WhatsApp QR codes provide a quick and easy way to add new contacts to your WhatsApp without having to manually enter their phone number. QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years across various applications and WhatsApp joined the QR code bandwagon as well. Here is a quick look at how WhatsApp QR codes work and how you can use them.
What is a WhatsApp QR Code?
A WhatsApp QR code is a quick response (QR) code that contains information to directly add a user to your WhatsApp contacts. It encodes the user’s phone number in a machine-readable format. When you scan a WhatsApp QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone, it will automatically read the phone number encoded in the QR code and add the contact details to your address book.
Information Encoded in a WhatsApp QR Code
A WhatsApp QR code contains the following information encoded in it:
- Phone number of the user
- Optional display name for the user
When you scan a QR code, the WhatsApp app reads this information and directly creates a new contact on your phone using the encoded details. This saves you from having to manually enter the phone number and other details to add a new contact.
How to Generate a WhatsApp QR Code
You can easily generate a WhatsApp QR code for your own account to allow others to add you to their contacts. Here are the steps to generate your WhatsApp QR code:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Go to Settings > QR code
- Tap on “Show my QR code”
This will display your unique WhatsApp QR code on the screen. You can then share this QR code with others to allow them to add you on WhatsApp.
Customize Your WhatsApp QR Code
When you generate your WhatsApp QR code, you have the option to customize the default display name that will be added along with your number. To change the default name, simply tap on the three dots menu icon while viewing your QR code and select “My QR code name”. Enter your desired display name here.
How to Scan a WhatsApp QR Code
Scanning a WhatsApp QR code to add a new contact is very simple.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Tap on the Three Dots menu icon at the top right
- Select “Add new contact”
- Tap on “Scan QR code”
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code to scan it
Once the QR code is recognized, the contact details will automatically be added to your WhatsApp. The contact name will be populated using the name encoded in the QR code. If no name was set, it will use the phone number as the contact name.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Ensure proper lighting and focus when scanning the code
- Don’t move the camera too much while scanning
- Try zooming in/out on the QR code if it doesn’t scan
- If it still doesn’t work, enter the number manually
Benefits of WhatsApp QR Codes
Here are some of the key benefits of using WhatsApp QR codes:
- Adds contacts quickly and easily – No need to type out phone numbers
- Avoids saving wrong number to contacts
- Easy to generate and share your QR code
- Customizable display names
- No app installation needed to scan QR code
WhatsApp Web/Desktop QR Code
Apart from the contact sharing QR codes, WhatsApp also uses QR codes for their WhatsApp Web and desktop apps. Scanning the QR code from WhatsApp Web/Desktop using your phone allows you to link and mirror your phone’s WhatsApp account on the computer.
The WhatsApp Web/Desktop QR code contains encrypted data to identify your account. It does not transfer any messages or data. Your phone must remain connected to the internet to keep syncing messages between your phone and computer via WhatsApp Web.
Steps to Use WhatsApp Web
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer browser
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap Menu > Linked Devices
- Tap “Link a Device” on your phone
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on the computer screen
- Your phone and computer will now be linked. Send and receive messages on WhatsApp Web.
Using QR Codes for WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business accounts can create a unique QR code to allow customers to easily message the business. This saves customers from having to manually save the business’ number in their phone contacts.
Businesses can print their WhatsApp QR code on brochures, websites, storefronts, product packaging or anywhere else a customer might see it and scan it. This provides businesses an easy way to be reachable to their customers on WhatsApp.
How to Generate WhatsApp Business QR Code
If you have a WhatsApp Business account, follow these steps to generate your unique WhatsApp QR code:
- Open WhatsApp Business and go to Settings
- Tap on “Create a QR code”
- Customize your business name and call-to-action message
- Tap “Create QR code”
- Print or share the generated QR code with customers
Safety Tips When Scanning WhatsApp QR Codes
While WhatsApp QR codes provide an easy way to add contacts, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Only scan QR codes shared by people/businesses you trust
- Verify the name encoded in the QR matches the sharer
- Watch out for scammers misusing QR codes
- Check recently added contacts after scanning
- Delete suspicious or unknown contacts
As long as reasonable safety precautions are taken, WhatsApp QR codes are generally safe to use for their intended purpose of easily adding contacts.
Conclusion
WhatsApp QR codes provide a fast and convenient way to add new contacts by encoding the user’s phone number and name into a machine-readable code. Both individual users and businesses can leverage WhatsApp QR codes to allow others to quickly add them on WhatsApp and start messaging. Some best practices around safely scanning and using QR codes can ensure you avoid any abuse. Overall, WhatsApp QR codes are a simple innovation that improves the user experience and makes connecting on WhatsApp as easy as possible.