To join a WhatsApp group, you need a way in from the group itself: a group admin adds you, or someone sends you the group's invite link or QR code. Open the link or scan the code, then tap Join group. If the admin has turned on Approve new members, you'll see Request to join instead and wait for an admin to accept you.
WhatsApp's own help page says you need an admin to add you or to send you a link or code, so there's no searching for a group and joining it yourself. Here's every way in, what changes when you join through a link, and why a link sometimes refuses to work.
The four ways to join a WhatsApp group
| Route | How it works |
|---|---|
| Added by a member | A group member adds you directly, and you'll see who added you |
| Group invite link | Tap the link someone shares with you, then tap Join group |
| QR code | Scan the group's QR code with your phone, then tap Join group |
| Group directory in a community | If you're in a WhatsApp community, browse the groups listed there and join or request to join |
To scan a code, here's how to scan a WhatsApp QR code on Android and iPhone.
How to join with an invite link
- Tap the group invite link in the message, email or web page where it was shared.
- WhatsApp opens the group invite.
- Tap Join group, or Request to join if the group needs admin approval.
- If you requested, wait. You'll be added once an admin approves you.
What Request to join means
Admins can switch on Approve new members in Group permissions. When it's on, you'll see the message An admin must approve your request above the Request to join button, and you can tap Cancel request at any time. WhatsApp says the setting is off by default, so unless an admin changes it, anyone with the link joins straight away. Admins also see where your request came from, and they can open your contact info and message you before deciding.
Invites from people you don't know
If someone who isn't in your contacts adds you, WhatsApp shows you more context about the group and ways to stay safe before you engage. You can open Group info to learn more, tap Safety tools, tap Ok to join, or tap Exit group to leave. You can also limit who can add you to groups in your privacy settings.
Why you can't see old messages after joining
This is the rule to know before you tap a link. When a member adds you, they can choose to send you message history: up to 100 messages from the last 14 days, and you're notified if they do. But WhatsApp says members who join through an invite link or QR code can't view message history at all. If you need the earlier conversation, ask someone in the group to add you directly or forward what you need.
Why a WhatsApp group link won't work
| What's happening | What WhatsApp says |
|---|---|
| You see 'You can't join the group or community because the invite link was reset' | The old link is invalid. Ask an admin for a new link or to add you manually |
| Your request is just sitting there | Approve new members is on, so an admin has to accept you |
| The group is full | A WhatsApp group can have up to 1,024 members |
| Nothing loads | It can be an internal server error, so try again later |
If a group's full, there's more on what to do when a WhatsApp group is full. And if you're looking for groups in your industry rather than joining one you've been sent, read how to find business WhatsApp group links safely first, because a link posted publicly can come from anyone.
Groups run by businesses
WhatsApp notes that groups may work differently if a business invites you and uses authorised third-party providers to help manage WhatsApp. If a group from a brand or shop behaves differently from your family group, that's why.
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My verdict
The simplest way in is still to ask: an admin can add you directly, and that's the only route that can bring recent message history with it. If you join from a link, expect to start from a blank chat, and if the link says it was reset, don't hunt for another copy online. Ask the admin for a fresh one.
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a WhatsApp group?
Ask a group admin to add you, or open an invite link or scan a QR code for the group, then tap Join group. If the group needs approval, tap Request to join and wait for an admin.
Can I join a WhatsApp group without an invite?
No. You need to be added by a member or use the group's invite link, QR code or a community's group directory.
Why can't I see old messages after joining a WhatsApp group?
WhatsApp says members who join through an invite link or QR code can't view message history. A member who adds you directly can send up to 100 messages from the last 14 days.
What does 'invite link was reset' mean on WhatsApp?
It means the previous link is invalid. You can ask a group admin to add you manually or send a new link.
What is the maximum size of a WhatsApp group?
A WhatsApp group can have up to 1,024 members.
