WhatsApp Desktop Login: QR Code, Phone Number and Log Out

There's no username and password box on WhatsApp for desktop, which catches a lot of people out. The WhatsApp desktop login works by linking the computer to the account that already lives on your phone. I'll take you through both ways WhatsApp's help centre describes, what to expect on your phone, and how to log out again, which matters if you ever use a work or shared machine.

How the WhatsApp desktop login works

According to WhatsApp's help centre, the desktop app is a linked device. You still register your account on your phone with your phone number, then use that phone to link the computer. The help pages say you can link up to four devices to the same primary phone, so your laptop, a desktop PC and a tablet can all be connected at once.

Because the phone is in charge, the login is only as quick as your phone is to hand. Keep it near you for the first link.

Logging in to WhatsApp desktop with a QR code

The QR code is the usual route, and it works on Windows and Mac. WhatsApp's help centre gives these steps for an Android primary phone:

1. Open the WhatsApp desktop app on your computer. A QR code appears on the screen.
2. On your phone, open WhatsApp and tap the three dots, then Linked devices, then Link a device.
3. If your phone asks you to verify it's you, use your biometrics or the PIN you use to open your phone.
4. Point your phone at the computer screen and scan the QR code.

On iPhone, the help pages say to open the Settings tab and choose Linked devices, then link a device. The rest of the flow is the same. Menus can vary by app version, so if your labels look a little different, look for Linked devices as the common thread.

The help centre adds that if WhatsApp spots a device it doesn't recognise, it'll ask you to confirm. Tap Don't link if you don't want it linked, and Link device if you do.

Logging in to WhatsApp desktop with your phone number

If your phone camera won't scan, there's a second route. WhatsApp's help centre says linking with a phone number is currently only available on WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web, so it won't help on a Mac. Here's how it goes:

1. On the computer, choose Link with phone number, or Log in with phone number.
2. Pick your country and enter the phone number of your primary account, then click Next.
3. An eight-character code appears on the computer screen.
4. On your phone, tap the Enter code to link new device notification from WhatsApp.
5. Check that the location and device name shown on your phone match, then tap Confirm.
6. Verify it's you if asked, then type the eight-character code on your phone.

You can also start from the phone: open Linked devices, choose to link a device, and pick Link with phone number instead.

What your WhatsApp desktop login needs to keep working

• Your primary phone must log in to WhatsApp at least every 14 days, or the linked computer is logged out.
• Linked devices are disconnected automatically after 30 days of inactivity.
• The computer can stay connected while your phone is offline, but it can't replace the phone as your main device.

So if your desktop login suddenly stops, the first thing to check is when you last opened WhatsApp on your phone. People who keep a spare phone in a drawer for business use hit this a lot.

Logging out of WhatsApp desktop

WhatsApp's help centre gives you two ways to log out, and I'd use whichever device is closest.

• From the computer: open WhatsApp Settings, then Log out, then confirm Log out.
• From your phone: go to Linked devices, tap the computer in the list, then tap Log out.

Do it every time you finish on a shared computer. The phone method is also your emergency exit if you forgot to log out somewhere, since it works without touching that computer.

Keeping your WhatsApp desktop login safe

The help centre lists a few habits. Turn on push notifications on your phone, so you can spot a device you don't recognise and remove it. Check your list of linked devices regularly. Only link through the official WhatsApp apps and WhatsApp Web, because linking through unofficial apps or websites may put your account at risk and may lead to a temporary or permanent ban.

If you're sharing a computer with colleagues, hiding a WhatsApp chat won't make a linked computer private, so log out of the desktop app instead. My WhatsApp help guides cover the other privacy settings worth checking.

If your WhatsApp desktop login won't work

• Check that your phone has an internet connection and WhatsApp is up to date on both devices.
• Make sure you're pointing your phone at the QR code on the screen in front of you, and that your phone has camera access for WhatsApp.
• Use the phone number route on Windows if scanning fails.
• Log out and start the link again.
• Check you haven't hit the limit of four linked devices. Remove one you don't use from the Linked devices list.

If the app opens but won't load chats, that's a connection problem rather than a login problem, and WhatsApp's help pages point to internet connection first. My separate page on the desktop app not working goes through those steps.

Frequently asked questions

How do I log in to WhatsApp on my computer?

Open the desktop app to see a QR code, then on your phone go to Linked devices, choose Link a device and scan the code. On Windows you can also link with your phone number and an eight-character code.

Is there a username and password for WhatsApp desktop?

No. WhatsApp's help centre describes the desktop app as a linked device, so you log in by linking it from your phone.

Why was I logged out of WhatsApp desktop?

WhatsApp says linked devices are logged out if your phone is unused for over 14 days, and they're also disconnected after 30 days of inactivity.

Can I log in without scanning a QR code?

On WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web, yes, using your primary phone number and an eight-character code. It's not available on the Mac app at the moment.

How do I log out of WhatsApp desktop?

Go to Settings on the desktop app and choose Log out, or open Linked devices on your phone, tap the computer and tap Log out.