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 Settings.
  2. Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
  3. Tap Scan.
  4. Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
  5. Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan with your camera in WhatsApp

  1. Tap
    camera
    .
  2. Hold your device over the QR code to scan.
  3. Tap Add to Contacts.
On iPhone 6s and newer, you can tap and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen to view the quick action menu. Then, tap Camera to open the WhatsApp camera.

Scan from Photos

  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
  3. Tap Scan, then tap the Photos icon on the bottom of the screen.
  4. Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
  5. Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan from the New Contact screen

  1. Tap
    new chat
    .
  2. Tap New Contact > Add via QR code.
  3. Hold your device over the QR code to scan or tap
    photo video library
    and select the WhatsApp QR code from your Photos.
  4. Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan from WhatsApp camera

  1. Tap
    camera
    >
    photo video library
    .
  2. Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
  3. Tap Add to Contacts.

Scan within a chat

  1. Go to an individual or group chat.
  2. Tap
    camera
    >
    photo video library
    .
  3. Select the WhatsApp QR code from your photos.
  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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