What is a qR code linking?
QR code linking is connecting a WhatsApp account to another device or service by scanning a code on screen with the phone that holds the number.
In plain words
WhatsApp lives on your phone, but it can also run on a computer or another service. To link one, the other side shows a square QR code. You open WhatsApp on your phone, go to linked devices, and scan it. A few seconds later the new device can read and send messages from your number.
Nothing about your number changes. Customers write to the same number, your chats stay on the phone, and you keep using WhatsApp as normal. You can see every linked device in WhatsApp's settings and remove any of them.
Linking is quick, but it depends on the phone. If the phone is offline for a long time, or WhatsApp is reinstalled, linked devices can be signed out and need scanning again.
QR code linking is different from the WhatsApp Business Platform, which is a separate service with its own sign-up, templates and fees.
QR code linking is different from the WhatsApp Business Platform, which is a separate service with its own sign-up, templates and fees. Linking keeps everything on the number and app you already have.
How it works in Spaces
Spaces connects WhatsApp by QR code. You scan a QR code with the phone that has the number, the same way you would link WhatsApp on a computer. A workspace can connect more than one number, and each number is its own account with its own limits.
After connecting or reconnecting, Spaces starts no new chats for 24 hours, while replies to people who message you can go out straight away. Read WhatsApp's rules before you connect, because they apply whatever tool you use.
Related terms
- Linked device: A linked device is a computer, browser or service connected to your WhatsApp account from your phone, which can read and send messages from your number.
- Connected account: A connected account is one of your own messaging accounts, such as your WhatsApp number or Instagram profile, that you have linked to a service so an AI agent can read and reply to its conversations.
- WhatsApp Business app: The WhatsApp Business app is the free WhatsApp app for small businesses, which works like normal WhatsApp on your phone with extras such as a business profile, quick replies and away messages.
- Warm-up: Warm-up means starting a new or newly connected account with only a few new conversations a day and increasing slowly over a few weeks, so the platform sees normal behaviour rather than a sudden burst.
FAQ
Where do I scan the QR code?
In WhatsApp on your phone, under linked devices, the same place you would link WhatsApp to a computer.
Does my number change?
No. Customers keep messaging the same number.
Can I connect more than one number?
Yes. Each number is scanned separately and becomes its own account.
What if the link stops working?
Scan the QR code again from your dashboard, then wait up to 24 hours before starting new chats.
Is QR code linking the WhatsApp Business Platform?
No. The Platform is a separate service with templates and per-message fees.
Useful next: WhatsApp API, WhatsApp limits, Connect WhatsApp to an AI agent. Every term: the glossary.