No more typing: WhatsApp's new QR code function

Livia Gamper

22.5.2020

Translation: machine translated

Exchanging numbers is becoming easier than ever: the beta version of WhatsApp now makes it easy to give out your number via a QR code.

Entering the number of the person you've just met, adding them as a new contact, making them a missed call so they also have your number... no more of that! Thanks to the new beta version of WhatsApp, you can directly scan your new friend's QR code in a quarter of a second. And voila, your new contact is registered.

Your QR code can be found in the WhatsApp beta settings where you can also scan the other person's.

This new feature is available from iOS version 2.20.60.28 and Android version 2.20.171.

A renewable QR code

If your QR code has fallen into the wrong hands, you can renew it indefinitely. It is reset and a second invitation code is generated.

WhatsApp differs on this point from Spotify's new scan function. Indeed, for the latter, the code cannot be reset, but only remains valid for one hour after the last activity.

WhatsApp differs on this point from Spotify's new scanning function.

Android beta welcomes new testers

Android users who are not yet beta testers, but would like access to the feature now, can register here. However, the iOS TestFlight program for WhatsApp is temporarily suspended.

WhatsApp has not yet communicated when the new feature will be available on the normal app. However, it is known that the wait time after the beta phase for some previous updates, such as dark mode, was short.

WhatsApp has not yet communicated when the new feature will be available on the regular app.

So we can be pleased that exchanging numbers for Whatsapp will now be simpler. If you've ever unintentionally given out the wrong number or got the numbers wrong when typing them in, you know what a pain it is. This new WhatsApp feature will prevent these hassles brilliantly.

Livia Gamper

Editor

livia.gamper@digitecgalaxus.ch

Testing devices and gadgets is my thing. Some experiments lead to interesting insights, others to demolished phones. I’m hooked on series and can’t imagine life without Netflix. In summer, you’ll find me soaking up the sun by the lake or at a music festival.