WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the handy features of WhatsApp is the ability to link new devices to your account using a QR code. This allows you to access your WhatsApp account from multiple devices without having to repeatedly verify your phone number.
What are the benefits of linking a device to WhatsApp with a QR code?
There are several advantages to using the QR code method to link a new device to your WhatsApp account:
- Convenience – You don’t need to enter your phone number each time. Just scan the code.
- Speed – It’s much faster than waiting for the SMS verification code.
- Multi-device access – You can access your account from up to 4 linked devices.
- Syncing – Messages and calls sync across linked devices so your chats are up to date.
- Security – QR code linking is secure and encrypted end-to-end.
Overall, using the QR code to link devices makes accessing WhatsApp on multiple devices, like your phone, tablet and computer, a seamless experience.
What devices can I link to my WhatsApp account?
You can link up to 4 devices in total to one WhatsApp account. The supported devices include:
- Smartphones (iPhone and Android)
- Tablets (iPad and Android tablets)
- Computers (Mac and Windows)
However, you can only link a device one time. If you need to link a device again, you’ll have to unlink the existing device first before scanning a new code.
How to link a device to WhatsApp using QR code
Linking a new device to your WhatsApp account via QR code only takes a few quick steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your current primary device.
- Tap on the More Options or Settings icon.
- Select Linked Devices.
- Tap on ‘Link a Device’.
- Point your new device’s camera at the QR code displayed.
- The device will now link to your account automatically.
That’s it! The new device should now be linked and will start syncing your chats from your primary device.
Step-by-step guide
Here is a more detailed walkthrough for linking a new phone, tablet or computer to your WhatsApp account:
On your old primary device:
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Tap on the 3 dot menu icon in the top right corner.
- Go to Linked Devices in the menu.
- Tap on ‘Link a Device’.
- A QR code and 6 digit code will appear on screen. Keep this screen open.
On your new device:
- Download and install WhatsApp if you don’t have it already.
- Open WhatsApp and agree to the Terms of Service.
- You will be prompted to verify your phone number. Click on ‘Link a Device’ instead.
- Point your device’s camera at the QR code on your old device.
- Your new device will now link automatically. Tap Ok when prompted.
- Your chats and data from the old device will begin transferring to the new device.
- Once complete, your new device is now linked!
The whole process should only take a few minutes if done correctly. You can repeat these steps to link up to 4 devices total.
Troubleshooting tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips in case you run into issues linking devices with the QR code method:
- Make sure both devices are connected to the internet.
- Check that your old device has the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
- Try closing and reopening WhatsApp if the option to link device doesn’t appear.
- The QR code is only valid for a short time. Generate a fresh one if it expires.
- If the code isn’t scanning, try adjusting your camera’s focus or scanning in better lighting.
- On your new device, make sure to open the ‘Link a Device’ option, not just verify by number.
- If issues persist, unlink the new device and try re-linking again from scratch.
Following these tips should help resolve any common issues faced when linking devices via QR code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp notify you when someone links a new device?
No, WhatsApp does not currently send any notification when a new device is linked to your account. However, you can view which devices are linked under Linked Devices in WhatsApp’s settings.
Can I link WhatsApp Web without a QR code?
You cannot link the WhatsApp Web platform to your account without scanning the QR code. The QR code scan provides the encrypted link needed to sync your chats.
Is there a limit to how many times I can re-link a device?
There is no limit to how many times you can unlink and re-link the same device. However, you can only have up to 4 linked devices at the same time.
Can I stop a linked device from accessing my WhatsApp?
Yes, you can unlink a linked device at any time from WhatsApp’s Linked Devices menu. This will immediately revoke access and stop syncing to that device.
Will my chats and messages be deleted if I unlink a device?
No, unlinking a device will not delete or remove any of your WhatsApp chat history and messages. Your chat history remains intact on your primary device.
Can I link WhatsApp on an iPad or Android tablet?
Yes, you can link WhatsApp to an iPad or Android tablet the same way as linking to a smartphone – by scanning the QR code from your primary device.
Conclusion
Linking devices to your WhatsApp account via QR code is a convenient way to access your chats from multiple devices. It allows quick and secure setup without having to repeatedly verify your number. Just remember to open the ‘Link a Device’ option on your secondary device and scan the fresh QR code from your primary device. Follow the troubleshooting tips if you face any issues. With device linking, you can stay connected to your WhatsApp contacts seamlessly across smartphones, tablets and computer.