WhatsApp Business Web Login: Scan the QR in 3 Steps (2026)
Log in at web.whatsapp.com: in WhatsApp Business on your phone, tap Linked devices > Link a device and scan the QR code. Or link with an 8-character code.
Nicolas ProvostMar 25, 2026 · 15 min read
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Key takeaways
- To log in, open web.whatsapp.com on the computer, then in WhatsApp Business on your phone tap Linked devices > Link a device and scan the QR code.
- If the QR code will not scan, click Link with phone number on WhatsApp Web and type the 8-character code on your phone, an option WhatsApp offers Business accounts only on the web.
- Up to four linked devices work without your phone online, but they log out if you do not use WhatsApp Business on the phone for over 14 days.
Quick answer
How do you log in to WhatsApp Business on a computer?
- On your computer, go to web.whatsapp.com in Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox, or open the WhatsApp app for Windows or Mac from whatsapp.com/download. A QR code appears.
- On your phone, open WhatsApp Business. On Android, tap More options (three dots) > Linked devices > Link a device. On iPhone, tap Settings > Linked devices > Link device.
- Point your phone at the screen and scan the QR code. If asked, unlock with your fingerprint, face or PIN, or confirm with a passkey in the browser.
These are the steps in WhatsApp's Help Center, read on November 4, 2026. QR code will not scan, or no camera? On WhatsApp Web, click Link with phone number, enter your business number, then type the 8-character code shown on the computer into WhatsApp Business on your phone. For Business accounts, WhatsApp offers this option only on WhatsApp Web (WhatsApp Help Center).
Once linked, you can use up to four linked devices without your phone online, as long as you use WhatsApp Business on the phone at least once every 14 days (WhatsApp Help Center, as of November 4, 2026).
Below: what works on a computer and what does not, the keyboard shortcuts, fixes for the common login problems, and when a store outgrows the app.
What Is WhatsApp Business Web?
WhatsApp Business Web is the browser-based version of WhatsApp Business. It mirrors your mobile WhatsApp Business account on your desktop, giving you access to all your conversations, contacts, and business features through a web browser.
Key capabilities:
- Send and receive messages from your desktop
- Share files, images, and documents with customers
- Use quick replies for the answers you send often
- Manage labels to organize conversations
- View business profile information
- Multi-device support: works even when your phone is offline
WhatsApp Business Web works at web.whatsapp.com or through the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows and Mac, both of which you link to your WhatsApp Business account with the steps above.
What does not work on a computer. WhatsApp lists three features the WhatsApp Business app does not support on linked devices: sharing and viewing live location, creating and viewing broadcast lists, and adding or deleting a status (WhatsApp Help Center, read on November 4, 2026). Do those from your phone.
How to Set Up WhatsApp Business Web
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web
Visit web.whatsapp.com in Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. You'll see a QR code on screen.
Step 2: Scan the QR Code
- Open WhatsApp Business on your phone
- On Android, tap More options (three vertical dots). On iPhone, tap Settings
- Select Linked devices
- Tap Link a device (on iPhone: Link device)
- If prompted, unlock with your fingerprint, face or PIN
- Scan the QR code displayed on your browser
Step 3: Start Using WhatsApp Business Web
Once linked, all your conversations appear in the browser. You can now send messages, share media, and manage your business chats from your desktop. If WhatsApp detects a device it does not recognize, your phone asks you to confirm the link: tap Link device to continue or Don't link to refuse (WhatsApp Help Center).
Option: Link With Your Phone Number Instead of the QR Code
WhatsApp lets you link WhatsApp Business to a browser with a one-time code instead of a scan (WhatsApp Help Center, read on November 4, 2026):
- Open web.whatsapp.com. If you are already signed in there with a regular WhatsApp account, log out first.
- Click Link with phone number, select your country, type your WhatsApp Business number and click Next. An 8-character code appears.
- On your phone, tap the Enter code notification from WhatsApp Business, check the device name, tap Confirm, and type the code.
You can also start from the phone: Linked devices > Link a device > Link with phone number instead. For Business accounts, this option works only on WhatsApp Web, not in the Windows or Mac app.
If WhatsApp Asks for a Passkey
WhatsApp may ask you to create or use a passkey when you link WhatsApp Web, as an extra security check. Passkey linking works on iPhone with iOS 16 or later, Android 9 or later with Google Play Services, and in Chrome 109+, Safari 16+, Microsoft Edge 109+ and Firefox 122+ (WhatsApp Help Center, as of November 4, 2026). If it fails, the fixes are in the troubleshooting section below.
Pro tip: You can link up to four devices at once with WhatsApp Business, so several team members can answer customers from different computers. With a Meta Verified subscription, WhatsApp says you can connect up to 10 devices and assign chats to specific agents (WhatsApp Help Center).
WhatsApp Business Web Features
Quick Replies
Save frequently used messages as quick replies, then type / in the message field to pull them up. WhatsApp Business stores up to 50 quick replies, and media files are not supported in quick replies on Web or Desktop (WhatsApp Help Center, read on November 4, 2026). Essential for customer support teams handling common questions about shipping, returns, or product details.
Labels
Labels let you organize chats with colors and names, such as new customers, pending payments or shipped orders. WhatsApp is turning labels into lists: on WhatsApp Business Web, click Tools > Lists > Add new list to create one, and you can create up to 20 labels (WhatsApp Help Center, as of November 4, 2026).
Labels help you prioritize conversations, and WhatsApp lets you send a business broadcast to all the customers in a label at once. For segmented campaigns at scale, see targeted campaigns.
Catalog
Display your products directly in WhatsApp. Customers can browse your catalog and ask questions about a product in the chat.
Business Profile
Your business profile displays:
- Business name and description
- Address and business hours
- Website and email
- Category
A complete business profile builds trust and improves response rates.
WhatsApp Business Web vs WhatsApp Business App vs API
| Feature | WhatsApp Business Web | WhatsApp Business App | WhatsApp Business API |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (business broadcasts paid) | Free (business broadcasts paid) | Per delivered message |
| Users | Up to 4 linked devices | 1 phone | Unlimited |
| Automation | Quick replies only | Quick replies only | Full automation + chatbots |
| Bulk messaging | Business broadcasts only | Broadcast lists (256 contacts each) and business broadcasts | Template campaigns to opted-in customers |
| CRM integration | No | No | Yes (Shopify, Klaviyo, etc.) |
| Analytics | Basic | Basic | Advanced (open rates, CTR) |
| Template messages | No | No | Yes (pre-approved) |
| Best for | Solo entrepreneurs | Small businesses | Growing e-commerce brands |
Broadcast lists hold up to 256 contacts each and only reach people who saved your number (WhatsApp Help Center, read on November 4, 2026).
When to Upgrade to the WhatsApp Business API
If you're experiencing any of these limitations, it's time to move to the API:
- More than 256 contacts to reach with broadcasts
- Multiple team members need to manage conversations
- Automated workflows for abandoned cart recovery, order notifications, or post-purchase upsells
- Integration with Shopify, Klaviyo, Gorgias, or other tools
- AI chatbot for 24/7 automated customer support
Platforms like Kanal connect a Shopify store to the WhatsApp Business API, with automations, a shared team inbox, an AI agent on the Scale and Business plans, and revenue tracked per message.
WhatsApp Business Web on Desktop: Tips for E-commerce Teams
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
WhatsApp Web shortcuts use Ctrl + Alt on Windows and Cmd + Ctrl on Mac (WhatsApp Help Center, read on November 4, 2026):
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| New chat | Ctrl + Alt + N | Cmd + Ctrl + N |
| New group | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + N | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Search chats | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F | Cmd + Ctrl + / |
| Mark as unread | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + U | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + U |
| Mute chat | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + M |
| Archive chat | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Pin chat | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P | Cmd + Ctrl + Shift + P |
| Emoji panel | Ctrl + Alt + E | Cmd + Ctrl + E |
| Close chat | Escape | Escape |
2. Set Up Notifications
Enable desktop notifications so you never miss a customer message. In WhatsApp Web, open Settings, then Notifications.
For high-volume stores, consider Kanal's shared team inbox to manage all WhatsApp conversations, with an AI agent on the Scale and Business plans.
3. Use WhatsApp Web for Customer Support
WhatsApp Web is great for handling live customer support. Combine it with:
- Gorgias integration for ticketing and SLA management
- Zendesk integration for enterprise support workflows
- Quick replies for FAQ responses (shipping times, return policy, etc.)
4. Multi-Device for Team Access
With multi-device support, your customer service team can access WhatsApp Business at the same time:
- Link each team member's computer as a separate device
- Use labels to assign conversations to specific team members
- Set up automated away messages outside business hours (our guide on scheduling WhatsApp messages covers the away message schedule)
For teams larger than the four linked devices allow, the WhatsApp Business API through Kanal adds a shared team inbox.
WhatsApp Business Web: Common Issues & Fixes
Logged Out or "Phone Not Connected"
Linked devices work without your phone online, but they log out if you do not use WhatsApp Business on the phone for over 14 days, and WhatsApp disconnects a linked device after 30 days of inactivity (WhatsApp Help Center). If you are replacing that phone, follow our guide on transferring WhatsApp to a new phone before you link your computer again.
Fix: Open WhatsApp Business on your phone, make sure it is connected to the internet, then link the computer again from Linked devices.
QR Code Not Scanning
- Make sure your phone camera is clean and focused
- Increase your screen brightness
- Try refreshing the QR code (click the reload icon)
- Clear your browser cache and try again
- Skip the scan: click Link with phone number on WhatsApp Web and use the 8-character code
Passkey Check Fails
WhatsApp's troubleshooting steps for passkey linking (WhatsApp Help Center):
- Update WhatsApp on your phone and use a supported browser (Chrome 109+, Safari 16+, Microsoft Edge 109+ or Firefox 122+)
- Leave incognito or private mode, which may interfere with the passkey
- Turn on Bluetooth on both your phone and your computer
- Sign in to the same Google account (Chrome and Android) or the same Apple account (Mac and iPhone) on both devices
- On a work computer, ask IT: some corporate browsers block WebAuthn, which passkeys need
Messages Not Syncing
If messages are missing rather than just late, see how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages before you unlink anything. A locked chat is a separate case: our guide to WhatsApp chat lock explains how locked chats behave on WhatsApp Web and desktop.
- Check your internet connection on both phone and desktop
- Log out and re-link the device
- Update WhatsApp Business to the latest version
WhatsApp Web Not Loading
- Try a different browser (Chrome works best)
- Disable browser extensions that might block WhatsApp
- Clear cookies and cache for web.whatsapp.com
- Only log in at web.whatsapp.com: WhatsApp warns that linking your account through unofficial apps or websites can get it temporarily or permanently banned (WhatsApp Help Center)
More fixes, step by step: WhatsApp Web not working.
WhatsApp Business Web for Shopify Stores
If you're running a Shopify store, WhatsApp Business Web is just the starting point. Here's how to build a complete WhatsApp commerce strategy:
Level 1: WhatsApp Business Web (Free)
- Answer customer questions manually
- Share product links from your Shopify store
- Send order confirmations via copy-paste
Level 2: WhatsApp Business API with Kanal
- Automated abandoned cart recovery: reminders sent while the purchase intent is still fresh
- Broadcast campaigns to segmented customer lists
- AI agent for 24/7 support on the Scale and Business plans (see our case studies)
- Order notifications synced with Shopify
- Post-purchase upsells based on purchase history
- Back-in-stock alerts to drive repeat purchases
Level 3: Full Omnichannel with Integrations
- Klaviyo integration: send WhatsApp templates from your Klaviyo flows
- Gorgias integration: unified customer support
- Loyoly integration: reward loyal customers via WhatsApp
- Splio integration: enterprise marketing automation
Compare the best Shopify marketing apps to find the right stack for your store. You can also check our comparisons of the best abandoned cart apps and best SMS apps for Shopify.
FAQ
How do I log in to WhatsApp Business on my computer?
Open web.whatsapp.com in your browser, or the WhatsApp app for Windows or Mac. On your phone, open WhatsApp Business: on Android tap More options > Linked devices > Link a device, on iPhone tap Settings > Linked devices > Link device. Then scan the QR code on the computer screen. If WhatsApp asks, unlock with your fingerprint, face or PIN, or confirm with a passkey.
Can I log in to WhatsApp Business Web without scanning a QR code?
Yes. On WhatsApp Web, click Link with phone number, enter your WhatsApp Business number and click Next. An 8-character code appears on the computer: type it into WhatsApp Business on your phone after tapping the Enter code notification. For Business accounts, WhatsApp offers this option only on WhatsApp Web, not in the desktop app (WhatsApp Help Center).
Is WhatsApp Business Web free?
Yes, logging in and chatting on WhatsApp Business Web is free. The paid part is business broadcasts, the marketing messages you can send from Tools > Business broadcasts, which are charged per delivered message (WhatsApp Help Center). The WhatsApp Business API (for automation and scale), which you use through providers like Kanal, is billed by Meta per delivered message.
Can I use WhatsApp Business Web without my phone?
Yes. Linked devices work without your phone online, but they log out if you do not use WhatsApp Business on your phone for over 14 days, and WhatsApp disconnects a linked device after 30 days of inactivity (WhatsApp Help Center).
How many devices can I link to WhatsApp Business?
Up to four linked devices (computers or tablets) at a time, plus your phone. With a Meta Verified subscription, WhatsApp says you can connect up to 10 devices and assign chats to specific agents (WhatsApp Help Center). For unlimited team access, use the WhatsApp Business API.
Can I send bulk messages from WhatsApp Business Web?
Not with broadcast lists: WhatsApp does not support them on Windows, Mac or Web, and on the phone each list holds up to 256 contacts who saved your number (WhatsApp Help Center). On WhatsApp Business Web you can send paid business broadcasts from Tools > Business broadcasts, reviewed by Meta before they go out. For broadcasts with automation and analytics, use the WhatsApp Business API through platforms like Kanal.
Does WhatsApp Business Web work on Mac?
Yes. web.whatsapp.com works in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on a Mac, and you can also link your WhatsApp Business account to the WhatsApp app for Mac from whatsapp.com/download, which requires macOS 12.1 or newer (as of November 4, 2026).
Conclusion
WhatsApp Business Web is a great starting point for managing customer conversations from your desktop. For solo entrepreneurs and small teams, it provides essential features at no cost.
However, as your e-commerce business grows, you'll need the WhatsApp Business API to unlock automation, AI chatbots, and deep Shopify integration. Kanal makes this transition seamless. Install our Shopify app and start recovering abandoned carts and sending targeted campaigns in minutes.
Ready to scale your WhatsApp commerce? Book a demo to see how Kanal puts WhatsApp marketing to work on your own store.
Use our free WhatsApp link generator to create click-to-chat links, or check your customers' WhatsApp availability with our WhatsApp number checker.
Further Reading
- WhatsApp Business API Guide: scale beyond WhatsApp Web with automation
- WhatsApp Business Pricing: understand costs when upgrading to the API
- Best Shopify Live Chat Apps: compare live chat solutions for your store
Nicolas helps e-commerce brands grow revenue with WhatsApp marketing. With deep expertise in Shopify ecosystems and conversational commerce, he shares proven strategies for abandoned cart recovery, broadcast campaigns, and AI-powered customer engagement.
