WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned behemoth, is widely known as just a messenger app to connect with friends and family globally.
Starting a conversation with someone new was a tedious task. The messenger app relies on adding a new contact to your phone’s address book, which is an added step when you just want to message someone without the hassle.
WhatsApp has about 2 billion users worldwide. The opportunity for businesses and marketers of all sizes and industry verticals to instantly interact with their customers is immense.
The latest WhatsApp QR Code feature, available for both iOS and Android users, lets you add contacts in a jiffy, start a conversation with anyone instantly, and help marketers and businesses talk to their customers seamlessly with a single scan.
Table of contents
- WhatsApp QR Code: How does it work?
- How to scan a WhatsApp QR Code
- WhatsApp Web: Start a conversation on your computer with WhatsApp Web QR Code
- How can businesses leverage WhatsApp QR Codes?
- How can I view my WhatsApp QR Code?
- How can I share my WhatsApp QR Code?
- How can I reset my WhatsApp QR Code?
- What can I do with WhatsApp QR Codes?
- Why you should use a WhatsApp QR Code generator
- How to create a QR Code for WhatsApp using Beaconstac
- Where can you use WhatsApp QR Codes? – 5 WhatsApp QR Code uses
- FAQs
WhatsApp QR Code: How does it work?
WhatsApp QR Codes can be used to save a contact, start a conversation, and even add someone to a group by scanning a QR Code.
Anyone can add you to their contacts on WhatsApp by merely scanning your WhatsApp QR Code. This helps in saving a contact quickly as opposed to the previous method of adding their name and number manually.
This also helps marketers and individuals in starting a conversation quickly without taking the long route.
Want to know more about QR Codes? Read this.
How to scan a WhatsApp QR Code
#1 Scan WhatsApp QR Code in person
- Open WhatsApp > Settings
- Tap on the QR Code icon displayed next to your name
- Tap Scan Code > OK
- Hold your smartphone over the QR Code to scan
- Tap Add to Contacts
#2 Scan WhatsApp QR Code using the WhatsApp camera
- Open WhatsApp > open Camera
- Hold your smartphone over the QR Code to scan
- Tap Add to Contacts
Note – Users with iPhone 6S and newer versions, tap and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen to view the quick action menu. Tap the Camera icon to open the WhatsApp camera to scan the WhatsApp QR Code.
#3 Scan WhatsApp QR Code from Photos
- Open WhatsApp > Settings
- Tap on the QR Code icon displayed next to your name
- Tap Scan Code and then click on the Photos icon on the bottom of your screen
- Select the WhatsApp QR Code from your photos
- Tap on Add to Contacts
#4 Scan WhatsApp QR Code from the new contact screen
- Open WhatsApp > tap New Chat
- Tap New Contact > Add via QR Code
- Hold your smartphone over the QR Code to scan or tap the Photos icon on the bottom of your screen and select the WhatsApp QR Code from your Photos
- Tap Add to Contacts
#5 Scan WhatsApp QR Code within a chat
- Open WhatsApp and go to a group chat or an individual chat
- Tap the Camera icon
- Now, tap the Photos icon on the bottom of your screen
- Select the WhatsApp QR Code from your photos
- Tap Add to Contacts
WhatsApp Web: Start a conversation on your computer with WhatsApp Web QR Code
To use WhatsApp web on your computer,
- Go to web.whatsapp.com
- Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Tap the three-dot menu and tap Linked devices
- Click on Link a device
- Point your camera to the screen to scan the WhatsApp QR Code
How can businesses leverage WhatsApp QR Codes?
When it comes to businesses connecting with their customers digitally, there are not enough platforms that allow them to start conversations quickly to resolve issues or even share their catalogs.
With over 2 billion WhatsApp users, businesses and marketers expanding to WhatsApp are only beneficial.
The latest WhatsApp Business App is a free app built, especially for businesses and marketers to provide customer support, deliver essential notifications, and start conversations with customers quickly.
The WhatsApp Business App already has over 50 million monthly active users, according to Facebook.
The WhatsApp Business App can help you to –
- Create a catalog to display your products and services, connect with your customers by using tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages
- Create a business profile with your address, business description, email address, and website
- Make use of quick replies to save and reuse messages to answer common questions
- Organize your contacts or chats with labels to find them easily
- Send automated messages when you are unable to answer your customers, send greetings, and even introduce yourself
To download WhatsApp Business App for your business,
How can I view my WhatsApp QR Code?
To view your WhatsApp QR Code,
Android
- Open WhatsApp > tap More Options > Settings
- Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name
iOS
- Open WhatsApp > Settings
- Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name
How can I share my WhatsApp QR Code?
To share your WhatsApp QR Code,
Android
- Open WhatsApp > tap More Options > Settings
- Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name
- Tap Share
- Select a contact or an app to share
- If you’re sharing the QR Code to a WhatsApp contact/group, you can also choose to –
- Crop or rotate the QR Code image
- Add a message in the text field
- Tap Back to revert changes you made to your QR Code
6. Tap Send
iOS
- Open WhatsApp > Settings
- Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name
- Tap the Share button
- Select the app to share
- Tap Send
How can I reset my WhatsApp QR Code?
To reset your WhatsApp QR Code,
- Open WhatsApp > Settings
- Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name
- Tap Reset QR Code > Reset > OK
What can I do with WhatsApp QR Codes?
1. Start conversations instantly
Be it for business or individual purposes, start a conversation instantly by simply scanning the WhatsApp QR Code that can be embedded into your storefronts, product packaging, or even receipts.
You can even set a pre-defined message sent as soon as one scans the QR Code to initiate a conversation.
To create a QR Code to send a pre-defined message for your personal number,
1. Create your own link
Use https://wa.me/<number> where the <number> is a full phone number with the country code. Omit any zeroes, brackets, or dashes when adding the phone number with the country code.
For instance,
Use – https://wa.me/1xxxxxxxxxx
Don’t use – https://wa.me/+001-(xxx) xxxxxxx
Scan the generated QR Code to open WhatsApp chat to start a conversation.
2. Create your own link with a pre-defined message
When you set a pre-defined message, it will automatically appear in the text field of a chat.
Use https://wa.me/whatsappphonenumber/?text=urlencodedtext where whatsappphonenumber is a full phone number in international format and urlencodedtext is the URL-encoded pre-defined message.
Example –
https://wa.me/19876554566/?text=I’m%20interested%20in%20your%20car%20for%20sale
To create a link with a pre-filled message, use https://wa.me/?text=urlencodedtext
Example –
https://wa.me/?text=Welcome%20to%20Embassy%20the%20Estates
After clicking on the link, you will be shown a list of contacts you can send the messages to.
You might like: How to create a digital business card
2. Add and invite people to groups with a quick scan
Add as many people as you want to your group with the WhatsApp QR Code.
How to create a QR Code for a WhatsApp group?
To add people to a group,
- Open WhatsApp and go to any group
- Tap on the group name
- Click on Invite via link
- Tap on the QR Code icon to share and invite people to join
Note: You need to be a group admin to invite people to join.
3. Enhance customer service for businesses
The WhatsApp Business App helps businesses and marketers always be present for their customers by initiating conversations for complaints, doubts, and even placing an order via the chat facility by scanning a QR Code.
With the app’s messaging tools, businesses can instantly send back information to get the conversation going.
4. Authenticate users on WhatsApp web
With the help of a WhatsApp QR Code, authenticate your WhatsApp account to open conversations on WhatsApp web by scanning your WhatsApp QR Code from your smartphone on the browser.
To open the WhatsApp Web,
- Open WhatsApp Web
- Open WhatsApp on your smartphone
- Tap Settings > select Linked devices
- Click on Link a device
- Point your smartphone camera to scan the QR Code to open conversations
Why you should use a WhatsApp QR Code generator
Drawbacks of using WhatsApp’s default QR Codes
- No tracking capabilities
- Limited customization options
- You cannot select the error correction levels
- You cannot select a suitable format to download your QR Code
With the help of a WhatsApp QR Code generator, you can carry out all of the above actions seamlessly.
Here are 4 essential features of Beaconstac’s custom QR Code generator that can help you optimize and upgrade your existing WhatsApp strategy:
#1 Dynamic QR Codes for editing existing campaigns
Let’s say your contact number has changed, or your QR Code links to the wrong group on WhatsApp.
If you’re using a dynamic QR Code generator, rather than resharing the QR Code, you can change its destination to point to the correct URL.
Since dynamic QR Codes are editable QR Codes, modifying the campaign is a breeze, and the new changes are reflected instantly.
#2 Track and analyze WhatsApp QR Code scans effortlessly
You can track the success of your campaign closely using a WhatsApp QR Code generator with analytics. Learn where the QR Code was scanned, the number of times it was scanned, the OS used, and other important information that can help you fine-tune your campaign.
Learn how to track QR Code scans
To receive more in-depth insights on your audience, you can integrate with Google Analytics to access user demographics and behavior.
Check out: How to track QR Codes with Google Analytics
#3 Include WhatsApp in your all-in-one social media QR Code
While creating a social media QR Code on Beaconstac’s WhatsApp QR Code generator, you can also include the link to your business’s contact number on WhatsApp along with other social media usernames.
This lets you promote all your brand’s social media profiles in one go and elevates your existing social media strategy.
#4 Customize your WhatsApp QR Code extensively
Let your WhatsApp QR Code represent your brand consistently.
You can change the QR Code’s color scheme, modify the eyes, background, add your brand’s logo, select a QR Code template and data pattern, and add a frame text to your QR Code.
Our WhatsApp QR Code generator also lets you create circular QR Codes to fit your brand’s design aesthetic.
#5 Select a suitable error correction level and download format
Before printing your WhatsApp QR Code, you can select the error correction level you require along with the relevant format needed.
Error correction is crucial since it ensures that your QR Code is still scannable after experiencing natural wear and tear.
Selecting the right format is vital to make sure that your QR Code does not get pixelated upon increasing its size.
Beaconstac offers scalable vector formats such as SVG, EPS, and PDF to help maintain your QR Code’s resolution for scanning.
Also check out: QR Code printing guidelines
Added pro tip – You can also select the QR Code size you need prior to printing. Not sure of what your QR Code size should be? Explore our detailed QR Code sizing guide to learn more.
How to create a QR Code for WhatsApp using Beaconstac
Here’s how you can create a QR Code using a WhatsApp QR Code generator:
Step 1: Get the link to your WhatsApp contact number, group invite, or predefined message.
Step 2: Log in to the Beaconstac dashboard.
Step 3: Click ‘+Create QR Code’ on the top right corner of the dashboard.
Step 4: Select ‘Website’ from the list of campaign types.
Step 5: Paste the WhatsApp URL in the box provided. Click Next.
Step 6: Customize your QR Code using all the options available.
Step 7: Test and download the QR Code in the format(s) required.
Where can you use WhatsApp QR Codes? – 5 WhatsApp QR Code uses
1. Retail
Make use of WhatsApp QR Codes in retail to place an order, book a class or even arrange a pick-up by directly initiating a WhatsApp conversation.
Place WhatsApp QR Codes on receipts, your product packaging, or storefronts, so customers scan them. Offer coupons or loyalty cards for scanning the WhatsApp QR Code, offer a free product, or even use it to receive complaints and feedback.
Want to learn more about QR Code-based loyalty programs?
2. Restaurants
Utilize a WhatsApp QR Code on your website or on your QR Code menus to place an order online.
Help customers track or cancel their orders, and even talk to a customer care executive for help.
3. Small businesses
With most messaging services priced at exorbitant prices, the WhatsApp Business App helps you move your business online without emptying your pockets.
Make use of WhatsApp QR Codes to help customers place their orders, track them, ask questions, and even receive feedback.
You might also like: How to use QR Codes for small businesses
4. eCommerce
Raising complaints or getting in touch with a customer care executive is tedious, especially with eCommerce companies.
With WhatsApp QR Codes, make the process easier for your customers to get in touch with you. Encourage them to scan the QR Code to raise a ticket, ask questions about their orders, track their orders, and even leave feedback.
Related: How eCommerce companies use QR Codes to bring users back
5. Hospitality sector
Make use of WhatsApp QR Codes so customers can book a room online or make reservations in your hotel right away.
Learn how contactless solutions can be leveraged for a safe reopening of hotels post-COVID
Frequently asked questions
1. Can we create a QR Code for WhatsApp?
Absolutely. With the help of Beaconstac’s QR Code generator, you can create a QR Code for WhatsApp.
2. How do I create a QR Code for my WhatsApp?
To create a QR Code for WhatsApp:
- Go to Beaconstac’s WhatsApp QR Code generator
- Select ‘Website’ as the QR Code campaign type.
- Paste the URL of your WhatsApp contact number, predefined message, or group invite in the space provided.
- Customize your WhatsApp QR Code.
- Test and download it.
3. What is the use of a WhatsApp QR Code?
You can share the QR Code on any printed material, app, or with anyone on WhatsApp by clicking on the share icon once you open the WhatsApp QR Code.
4. Where is my WhatsApp QR Code?
To open your WhatsApp QR Code, open WhatsApp > Settings > tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
5. Why can’t my WhatsApp QR Code be scanned?
Check if your smartphone camera supports QR Code scanning. If it does, then align the QR Code in a straight angle and scan the QR Code from a distance in a well-lit area.
If your smartphone camera does not support QR Code scanning, download any third-party QR Code scanning app to scan your WhatsApp QR Code.
Here is a list of the best QR Code scanning apps available on iOS and Android
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Create custom QR Codes to match your branding, stand out from competitors, and increase brand recall. Explore this guide to learn more about creating branded QR Codes with some helpful design tips and use cases.
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With brands expanding their presence on omnichannel platforms to reach more audiences, learn how QR Codes help brands sync their online and offline marketing strategies to close the loop seamlessly.
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Trying to build a loyalty program for your brand? Look no further! Check out this complete guide on the best customer loyalty platforms to help pick the best one and foster long-term brand loyalty effectively.
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Looking for a design software that fits your requirements? Check out this detailed guide on product packaging design tools with helpful information on how to create an effective packaging design.
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What led to the surge in the usage of QR Codes in Australia? Is it because of contact tracing or payments? What does the future hold? Let’s find out.
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