WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It offers end-to-end encryption for messages, voice calls, and video calls between users. One of the ways to easily add a new contact on WhatsApp is by scanning their QR code. However, sometimes when you try to scan a contact’s QR code, you may see the error “No valid QR code found”. There are a few reasons why this error occurs.
Incorrectly Generated QR Code
One of the most common reasons for the “no valid QR code” error is that the QR code you are trying to scan was not generated correctly. WhatsApp uses a specific type of QR code to link contacts. If the code you are scanning does not follow the correct format expected by WhatsApp, it will fail to recognize it and give the invalid QR code error.
Some common ways a WhatsApp QR code can become invalid:
- The QR code image is blurry or distorted. WhatsApp QR codes need to be crisp and clear to scan properly.
- The QR code is a screenshot or photo instead of the original digital file. Screenshots can degrade the QR code quality.
- The code was generated for a different purpose than WhatsApp contact sharing. WhatsApp only recognizes its own QR code format.
- The code is corrupted or altered from the original version.
- The code is too old and the contact may have refreshed their WhatsApp QR.
To fix this, you need to get a new proper WhatsApp QR code directly from the contact and scan it. Ensure the new code is clear, digitally generated, and not a photo or screenshot.
Outdated WhatsApp Version
Another common reason for the invalid QR code error is if your version of WhatsApp is too old. WhatsApp regularly releases new updates and enhances the QR code feature. If your WhatsApp is an outdated version, it may not support scanning the QR code format of a contact who has a newer version of WhatsApp.
To fix this, go to your device’s app store and check for any WhatsApp updates. Installing the latest version can help resolve compatibility issues scanning newer QR codes. You can also request the contact to regenerate their QR code after you’ve updated WhatsApp on your device.
Temporary Glitch
In some cases, the “no valid QR code” error may be caused by a minor technical glitch or bug. This can happen if WhatsApp encounters an error trying to scan and process the QR code properly on your device.
It’s typically a temporary issue that resolves on its own after sometime. You can try scanning again after a few minutes. Also restarting your phone can help clear any cached data that may be causing WhatsApp difficulties scanning the code.
Device Compatibility Issues
Certain device models may have compatibility issues with scanning WhatsApp QR codes reliably. This is especially common on very old or lower-end Android devices that have outdated cameras and sensors.
If your device is quite old or budget-friendly, its hardware limitations could make consistently scanning QR codes difficult. You may encounter frequent failed scans or invalid code errors.
To fix this, consider upgrading to a newer smartphone model capable of smoothly scanning QR codes for WhatsApp and other apps. On some old phones, you can try installing a third-party QR code scanner app from the Play Store to aid with scanning codes.
Poor Internet Connection
To scan a WhatsApp contact’s QR code, you need a stable internet connection. If you are facing network issues or have a weak internet signal, it can interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to properly scan and validate the QR code.
Move to an area with better WiFi coverage or cellular data connectivity. Disconnect and reconnect your device from the WiFi or turn Airplane mode on and off to refresh the network connection. This can help resolve connectivity issues that prevent scanning QR codes.
How to Fix “No Valid QR Code” Error
Here are the key troubleshooting steps to resolve the “no valid QR code” issue on WhatsApp:
- Ask the contact to re-generate and directly share a new QR code.
- Update your WhatsApp app to the latest version.
- Clean the camera lens and scan the code in optimal lighting conditions.
- Restart your phone and check if the issue persists.
- Use a different phone to scan the code if issues appear device-specific.
- Check for any internet connection difficulties and switch networks.
- Install any pending software updates for your phone.
- As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to resolve any bugs.
How to Generate WhatsApp QR Code
If you need to create a WhatsApp QR code to share your contact with someone, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap on the More Options icon (3 vertical dots on top right)
- Select Settings and tap on QR code.
- Point the camera at the on-screen QR code to scan it.
- The QR code contains your WhatsApp contact details.
- You can share this digital QR code file with others.
- Ensure proper lighting and steady hands when scanning someone else’s code.
Conclusion
The “no valid QR code” error on WhatsApp typically indicates issues with the QR code itself or your device’s compatibility. To fix it, get a new proper QR code from the contact, update WhatsApp, check your internet connection, and scan the code under optimal conditions. With the right troubleshooting steps, you can easily resolve invalid QR code errors and add new contacts seamlessly using WhatsApp.