifications
2. Select WhatsApp and tap Storage
3. Tap Clear Cache and confirm
4. Go back and select WhatsApp > Uninstall
5. Open Play Store and reinstall app
6. Power phone off completely and turn back on

Reinstalling WhatsApp gives the app a fresh start, which often resolves account verification issues like “scan code again”.

Step 5: Log out and back in

If the above steps don’t work, signing fully out of your WhatsApp account everywhere and logging back in from scratch could do the trick.

Follow these instructions to log out properly:

1. Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Log out
2. Open WhatsApp Web and log out all computers
3. Uninstall and reinstall the app on your phone
4. Scan new QR code and verify your number to log back in

This forces WhatsApp to fully verify your account from zero along with the linked phone number. Just be sure to backup chats first so you don’t lose conversation history.

Step 6: Contact WhatsApp support

If nothing above resolves the “scan code again” message, it’s time to contact WhatsApp directly for assistance. Here are two ways to get help:

• Twitter: Tweet @WhatsApp with your issue
• Email: Send email to [email protected] detailing the problem

Be sure to include your phone number and any troubleshooting steps you’ve tried when contacting support. They may be able to pinpoint the exact cause and manually fix your account.

Step 7: Try an alternate number

In rare cases, the issue may be your phone number itself is banned or invalid in WhatsApp’s system. If support cannot resolve it, you can try these last resort steps:

• Insert your SIM card into a different phone and try to verify
• Attempt verification using a secondary number or app like Google Voice
• Speak to your carrier/provider about getting a new phone number

Getting a fresh number essentially gives you a clean slate with WhatsApp. But be sure to rule out all other troubleshooting first, as a number change is permanent.

Conclusion

The “scan code again” message in WhatsApp can be frustrating, but is fixable in most cases. Following these 7 troubleshooting tips should get your account connecting properly again:

1. Check Internet connection
2. Set accurate date and time
3. Update WhatsApp
4. Reinstall and clear cache
5. Log out and back in
6. Contact WhatsApp support
7. Try an alternate number

With a combination of app tweaks, network settings, and account resets, you should be able to overcome the “scan code again” issue. Patience and persistence are key. And be sure to backup conversations so you don’t lose WhatsApp data while troubleshooting. With the right fixes, you’ll have your account verifying and working properly once more.