Since its birth WhatsApp has not stopped introducing new features that facilitate the use of the tool for users. Although it is still a bit far from other instant messaging platforms such as Telegram, the service, owned by Facebook since 2014, is increasingly complete.
One of the functions included a posteriori in WhatsApp is the possibility of using QR codes both in its normal version and in the version for companies. If you want to know what and how you can use this type of code in the messaging platform, keep reading because we are going to give you all the details on the subject.
What are QR codes?
A QR code or quick response code (Quick Response) uses a system very similar to bar codes. Basically their job is to transmit information when they are scanned.
The invention of QR codes is attributed to the Japanese company, Denso Wave. This company sought a way to make barcodes more versatile and contain more information, following a request from a major local supermarket chain.
These types of codes are currently widely used throughout the world, especially in Asia. Its most common use is to link a URL to them, although popular applications such as WhatsApp or Instagram have integrated this type of code as a quick and simple method of adding contacts.
How to see your WhatsApp QR code
Now that we know what a QR code is, let’s see what use we can give it in WhatsApp. The first thing we are going to do is see our code. To do it:
- Open the WhatsApp application on your Android or iPhone mobile phone.
- Access the section that contains the application settings by clicking on the button with the three vertical dots. You can see this button located at the top right of the interface.
- Within the Settings menu, click on the QR code button that is displayed next to your username.
- You will see that a screen will automatically open in which you can see a file with your QR code. Next to this will appear your profile photo and your phone number.
- This card with the QR code will be the one that you will have to show to other users so that they can add you.
How to add someone with QR
In order to add a contact or to be added, it is necessary that both users access the WhatsApp QR code section within the application settings.
- Once inside this section, click on the Scan code section .
Your phone’s camera will open and you just have to point at the other person’s QR code so that it is in the center of the square.
- Once the app has read the code, you will see that the option ” Add this person’s phone to your contacts ” will appear at the bottom of the screen .
- Click on it and the contact card will open.
- Press ok to save the contact and you’re done
How to share your code without the phone
To share your code without having to be in front of the other person, you have the possibility of sharing the code. To do so, go back to the section with the QR code of your profile.
- Press the button to share the code that you will see at the top of the screen.
- A new dialog box will open from which you will have the option to choose from which application or via you want to share the code, as well as which contact you are going to send it to.
- Keep in mind that with this method you will share the QR without adding the phone number.
How to reset your code
Whenever you want, you can disable the QR code you have created and generate a new one. With this you can prevent the code from reaching the hands of users that you do not want to add.
- To do so, click on the button with the three vertical dots located to the right of your code screen.
- Click on the Reset QR code option.
- The code will be destroyed and will be automatically changed to a new one.
- Keep in mind that resetting the code will not make the contacts who added you with other codes lose your contact, it only affects those who have not previously added you.
Codes for companies
But WhatsApp has not limited the use of QR codes to the function of adding contacts. The service has also included this tool in its version for companies, WhatsApp Business.
Thanks to this, companies have a QR code that when scanning it allows us to start a conversation with them quickly and easily. As with normal user QR codes, these business codes are unique to each associated phone number.
If you have a business account on WhatsApp, keep reading, because we are going to explain where you can find your code so that you can share it with your clients on business cards, on your website or wherever you want.
How to see your WhatsApp Business QR code
On Android phones
- First of all, open the WhatsApp Business app on your Android phone.
- Click on the icon of the three vertical dots and click on More options
- Now choose the option “Company Settings”.
- Within this section choose the Direct link option .
- Finally, click on See the QR code to display the code that you can share as you want.
On iPhone
If your phone has the iOS operating system, the steps to follow to see your QR are just as simple as in Android.
- To start, open the WhatsApp Business app on your iPhone.
- In the icon with the three vertical dots, select Settings .
- Within this section, go to the option Tools for the company .
- In the Advanced Tools section, look for an option that says Direct link and click on it.
- Lastly, you just have to click on the QR Code option to display the code that you can share with your customers.
