WhatsApp allows users to link their account to multiple devices through a process called multi-device. This allows you to use WhatsApp on your phone and also on linked devices like a computer at the same time.
To link devices to your WhatsApp account, WhatsApp generates a special 6 digit code that must be scanned to establish the link. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how linking codes work in WhatsApp and walk through the steps to link devices.
How Do WhatsApp Link Codes Work?
WhatsApp linking codes are 6 digit numbers randomly generated by WhatsApp when you want to link a new device.
To understand how they work exactly, let’s quickly go through the steps to link a new device:
- On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Linked Devices in Settings.
- Tap on “Link a Device”.
- WhatsApp will generate a 6 digit code and display it on your phone screen.
- Open WhatsApp on the device you want to link and scan the code using the camera.
As you can see, the 6 digit code is the key that allows the new device to link up to your WhatsApp account.
The code is randomly generated locally on your phone when you initiate the linking process and is not based on your phone number. The code is tied to your specific WhatsApp account and will only work to link devices to that account.
The code typically remains valid for a short time, around 3 minutes. This prevents misuse of expired codes. As soon as the code is scanned successfully by your new device, the code expires and cannot be reused.
If you need to link another device later, you will have to initiate the process again and get a new 6 digit code generated.
Why Are Codes Used for Linking Devices?
WhatsApp uses this code method for linking devices for a few key reasons:
- Security – The random code proves that you, the account owner, have initiated the link to authorize the new device.
- Ease of use – Scanning a code is faster than manually entering a long code.
- No third party – Links are created directly between devices without needing WhatsApp’s servers.
By requiring the physical code scan, WhatsApp ensures that only you can authorize linking new devices to your account by having physical access to your primary phone. This prevents remote hijacking of accounts.
The 6 digit length makes the codes short enough to easily scan while still having a large enough combination space for randomness. And linking happens entirely peer-to-peer between your devices without needing WhatsApp’s servers in the process.
How Many Devices Can I Link?
Currently, you can link up to 4 devices in addition to your primary phone to the same WhatsApp account.
The devices that can be linked include:
- 1 Tablet
- 1 Computer – WhatsApp Web/Desktop
- 2 Additional phones
So in total you can use WhatsApp on up to 5 devices at the same time with the same account.
Do note that everytime you log out of WhatsApp on any linked device, it consumes 1 link spot. So to reuse that device again, you will have to scan a new code again even if it was previously linked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Link a New Device
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough to link a new device to your WhatsApp account using the 6 digit code:
On Your Primary Phone:
1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the 3 Dots menu in the top right.
2. Go to Linked Devices.
3. Tap on “Link a Device”.
4. A 6 digit code will be displayed on your screen. Keep this screen open and visible.
On the New Device:
5. Install WhatsApp and open the app.
6. On the welcome screen, tap on “Link a Device”.
7. Point the device camera at the code displayed on your phone screen.
8. The device will scan the code and automatically link to your account.
Once successfully linked, any messages you see on one device will also be synced to the other in real time. You can seamlessly switch between devices without missing chats.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some tips if you face any issues with linking devices using the 6 digit WhatsApp code:
- Ensure the code is clearly visible and not blurred when scanning.
- Try scanning from a closer distance in good lighting.
- Codes expire after 3 mins. Generate a fresh code and try again if expired.
- Check for app updates on either device in case of issues.
- Restart both devices and try the process again from the start.
- Ensure your phone has a stable internet connection during linking.
- If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp before retrying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about WhatsApp’s linking codes:
Why is my WhatsApp code not working?
If your WhatsApp linking code is not working, it could be because it has expired (codes last 3 minutes), the camera is having trouble reading it clearly, or there is a poor internet connection. Try troubleshooting steps like generating a fresh code, double checking visibility, moving closer, and restarting devices.
Can I reuse a WhatsApp code?
No, you cannot reuse a WhatsApp linking code. Each code expires immediately after use to link a device. To link additional devices later, you will have to go through the process again to generate new codes.
Can someone else link my WhatsApp with the code?
No, only you can link new devices from your phone’s screen. Someone else cannot use your old codes. As long as you don’t share screenshot of active codes, your account remains secure.
Why do I need to scan codes, can’t I just login?
WhatsApp uses special codes instead of standard logins to securely link devices without needing WhatsApp servers to store login details or sessions. The codes allow WhatsApp to verify devices peer-to-peer for linking.
How long until my WhatsApp code expires?
The linking code expires after approximately 3 minutes. So you need to scan the code within 3 minutes, before it is invalidated. If expired, simply generate a fresh code again and scan it quickly.
Can I link WhatsApp on more than one phone?
Yes, you can link up to 2 additional phones and 1 tablet along with your primary phone and WhatsApp Web. So in total WhatsApp can be used on 5 devices at once with the same account.
Conclusion
Linking new devices to your WhatsApp account requires physically scanning a 6 digit QR code generated on your primary device. This code is randomly generated, expires quickly, and serves as the authentication mechanism to securely link new devices.
Overall, WhatsApp’s linking codes strike a good balance between usability and security. They prevent unauthorized account hijacking while still being easy enough for regular users to implement on their own. Just be sure to scan the code fast before it expires when going through the setup process.