WhatsApp's transition from mobile to desktop hasn't been smooth. The desktop apps often have some bugs andThe app won't open on Windows.Sometimes, the QR code doesn't load or establish a successful connection to your phone. Here's how to fix the QR code not loading or not working issue in WhatsApp on desktop.
1. Scan the QR code via WhatsApp
When you first open WhatsApp on Windows or Mac, the app immediately prompts you to scan a QR code. While you can choose not to scan it, QR codes in WhatsApp expire after a while. Therefore, you have the option to reload the QR code. Click the reload button and generate a new one to scan.
2. Restart WhatsApp on your desktop.
If the refresh button still doesn't work to generate a new QR code, you need to force quit the WhatsApp desktop app and try again.
Windows
Follow the steps below on Windows to restart WhatsApp.
Step 1: Right click on Windows key and select Task Management.
Step 2: Look for WhatsApp In the menu, click on it. Select End task button.
Open WhatsApp again and see if the QR code appears.
Mac
Mac users need to use Activity Monitor to restart WhatsApp.
Step 1: Click on Command + Space keys and open Spotlight Search menu.
Step 2: Look for Activity Monitor And press Return key.
Step 3: Look for WhatsApp From Activity Monitor, click on it. Select God x above.
Then launch WhatsApp again to fetch the QR code.
3. Check your internet connection
WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to generate a QR code. Make sure your Windows PC or Mac is connected to a fast Wi-Fi network. After testing the connection quality, open the WhatsApp app to scan the QR code.
You can also use tools like: fast.com To check the network speed of your computer.
4. Use the WhatsApp mobile app to scan the QR code.
This is a common mistake many users make when dealing with WhatsApp QR codes. Many people use the standard camera app on their mobile phone to scan the QR code on their desktop. Most of the time, this doesn't work. You'll need to use the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone to scan the QR code.
iPhone
Step 1: Open WhatsApp app On your iPhone, go to Settings tab.
Step 2: Click on QR code Small next to the account name and open Built-in camera interface.
WhatsApp will open the camera interface on your iPhone to scan the QR code.
Android
Step 1: Open WhatsApp And press Three-dot menu above Select Settings.
Step 2: Look for QR code Next to account name To clear QR Code on the desktop.
5. Update the WhatsApp application
An outdated WhatsApp desktop app can also cause issues with QR codes.
Windows users can go to the Microsoft Store and select the Library menu to find new app updates on their PC.
Mac users need to head to the App Store to install the latest WhatsApp app. Open WhatsApp again and check for the new QR code. Scan it using Method 4 above.
6. Connect your WhatsApp desktop and mobile device to the same WI-FI connection.
Even after successfully scanning the QR code, you'll need to keep your mobile and desktop connected to the same Wi-Fi connection at all times. This doesn't apply if you're using a multi-device setup on WhatsApp (more on that later). If your smartphone isn't connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you'll continue to encounter errors when loading new messages on your WhatsApp desktop.
7. Disable VPN
If you're using a VPN to connect to a server in another country, WhatsApp may have trouble loading the QR code. Disable any VPN on your PC or Mac and restart the app (see Method 2).
8. Check WhatsApp status
If WhatsApp servers are experiencing downtime, the app won't be able to generate a new QR code on your desktop. Go to Downdetector And search for WhatsApp.
If the service is already experiencing an outage,You will not be able to send messages. On WhatsApp mobile app too.
9. Use WHATSAPP WEB
Are you still having issues with the WhatsApp desktop app? You can get rid of them and choose WhatsApp on the WebVisit WhatsApp Web and try scanning the QR code. You can enable notifications for your browser to continue receiving new messages.
Manage WhatsApp on your desktop
WhatsApp is testing a cross-device app with beta users that allows the desktop apps to work separately. You no longer need to keep your mobile phone connected to the same Wi-Fi network to send or receive messages. Read our dedicated post on this.Set up WhatsApp for multiple devices on the desktop.
Whether you're using the regular WhatsApp app or opting for the multi-device feature, you'll need a QR code to establish a connection on the first try. What trick worked for fixing a QR code not loading or not working in WhatsApp on desktop? Share your experience in the comments below.
