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WhatsApp link code or QR expired? Link again in a minute

If your WhatsApp QR expired or the link code ran out, nothing is wrong with your number: the link code is valid for about a minute, and the QR code refreshes by itself while the page is open, just like WhatsApp Web. Press Expired? New code, or start a new attempt from Channels.

Mujib links to your number as a linked device, the same way WhatsApp Web does: either with an eight-character code you type into WhatsApp, or with a QR code you scan with WhatsApp’s camera.

Section titled “Why do the link code and the QR code expire?”

Because WhatsApp keeps linking codes short-lived so no one else can use them. Each one ends differently:

CodeWhen it endsWhat you see
Typed link codeAfter about a minuteThe code is valid for about a minute., with Expired? New code under it
QR codeRefreshes by itself while the page is openThe code refreshes by itself — keep this page open
The whole linking attemptIf it does not complete within 5 minutes at mostThe number shows Earlier attempt, with The earlier attempt expired — link it again under it

You may also see The QR code expired before it was scanned next to the number. It means the same thing: the attempt ended, so start another.

How do I get a new code and finish linking?

Section titled “How do I get a new code and finish linking?”

Get WhatsApp ready on your phone first, then request the code and type it at once, so none of the minute is lost.

  1. On your phone, open WhatsApp, then Settings, then Linked devices, tap Link a device, then Link with phone number instead. Leave that screen open.
  2. In Mujib, open Channels and press the button that fits:
    • The code is still on screen but expired: Expired? New code.
    • The number shows Earlier attempt: Link again.
    • The number shows Disconnected: Reconnect.
    • You have not linked any number yet: Connect a WhatsApp number.
  3. If asked for the number, type it in international format without + and without the leading zero, for example 962790000000, then press Get pairing code.
  4. Type the code into the WhatsApp screen you prepared, or paste it after Copy code.
  5. Wait for the number to turn Connected. It happens by itself within seconds.

On a computer it is even simpler: scan the QR code next to the number field with WhatsApp’s camera from Link a device. Don’t worry that it keeps changing; each new code works.

Wait a moment and try once more; don’t press the button repeatedly.

  • Neither a link code nor a QR code appeared: after 45 seconds without a code, a message tells you so. Press Reconnect again.
  • You asked for a code and WhatsApp did not send it: after 30 seconds the number field comes back with WhatsApp did not send us the code. Try again in a moment, or scan the QR code if one appears.
  • You asked for many codes in a row: WhatsApp limits how many link codes can be requested in a short time. Wait a few minutes, then ask for one code.
Section titled “Why doesn’t the link complete when the code is valid?”

If you typed the code in time and linking still did not complete, it is usually one of these:

What happenedWhyFix
You type the code and linking does not completeThe number you typed into Mujib is not the number on that phonePress Wrong number? and type the number of the phone you are typing the code into
There is nowhere to type the codeYou opened the camera to scan a QR codeTap Link with phone number instead under the camera
A “local number” messageYou typed the number starting with zeroStart with the country code, so 0790000000 becomes 962790000000
WhatsApp will not accept another deviceYour phone already has four linked devices, the most WhatsApp allowsRemove a device you no longer use from Linked devices, then try again
You are trying to scan the QR with the same phoneA phone cannot scan its own screenUse the typed link code instead
Couldn't keep this number connected appears right after linkingThe number may already be linked to another business in MujibOne number serves one business; email us and we will help you release it

Contact us when you have tried twice with a fresh code and linking still does not complete.

  • When linking runs into trouble, the WhatsApp numbers card shows Stuck linking? with an Email us button, which opens an email with your business name filled in.
  • Or write to abdalrahman@mujib.ai, or use Report a problem in your account menu.
  • Include the number you are linking, which method you tried (typed code or QR), and what you saw on screen.

If the number was linked before and then dropped, see WhatsApp disconnected.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the link code valid?

About a minute, as the page itself says. Open the linking screen in WhatsApp before you request the code, then type it straight away.

Does the QR code expire too?

The QR code refreshes by itself while the page is open. The whole linking attempt ends, though, if it does not complete within 5 minutes, and you start a new one.

Does an expired code affect my number?

No. The number was never linked, so nothing changes on your phone. Start a new attempt whenever you like.

Why did no new code arrive when I asked several times in a row?

WhatsApp limits how many link codes can be requested back to back. Wait a little, then ask for one code, or scan the QR code if you are on a computer.

Can I link from my phone alone, without a computer?

Yes. Request the link code and type it into WhatsApp on that same phone; there is nothing to scan.