In short: Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer. On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Linked devices, then Link a device. Confirm it is you if asked, then point your phone at the QR code. You scan it from inside WhatsApp, not with your phone’s camera app. You can link up to four devices.
WhatsApp Web lets you read and send messages from a browser. The QR code connects that browser to the WhatsApp account on your main phone.
How to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code
- On your computer, open web.whatsapp.com. A QR code appears.
- On your phone, open WhatsApp.
- Open the linked devices screen:
- Android: Tap the three dots (More), then Linked devices, then Link a device.
- iPhone: Tap Settings, then Linked devices, then Link device.
- If asked, confirm it is you with your fingerprint, face or phone PIN. The browser may also ask you to create or use a passkey.
- Point your phone at the QR code on the computer screen.
If WhatsApp does not recognise the device, it asks you to confirm. Tap Link device only if you started this yourself. These steps come from WhatsApp’s guide to linking a device.
How to link without scanning a QR code
If your phone’s camera is broken or the code will not scan, you can use a code instead:
- On WhatsApp Web, choose Link with phone number and enter your number.
- Note the 8-character code on the screen.
- On your phone, go to Linked devices, then Link a device, then Link with phone number instead.
- Enter the code.
WhatsApp’s guide for the Business app describes these steps and says the option works only on WhatsApp Web. Menu names may differ a little on your phone.
Why the QR code will not scan
WhatsApp does not publish one list of causes for this. These simple checks usually help. Try them in order:
- Use WhatsApp to scan. Your phone’s normal camera or a QR app will not link the device.
- Reload the page. If the code has been on screen for a while, reload web.whatsapp.com to get a new one.
- Make the code easy to see. Zoom in the browser, raise the screen brightness, and clean your phone’s camera.
- Check the internet. Both the phone and the computer need a working connection.
- Update WhatsApp. Install the latest version on your phone. WhatsApp says updates may contain fixes.
- Try another browser. WhatsApp keeps a list of supported browsers in its Help Center.
- Check your linked devices. You can link up to four. If you have reached the limit, unlink one first.
Why WhatsApp Web keeps logging out
WhatsApp says you must log in on your main phone every 14 days to keep linked devices connected. If you do not, you may have to link again. So open WhatsApp on your main phone regularly.
Also check whether you are using a private browser window, or a browser that clears its data when closed. Either can make the browser forget the session.
Is it safe to scan the QR code?
Only scan a code that you opened yourself at web.whatsapp.com. A linked device can read and send your messages, so never scan a code that someone sends you.
To see what is linked, open Linked devices on your phone. If you see a device you do not know, unlink it. On a shared computer, log out when you finish.
Can a team use one number on WhatsApp Web?
Up to four devices can link to one account, so a small team can share a number this way. But it has limits for business use. Everyone sees the same chats, and there is no way to assign a chat or see who is handling it.
If that sounds familiar, a shared WhatsApp inbox is built for it. Our guide on using WhatsApp Business on multiple phones compares your options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my phone nearby to use WhatsApp Web? Not every moment, since linked devices work on their own once connected. But you need your main phone to link new devices, and you must log in on it every 14 days.
Can I scan the QR code with a photo of the screen? Your phone just needs a clear view of the code. A code on another screen can work, but only scan one that you opened yourself.
How many devices can I link? Up to four, plus your main phone.
Is there a WhatsApp Web app? You can use WhatsApp Web in a browser with no download. WhatsApp also offers a desktop app.
Running customer chats from WhatsApp Web with a team? See how Risponse works, or see plans.