“No Valid QR Code Detected” Error in WhatsApp – How to Fix It

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide. Millions of people rely on it for both personal and professional communication. While it works seamlessly on mobile devices, many users prefer to use WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop app for convenience on larger screens.

To link your phone to your computer, you scan a QR code displayed on the web or desktop app. However, some users encounter a frustrating message:

“No Valid QR Code Detected.”

If this error has left you stuck, don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll (Jessica here 👋) walk you through all the possible causes of this error and the step-by-step fixes to get WhatsApp working again.

Why Does the “No Valid QR Code Detected” Error Happen?

This issue typically occurs because the QR code isn’t being scanned correctly, or something is interfering with the scanning process. Common causes include:

• Poor camera focus or dirty lens
• Low screen brightness on your computer
• Outdated WhatsApp app on your phone
• Network connectivity issues
• Corrupted cache or stored sessions in WhatsApp
• Using an unsupported browser for WhatsApp Web
• Temporary glitches in the app or phone camera

Fixes for the “No Valid QR Code Detected” Error

Here are practical fixes you can try, starting from the simplest to more advanced steps.

1. Clean Your Camera Lens and Screen

It may sound obvious, but often the issue is simply that your phone’s camera can’t clearly see the QR code.

• Wipe your phone’s camera lens with a soft cloth.
• Clean your computer’s screen to remove smudges.
• Ensure the QR code is displayed fully (not zoomed in or cropped).

👉 Even a small smudge can cause the QR code to become unreadable.

2. Adjust Screen Brightness

If your computer screen brightness is too low, the phone camera may struggle to capture the QR code.

• Increase your laptop or monitor brightness.
• If brightness is already high, try lowering it slightly (sometimes glare causes scanning issues).
• Avoid tilting your phone at extreme angles — hold it straight in front of the code.

3. Refresh the QR Code

WhatsApp Web and Desktop QR codes are time-sensitive. If you leave the page open for too long, the code may expire.

• Click the “Refresh” button next to the QR code on your computer.
• Try scanning the new code immediately.

4. Update WhatsApp on Your Phone

An outdated version of WhatsApp can cause compatibility issues when scanning QR codes.

• Open your phone’s app store:
  • WhatsApp for Android (Google Play)
  • WhatsApp for iPhone (App Store)
• Check if an update is available and install it.
• Restart WhatsApp after updating.

5. Use a Supported Browser

WhatsApp Web works best on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari. If you’re using an outdated or unsupported browser, the QR code may not generate properly.

• Switch to a recommended browser.
• Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version.
• Disable unnecessary browser extensions that might block QR codes (like ad blockers).

6. Check Your Internet Connection

A poor internet connection on either your phone or your computer can cause problems.

• Make sure both devices are connected to stable Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Restart your router if needed.
• If possible, switch to another network and try again.

7. Restart Your Devices

Temporary glitches often get fixed with a simple restart.

• Restart your phone.
• Restart your computer.
• Reopen WhatsApp Web/Desktop and try scanning again.

8. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android)

Sometimes corrupted cache files in WhatsApp can interfere with QR scanning.

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp.
2. Tap Storage & Cache.
3. Select Clear Cache (do not clear data, as it will log you out).

Then try scanning again.

9. Reinstall WhatsApp

If none of the above works, reinstalling WhatsApp often resolves stubborn issues.

1. Back up your chats (WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup).
2. Uninstall WhatsApp.
3. Reinstall it from the official app store.
4. Restore your chats and try scanning the QR code again.

10. Try WhatsApp Desktop App Instead of Web (or Vice Versa)

If you’re using WhatsApp Web in a browser, try switching to the WhatsApp Desktop App (or vice versa).

• Download WhatsApp Desktop for Windows or Mac

Sometimes one version works better depending on your setup.

11. Disable Camera Permissions Blockers

If your phone’s privacy settings are blocking WhatsApp from using the camera, it won’t detect the QR code.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera, and make sure WhatsApp is enabled.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions, and allow Camera.

12. Test Your Camera

Make sure your phone’s camera itself isn’t the issue.

• Open the camera app and try scanning a regular QR code.
• If it fails, the problem may be with your phone camera, not WhatsApp.

13. Log Out of Other Devices

If your WhatsApp account is already linked to too many devices, it may prevent new logins.

• On your phone, open WhatsApp.
• Go to Settings > Linked Devices.
• Log out of any devices you don’t use.
• Try scanning again.

Extra Tips

• Avoid scanning in low-light environments.
• Hold the phone steady until the QR code is detected.
• If using an external monitor, increase resolution so the QR code appears sharp.

When to Contact WhatsApp Support

If you’ve tried everything and still face the error, contact WhatsApp Support:

• WhatsApp Help Center
• In WhatsApp: Settings > Help > Contact Us

Final Thoughts

The “No Valid QR Code Detected” error in WhatsApp is usually caused by something simple like poor focus, low brightness, or expired codes. Most of the time, adjusting your camera angle, refreshing the code, or updating the app solves the issue within minutes.

By following the above steps, you’ll be able to connect your WhatsApp to your computer without frustration and get back to chatting smoothly.