Last updated: October 1, 2026
The short answer: if the QR code won’t appear, the problem is on the computer: reload web.whatsapp.com, use an up-to-date browser, and try another network. If your phone won’t scan it, make sure you’re scanning from inside WhatsApp (Linked devices > Link a device), not your camera app, then turn up the screen brightness and hold the phone steady. Still stuck? Skip the QR code completely and link with your phone number instead.
Work through the sections below in order. Most people are fixed within the first two or three steps.
First: are you on the real WhatsApp Web?
Check the address bar. It must say exactly web.whatsapp.com. Fake pages often show a code that never works, or ask for a username and password (WhatsApp Web never does). If you got there from a link in a message or an ad, close the tab and type the address yourself.
If the QR code doesn’t appear or keeps loading
A blank box, an endless spinner or a code that never shows up means the page can’t reach WhatsApp properly. Try these on the computer:
- Reload the page. This also gives you a fresh code.
- Use a supported, up-to-date browser. WhatsApp Web works on the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari. It doesn’t work on some older browsers, including Internet Explorer.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then open web.whatsapp.com again. Your browser’s help pages explain how.
- Try a private/incognito window. If the code appears there, a browser extension (such as an ad or script blocker) is probably getting in the way. Turn extensions off one at a time to find it.
- Change networks. Office, school and university Wi-Fi sometimes blocks WhatsApp. Try a different Wi-Fi network or your phone’s hotspot. If you manage the network, WhatsApp says to let traffic to web.whatsapp.com and .whatsapp.net through.
- Restart the computer. WhatsApp suggests turning the device off, waiting 30 seconds and turning it back on.
If your phone won’t scan the QR code
The code is on screen but nothing happens when you point your phone at it. Check these, in this order:
- Scan from inside WhatsApp, not your camera app. A normal camera or QR scanner app can’t link your account. On Android, open WhatsApp and tap ⋮ > Linked devices > Link a device. On iPhone, tap Settings > Linked devices > Link a device. Then point the phone at the code.
- Get past the identity check. WhatsApp may ask for your fingerprint, face or the PIN that unlocks your phone before the scanner opens. That’s normal.
- Make the code easy to read. Turn the computer screen’s brightness up, set the browser zoom to 100%, and wipe the phone’s camera lens. Hold the phone about 20–30 cm away, straight on, and keep it still. Avoid reflections from lamps or windows on the screen.
- Reload for a fresh code. If the code has been on screen for a while, reload web.whatsapp.com and scan the new one straight away.
- Check WhatsApp’s camera permission. If the scanner shows a black screen, open your phone’s settings, find WhatsApp, and allow access to the camera.
- Update WhatsApp on your phone from the Play Store or App Store, then try again.
If it scans but you don’t get logged in
- Both devices need internet. Your phone and the computer must both be online while they link.
- You may already have four linked devices. WhatsApp allows up to four. Open Linked devices on your phone and log out one you no longer use.
- Use your primary phone. Linking is done from the phone where your number is registered.
- Answer the confirmation. If WhatsApp doesn’t recognise the computer, it asks whether you want to link it. Tap Link device only if it’s the computer in front of you.
Skip the QR code: link with your phone number
If the camera is broken or the code simply won’t scan, you don’t need it. On web.whatsapp.com, choose Log in with phone number, enter your number, and the computer shows an 8-character code. Tap the notification on your phone, confirm, and type that code into your phone. WhatsApp says this option works on WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp for Windows. Full steps are in our WhatsApp Web login guide.
Safety tip: only scan a WhatsApp code that’s on a computer you are sitting at. Never scan a code, or type a code, that someone sends you in a message or shows you on another website. That links their device to your account. Read why in our WhatsApp Web safety guide.
Quick fix table
| What you see | Most likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| No code, or it keeps loading | Browser or network | Reload, update browser, clear cache, try another network |
| Code shows, phone does nothing | Scanning from the wrong app | Use WhatsApp: Linked devices > Link a device |
| Scanner is black | No camera permission | Allow camera access for WhatsApp in phone settings |
| Phone can’t focus | Dim screen, glare, dirty lens | Brighter screen, zoom 100%, clean lens, hold steady |
| Scans, but no login | Offline device or 4 devices already linked | Check internet, remove an old linked device |
| Camera broken | – | Log in with phone number (8-character code) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I scan the WhatsApp Web QR code with Google Lens or my camera app?
No. The code has to be scanned from inside WhatsApp, under Linked devices, so WhatsApp knows which account to link. Another app will only read it as text.
Why does the QR code keep changing?
The code on screen changes after a short time. That’s normal. Just scan whichever code is showing when your phone is ready, or reload the page for a new one.
Does WhatsApp Web work on Internet Explorer?
No. Use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera or Safari.
Can I log in without scanning anything?
Yes. Choose to log in with your phone number on web.whatsapp.com and enter the 8-character code on your phone. You still need your phone, but not its camera.
Related guides
- WhatsApp Web not working? Every fix, problem by problem
- How to log in to WhatsApp Web (QR code or phone number)
- How to check if someone is using your WhatsApp Web
- WhatsApp Web safety guide
Sources checked: WhatsApp Help Center articles “How to fix connection issues” (WhatsApp Web), “How to link a device”, “How to link a device with phone number” and “About linked devices” (faq.whatsapp.com). Reviewed October 1, 2026.
This is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to WhatsApp or Meta.
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