WhatsApp Web Not Scanning QR Code, How to Fix Whatsapp Web Not Scanning QR Code?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated May 23, 2023
WhatsApp, also known as WhatsApp Messenger, is a widely-used instant messaging and voice-over-IP service available globally. It is a free-to-use application owned by the US tech company Meta. WhatsApp enables users to exchange text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share various types of content such as images, documents, and user locations. The service is cross-platform, running on mobile devices, and accessible from computers.
To sign up for WhatsApp, users need a cellular mobile telephone number. In addition to the standard WhatsApp client, there is a separate app called WhatsApp Business designed specifically for business communication. WhatsApp Inc., based in Mountain View, California, originally developed the service and was acquired by Facebook in February 2014 for approximately US$19.3 billion.
Since its launch, WhatsApp has gained immense popularity, becoming the world's most widely used messaging application by 2015. By February 2020, it had amassed over 2 billion users worldwide. In various regions, including Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, and significant parts of Europe and Africa, WhatsApp has become the primary mode of Internet communication.
In late January 2015, WhatsApp introduced a web client called WhatsApp Web, allowing users to access their WhatsApp conversations and messages on their PCs. The announcement was made by WhatsApp co-founder Koum on his Facebook page. Initially, the web client was only available for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone users, but support was later expanded to include iOS, Nokia Series 40, and Nokia S60 (Symbian) users.
Previously, the user's mobile device needed to be connected to the internet for the web application to work. However, with an update in October 2021, this requirement was removed. WhatsApp Web supports all major desktop browsers except for Internet Explorer. The user interface of WhatsApp Web is based on the default Android design and can be accessed at web.whatsapp.com. To gain access, users need to scan a personal QR code using their mobile WhatsApp application.
WhatsApp Web Not Scanning QR Code
WhatsApp Web not scanning the QR code, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the problem. Here are some common solutions to the issue:
How to Fix WhatsApp Web Not Scanning QR Code?
If you encounter the "WhatsApp Web not scanning the QR code" error while trying to sign into WhatsApp Web, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue if it originates from your end. However, if the problem is on WhatsApp's side, you will need to wait for Meta (the parent company of WhatsApp) to address and fix the issue. Nonetheless, you can expedite the resolution process by consistently reporting the error to WhatsApp. By doing so, you contribute to a faster resolution of the problem.
Check If WhatsApp Web Is Down
WhatsApp Web users are currently facing backend issues that are causing disruptions in service. These problems are related to server issues, and if you have also encountered these issues along with other users, there is little you can do to resolve them except wait for Meta to address and fix the problem.
During such outages, it is common to see numerous posts from WhatsApp users expressing their frustrations about the ongoing issues. The positive aspect is that these instances are usually resolved promptly. In the meantime, you can wait for the problem to be resolved, and if you wish, you can report the issue or share your concerns on social media platforms by tagging WhatsApp to bring attention to the matter.
Clean The Camera Lens And The PC Screen
If your desktop screen is dirty or has spots on it, it can hinder your smartphone's camera from scanning and reading the QR code effectively. The QR code consists of a pattern of black and white squares that encode information and any obstructions like spots or lines can disrupt this pattern, resulting in scanning difficulties.
To address this issue, you can clean the screen using a clean cotton cloth and then attempt to scan the QR code again. However, if the screen is broken, simply cleaning it will not solve the problem. In such cases, the screen would need to be replaced, and this task cannot be accomplished independently.
Check & Switch The Internet Connection
Another possible cause of this issue could be your network connection. For a seamless linking of your WhatsApp account and smooth usage of the web application, both your smartphone and PC should be connected to a fast and stable network.
WhatsApp Web typically requires a minimum internet speed of 5-6 Mbps to function properly. To check your internet speed, you can go to the Google search bar, type in "Run speed test," and click on "Run Speed Test." Wait for the results to determine your speed. If the speed is slow, you may need to switch to a different internet connection that offers faster speeds.
Clear Browser Cache And Cookies
If you encounter issues with WhatsApp Web, it could be due to a corrupted cache on either of your devices. To resolve this, you should clear the cache and perform a fresh login. Start by accessing the browser settings and clearing the cache and cookies, following the specific procedure for your web browser.
Next, navigate to the Settings app on your smartphone. Look for the App Settings section and search for WhatsApp. Tap on it to open the settings for WhatsApp. Locate the "Clear cache" button and tap on it, then confirm your selection. Afterward, restart your device and attempt to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code again.
Try A Different Web Browser
In some cases, the issue of the WhatsApp Web QR code not working can be attributed to problems with the web browser you are using, particularly Google Chrome, which is known to encounter this issue frequently.
To resolve this, you can try using an alternative web browser. Switching to browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, Brave, or any other browser instead of your current one may help solve the problem. If you can successfully log in to WhatsApp Web using a different browser, it indicates that the issue lies with your original browser.
As a temporary solution, you can use the web application in the alternative browser until the problems with your preferred browser are resolved. Alternatively, if available, you can try accessing WhatsApp Web from a different device as a temporary workaround.
Log Out of WhatsApp Web From Other Devices
If you have been using the WhatsApp web application on multiple devices, it is possible that you have reached the maximum limit of supported devices. Currently, WhatsApp only allows up to four active sessions at a time. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
Cause of WhatsApp Web Not Scanning QR Code
WhatsApp Web may not be able to scan QR codes for several different reasons, including hardware issues with your device's camera, server issues with WhatsApp, internet connectivity problems, issues with your browser or application, and interference from browser extensions or third-party software. Additionally, problems with the QR code itself or low lighting conditions can also make it difficult or impossible to scan a code. To fix the issue, you can try several different troubleshooting steps, including cleaning your device's camera lens, ensuring that your device is connected to the internet, clearing your browser's cache and cookies, updating your browser or reinstalling it, scanning the QR code with a different device, and checking with WhatsApp's support team for further assistance.
Why My WhatsApp is Not Scanning QR Code?
To troubleshoot issues with scanning QR codes on your phone's camera, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure that the camera lens is clean and clear of any obstructions that could affect the scanning process. Secondly, check that your phone is connected to the internet, either through a Wi-Fi network or a mobile data network. If the QR code appears damaged or unreadable, attempt scanning it again from various angles or distances to improve readability.
Another potential issue could be an outdated version of the WhatsApp app. Verify that you have the latest version installed on your phone to ensure optimal performance. If problems persist, you can try restarting your phone or uninstalling and reinstalling the WhatsApp app as a troubleshooting measure. In case you continue to experience difficulties, it is recommended to seek assistance from WhatsApp support.
For successful QR code scanning, make sure that the QR code itself is in focus. Hold your phone approximately 6-12 inches away from the code to achieve optimal scanning distance. If the QR code is displayed on a screen, adjust the screen brightness to an appropriate level not too bright or too dark. If scanning issues persist, you can also explore alternative apps specifically designed for scanning QR codes.
WhatsApp Web Not Scanning QR Code - FAQs
Try checking your internet connection, cleaning your device's camera lens, and ensuring that you have given WhatsApp permission to access your camera.
This may be due to outdated software, privacy settings, damaged QR code, or browser or application issues.
This may be due to compatibility issues between your device, browser, and WhatsApp Web.
Common solutions to try include restarting your device, checking your internet connection, and clearing your browser's cache and cookies.
No, scanning the QR code is necessary to log in to WhatsApp Web.