WhatsApp QR Code Not Working, Why QR Code is Not Working?

WhatsApp QR Code Not Working

If you are using the latest smartphones and still face the QR code scanning issue, it's time to troubleshoot the codes. Recent iOS updates enable iPhones to scan some bad quality QR codes, and certain Android smartphones running on Android 9 and above, like Pixel and Samsung S10+, can also handle such codes to some extent.

However, if your target audience includes users with old smartphones, scanning low-quality QR codes might not always be possible. To ensure better scannability and usage, it is advisable to fix poor-quality QR codes.

Why WhatsApp QR Code is Not Working?

There are many causes for the WhatsApp QR Code Not Working issue. Here are the reasons for the WhatsApp QR Code Not Working issue.

1. Quality of the QR Code: High-quality images are crucial for proper QR Code scanning. Pixelated or blurry codes might still work on some devices, but it's best to optimize the quality by using high-resolution formats like SVG or PNG.
2. Inverting colors is not recommended: Stick to the classic QR Code with a light color background and a dark color foreground. Avoid using a dark background and a light foreground as it may not scan correctly on all devices.
3. Size of the QR Code: The QR Code's size matters for readability and functionality. The minimum size should be 2 x 2 inches or proportional to the surface it's placed on, like business cards or billboards.
4. Be mindful of the contrast: Keep the foreground 40% darker than the background, even when using contrasting colors. Avoid using too many colors as it can affect the QR Code's scannability.
5. Placement of the QR Code: Proper placement is crucial for the QR Code's success. It should be at eye level, large enough to be noticed, and not behind reflective surfaces.
6. Avoid overcrowding the QR Code: Too much content can slow down scanning speed and cause issues. Keep the QR Code neat and crisp for faster and more reliable scanning.
7. Expired QR Code: Using a poor-quality free QR code generator can result in codes that expire over time. The issue is compounded when users continue to scan the expired code, leading them to incorrect or outdated information. Some generators also have a scan limit, making the QR code unscannable after reaching the limit. To avoid this, it is advised to periodically test QR codes and use a reliable generator like Beaconstac.
8. Broken Link: A QR code may lead to a broken link, indicating that the URL it points to no longer exists or has been mistyped. This not only creates a technical problem but also frustrates users. Common error messages like "404 not found," "500 internal server error," or "503 services unavailable" disrupt the user experience. To prevent this, it is essential to regularly test QR codes and ensure they direct users to functional and accurate websites. Dynamic QR codes can be helpful for updating URLs when needed.
9. Over-customization of the QR Code: Customizing QR codes is beneficial for branding and campaign purposes, but excessive customization can lead to issues. Over-customization may make the QR code unrecognizable, such as using a busy background image, drastically changing the data pattern, or using similar colors that hinder readability. It is recommended not to add unnecessary elements that might hinder the QR code's functionality.

How to Fix WhatsApp QR Code Not Working?

There are many fix methods to solve the WhatsApp QR Code Not Working issue. Here are those fix methods to resolve the issue. 

1. Consider Phone Display Size Limitations

To save time for users with smaller-screen phones, we address this issue next.

• Certain users with phone displays of 4 inches or less may encounter difficulties scanning the WhatsApp Web QR code. A user on Android.stackexchange.com reported this as a possible cause.
• On such smaller screens, tapping the "OK, got it" button may not be feasible, and this problem has been confirmed in some Sony Xperia phones with small displays.
• If you have a phone with a small screen and cannot tap the "OK, got it" button, this may be the root of the issue. In such cases, changing to a phone with a larger screen may be necessary to successfully use WhatsApp on your computer.

2. Utilize WhatsApp's Built-In QR Scanner

This solution is given top priority due to our research indicating that some users attempt to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code using third-party QR code scanner apps on their smartphones.

• Using such apps will not work with the WhatsApp Web QR code!
• If you've been attempting to scan the WhatsApp QR code with a different app instead of WhatsApp's built-in QR code scanner, follow the steps in our guide - 'How to Connect WhatsApp Web' (link opens in a new browser tab).

Please note that the other methods should be tried only if the built-in scanner has been used.

3. Verify Phone Connectivity to the Internet

If the WhatsApp Web QR code is not functioning (when the QR code is visible on your computer but cannot be scanned on your phone), it is possible that your phone is not connected to the internet.

• A quick way to check your phone's internet connection is by opening a browser and visiting a website. If your phone is connected to the internet, but you still can't scan the QR code, try restarting your phone and attempting the scanning process again.
• If your phone is connected to the internet, yet the WhatsApp web QR code scanning is still not working, proceed to the next suggested solution.

4. Clear WhatsApp Cache on Android

If logging out of all devices did not resolve the QR code scanning issue, the next recommended step is to clear the WhatsApp cache on your Android device. Please note that this option is only available for Android users.

To clear the WhatsApp cache on an Android phone, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Locate and tap on "Apps" in the Settings menu.
• Find and tap on "WhatsApp" from the list of apps.
• Go to "Storage" in the WhatsApp settings.
• Tap on "Clear cache" on the bottom right of the Storage screen.
• After clearing the cache, restart your phone and try scanning the WhatsApp Web QR code again.

5. Log Out from All Devices on WhatsApp

Another potential fix for the WhatsApp Web QR code not working is to log out of WhatsApp on all devices. Here are the steps to do so:

• Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
• For Android users, tap the three dots on the top right. For iPhone users, tap Settings at the bottom right.
• Tap on WhatsApp Web for Android or WhatsApp Web/Desktop for iPhone.
• Finally, select "Log out from all devices." Once completed, try scanning the WhatsApp QR code again.

6. Reset Your Phone's Network Settings

Resetting the network settings on your phone can be another solution to fix the WhatsApp Web QR code if it is not working.

• The process may vary depending on whether you have an Android or iPhone device. For Android, you can follow the steps in 'How to reset your network settings on an Android to fix connection issues and speed up your internet' (link opens in a new browser tab).
• iPhone users can follow the steps in 'If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't connect to a Wi-Fi network (step 7)'.

7. Try Scanning with 3G Instead of Wi-Fi

Some users have reported success in fixing the QR code scanning problem by temporarily turning off Wi-Fi and scanning the WhatsApp Web QR code with 3G data. Here are the steps to try this method:

• Disable Wi-Fi on your phone.
• Scan the WhatsApp Web QR code using 3G data.
• Once you have connected WhatsApp to your computer, you can re-enable Wi-Fi on your phone.

Please note that this method requires 3G data connectivity, as your phone won't have internet access without Wi-Fi.

If the WhatsApp Web QR code still isn't working, proceed to the next suggested solution.

8. Clean Your Phone's Camera Lens

• The camera on your phone is used to scan QR codes, including the WhatsApp QR code. If the camera lens is dirty or obstructed, it may not be able to scan the QR code correctly.
• To clean the camera lens, you can use a dry earbud or a clean fiber cloth, similar to those used to clean sunglasses. If the lens is excessively dirty, refer to the guide 'How to Clean Phone Camera Lens' (link opens in a new browser tab) for additional tips.

9. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome

Some users have reported that disabling "Hardware Acceleration" in Google Chrome helped them resolve the WhatsApp Web QR code scanning problem. To disable Hardware Acceleration in Chrome:

• Click the Chrome menu (three vertical dots on the top right of the browser).
• From the displayed options, click "Settings."
• Scroll down and click "Advanced."
• Under the "Systems" section, uncheck the checkbox beside "Use hardware acceleration when available."
• Close and reopen Chrome, then try rescanning the WhatsApp Web QR code. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

If you believe that re-enabling "Hardware Acceleration" may be necessary, don't forget to do so.

10. Clear Computer Browser Cookies

• If the WhatsApp Web QR code is still not working, clearing the browser cookies on your computer might help.
• For Google Chrome users, follow the steps in 'Clear cache & cookies.' If you use Firefox, follow the steps in 'Clear cookies and site data in Firefox.'

11. Update Your Browser

• Ensure that your browser is up-to-date, as outdated versions may lead to compatibility issues with WhatsApp Web QR code scanning.
• Refer to the relevant guides to update Google Chrome or Firefox.

12. Disable Browser Extensions

• In some cases, certain browser extensions might interfere with WhatsApp Web QR code scanning.
• For instance, extensions like Dark Reader, which enable a night mode for the browser, have been reported to cause problems with QR code scanning.

To troubleshoot this, disable all extensions in your browser and attempt to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code again. Instructions for accessing extensions in Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are provided.

13. Switch to a Different Browser

If none of the previous fixes have resolved the WhatsApp Web QR code issue, consider trying a different browser on your computer.

• For example, if you initially used Google Chrome, attempt to open Web.WhatsApp.com on Firefox or Microsoft Edge, and then try scanning the QR code again.
• Should the problem persist, restart your computer and attempt the scanning process again.

What is WhatsApp QR Code? 

WhatsApp QR Codes serve various useful purposes, such as facilitating the process of saving a contact, initiating a conversation, and adding individuals to a group through simple QR Code scans.

With the utilization of WhatsApp QR Codes, anyone can effortlessly add your contact to their list by merely scanning the QR Code. This streamlines the contact-saving process, eliminating the need to manually enter a person's name and phone number.

Moreover, the convenience of WhatsApp QR Codes extends to marketers and individuals alike, as they enable swift initiation of conversations without having to take the time-consuming traditional route.

In summary, WhatsApp QR Codes have become a practical and time-saving tool for adding contacts and starting conversations on the platform, benefiting both regular users and professionals seeking efficient communication methods.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp, also known as WhatsApp Messenger, is a free messaging and voice-over-IP service owned by Meta Platforms, a US tech conglomerate. It is a cross-platform service that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share various types of content like images, documents, and user locations. The service operates on mobile devices and can also be accessed from computers.

To sign up, users need a cellular mobile telephone number. WhatsApp was initially created by WhatsApp Inc. and was later acquired by Facebook in 2014 for approximately $19.3 billion. It quickly became the world's most popular messaging application, boasting over 2 billion users worldwide as of February 2020.

By 2016, it had become the primary means of Internet communication in various regions, including Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, and large parts of Europe and Africa. Additionally, in January 2018, WhatsApp released a separate business app called WhatsApp Business, designed to communicate with the standard WhatsApp client.

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