# WhatsApp QR code not working during setup

> You're trying to link your WhatsApp Business number by scanning a QR code, but the scan fails, shows an error, or the connection doesn't complete.

You're trying to link your WhatsApp Business number by scanning a QR code, but the scan fails, shows an error, or the connection doesn't complete.

2 min read

Updated 10 Sep 2026

### 1. The QR code expired

QR codes for WhatsApp linking have a short time limit. If you waited too long before scanning:

- Fix. Refresh the page to generate a new QR code
- Tip: Scan within 30 seconds of the code appearing on screen

### 2. The camera cannot read the code

The phone's camera may not be reading the code properly.

- Ensure good lighting and hold the phone steady
- Clean the camera lens
- Try increasing screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code
- If available, use the "Link with phone number" option instead of QR scanning

### 3. The WhatsApp app is out of date

Older versions of WhatsApp may not support the current linking flow.

- Fix. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your app store
- Check your version: WhatsApp > Settings > Help > App Info

### 4. The account has reached its linked-device limit

WhatsApp limits the number of devices linked to a single account (currently 4 linked devices).

- Fix. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices
- Remove a device you no longer use
- Then try scanning the QR code again

### 5. The connection is unreliable

Both the phone and the device displaying the QR code need an active internet connection (they don't need to be on the same network).

- Check the phone's internet connection
- Check the computer's connection
- Try switching between WiFi and mobile data on the phone

### 6. The account is restricted

If your WhatsApp account has been restricted or flagged by Meta, linking to new devices may be blocked.

- Open WhatsApp on the phone. Look for any warning messages
- If your account shows restrictions, resolve those first before attempting to link

Once the scan works:

1

- Wait for the linking process to complete (1-2 minutes)

2

- Check that the connection shows the green security text, not the yellow "end-to-end encrypted" message

3

- Send a test message to confirm everything works

If the scan succeeds but the connection drops shortly after, the issue may be related to session management or multiple active sessions.

If none of the above resolves your QR code issue:

Talk to Volty

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## Links

- [Talk to Volty](https://voltade.com/sg/contact)
- [Setup & ConnectionWhatsApp disconnected: how to reconnect in VoltadeYour WhatsApp channel shows as "Disconnected" in Voltade. Your phone can still receive messages, but they're not appearing in your Voltade inbox. AI agent auto-replies and team inbox access have stopped working.](https://voltade.com/sg/help-centre/envoy-whatsapp-disconnected-reconnect)
- [WhatsApp Diagnostic Tool](https://voltade.com/sg/learn/whatsapp/diagnostic)
- [Back to Help Centre](https://voltade.com/sg/help-centre)