How to scan a WhatsApp QR code

Android
iOS
You can scan a WhatsApp QR code to add someone’s contact information to WhatsApp.

Scan a WhatsApp QR code

Scan in person

  1. Tap
    more options
    > Settings.
  2. Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
  3. Tap Scan code.
  4. Hold your device over the other person's QR code to scan.
  5. Tap Add to contacts.

Scan with your camera in WhatsApp

  1. Tap Camera
    camera
    .
  2. Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
  3. Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from Gallery

  1. Tap
    more options
    > Settings.
  2. Tap the QR code displayed next to your name.
  3. Tap Scan code.
  4. Tap the Gallery icon on the bottom left of the screen.
  5. Tap the WhatsApp QR code photo from your Gallery.
  6. Tap OK.
  7. Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from the New Contact screen

  1. Tap New chat
    new chat
    .
  2. Tap the QR code next to New contact.
  3. Tap Scan code.
  4. Tap Add to contacts.

Scan from Photos with WhatsApp camera

  1. Tap Camera
    camera
    .
  2. Select the image with the QR code to scan.
  3. Tap ADD.

Scan within a chat

  1. Go to an individual or group chat.
  2. Tap camera
    camera
    .
  3. Select the image with the QR code to scan.
  4. Tap Add to contacts.

Issues scanning a WhatsApp QR code

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to scan a WhatsApp QR code:
  • The QR code isn’t valid.
  • The person might have reset their code, or the account may no longer exist.
  • It isn’t a WhatsApp contact QR code.
  • You might not be connected to the internet.
  • Your phone’s camera might not be working properly.
Ask the contact to re-send their QR code. Check your internet connection and camera, and try to scan again.

Related resources:

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