Experiencing issues while attempting to scan the QR code on WhatsApp, such as receiving a “No Valid QR Code Detected” or “Invalid QR code” error? You’re not alone. Many users have reported similar issues across various online platforms like Reddit. Today, we’re going to discuss how to rectify this issue.
WhatsApp Web is a convenient platform enabling users to send and receive messages from their computers or other browser-enabled devices. After scanning a QR code displayed on your computer with your mobile device, the service synchronizes all your WhatsApp messages to the web version.
However, users may occasionally encounter issues like difficulty scanning the QR code and others. Fortunately, there are troubleshooting methods available to help resolve these problems. Continue reading for effective solutions to the “No Valid QR Detected” issue.
Increasing Web Page Magnification
The initial step in addressing QR code detection issues is to enlarge the WhatsApp Web page on your browser to at least 125%. Your mobile device may struggle to scan smaller QR codes.
To magnify a web page on a Windows computer, simultaneously press the ‘Ctrl’ and ‘+’ keys. If you’re using a Mac, the shortcut involves pressing the ‘Command’ and ‘+’ keys together. This action will cause the QR code to enlarge, making it easier to scan with your phone.
Check Your Internet
If zooming in on the WhatsApp Web page does not help you resolve the problem, then you need to check whether you are getting good and stable internet speed on your computer and mobile device.
Visit a speed checker website, like fast.com, speedtest.net, etc., to check your internet speed. If you are receiving slow speed, switch to a stable connection, and your issue should be fixed.
Refreshing the WhatsApp Web Page
If the above recommendations do not resolve the issue, reloading the WhatsApp Web page may help. Web pages may not load correctly or QR codes may expire, prompting this need for a refresh.
Here is how you can do this:
Step 1: Locate the reload icon, typically a circular arrow, situated near the address bar on your web browser. Clicking on this button will initiate a page refresh.
Step 2: Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts. For Windows, press ‘F5’ or ‘Ctrl+R’ to reload the page. If you’re using a Mac, ‘Command+R’ serves the same purpose.
Once the page refreshes, a new QR code should appear. Attempt to scan this fresh QR code using your mobile device’s WhatsApp application.
It’s crucial to remember that WhatsApp Web’s QR codes have a very short lifespan due to security reasons. They typically expire within seconds. Thus, it’s important to scan the new code soon after the page reloads.
Using the Linked Devices Option for QR Code Scanning
If you have been utilizing the WhatsApp camera function to scan the QR code, scanning may prove difficult. WhatsApp has incorporated a QR code scanner within the “Linked Devices” feature. This feature is explicitly designed for pairing your account with various devices, including WhatsApp Web, and is the most effective method for QR code scanning. Here’s how you can access it:
Step 1: Open the WhatsApp application on your device. Proceed to “Settings,” then select “Linked Devices.” For users with Android phones, tap the three-dot icon located at the top of your screen and select “Linked Devices.”
Step 2: Select “Link a device.”
Step 3: If a lock is set on your device, you will need to unlock it to proceed with linking a device.
Step 4: Finally, scan the QR code displayed on your computer’s screen. Following this, you should be able to successfully link your device to WhatsApp Web.
If these steps are followed accurately, the QR code scanning problem should be resolved, allowing you to use WhatsApp Web without further difficulties.
Update the WhatsApp App
App updates often include bug fixes, glitch resolutions, and improvements over previous app versions. If you continue to face the “No valid QR code detected” error on WhatsApp Web, updating the WhatsApp app on your mobile device could resolve the issue. Here’s how to update the app:
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS) on your phone.
Step 2: Type “WhatsApp” into the search bar and hit enter.
Step 3: Click “Update” to download and install the latest version of the app.
After completing the update, try scanning the QR code again. You should now have no issues logging in to WhatsApp Web.
Clean and Adjust Your Phone’s Camera
Dirt or smudges on your phone’s camera lens can interfere with its ability to scan QR codes effectively, which may lead to a “No valid QR code detected” error. Here are the steps to clean your phone’s camera and adjust its focus for an accurate scan:
Step 1: Use a microfiber cloth to gently clean your phone’s camera lens. Make sure to remove all visible dirt or smudges.
Step 2: Attempt to scan the QR code again.
Step 3: If the scan continues to fail, try to refocus the camera by moving your phone closer to or further away from the code.
Step 4: Tap on the QR code on your phone’s screen. This will notify the camera to focus directly on the QR code.
After following these steps, your phone should more effectively scan QR codes, allowing you to log into WhatsApp Web.
Clear Cookies and Site Data
Clearing the cookies and site data for the website is another potential fix. This has helped many users remedy the issue. Follow these steps to clear cookies and site data:
Step 1: Navigate to the WhatsApp Web website. Click on the “site information” icon located before the address bar.
Step 2: Choose “Cookies and Site Data.”
Step 3: Click on “Manage cookies and site data.”
Step 4: Click on the trash icon next to all listed domains, then click “Done.”
Link with Phone Number
If QR code scanning continues to present problems, you can try linking your account using your phone number instead:
Step 1: Navigate to the WhatsApp Web website. Click on “Link with phone number.”
Step 2: Select your country and enter your phone number, then click “Next.”
Step 3: Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
Step 4: For Android devices, click on the three-dot icon at the top and select “Linked Devices.” For iPhones, navigate to “Settings” > “Linked Devices.”
Step 5: Tap on “Link a device,” then choose “Link with phone number instead.”
Step 6: Enter the eight-digit code visible on your computer.
Upon completion of these steps, your account should successfully log into WhatsApp Web.
Switch to Another Browser
If none of the above methods prove effective, consider switching to another web browser, as the issue might be browser-specific. For instance, if you are currently using the Google Chrome browser and facing difficulties, try switching to Firefox or another alternative browser. Reinstalling the browser you are currently using is another option to explore, as it may help resolve any underlying issues affecting your ability to scan the QR code on WhatsApp.
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