StreamLive ProThe WhatsApp QR code does not connect
The WhatsApp QR code for Post from groups expires, keeps changing or will not link: why, how to link with a phone-number code, and what each status means.
StreamLive Pro links to WhatsApp as a linked device, the same way WhatsApp Web does. The QR code on the screen is short-lived: the page counts down about a minute for the first code and about 20 seconds for each new one, and shows every new code by itself. Most failed scans come from scanning on the wrong screen of the phone (the WhatsApp camera instead of Linked devices), a code that ran out while the phone was looking for it, or a phone with no internet. When scanning will not work, choose Code by phone number: you type a short code on the phone instead.
Symptoms and fixes
| You see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The code expired, with a New QR code button | The page refreshed the code twice and then stopped | Press New QR code and scan within the countdown |
| The phone says the code is not valid | It changed between the moment you aimed and the scan | Scan the code that is on screen now; the ring shows the seconds left |
| Nothing happens after the scan | The phone has no connection, or you scanned with the regular camera | Check the phone's internet, and scan from WhatsApp, Settings, Linked devices |
| Too many attempts. Wait a moment and try again. | New linking sessions were started too often | Wait a minute and press Link WhatsApp once |
| You can ask for a new code once a minute, up to 5 an hour | Too many phone-number codes | Wait, then request one code and use it |
| WhatsApp refused to link this number | WhatsApp blocked the link for this number | Open WhatsApp on the phone, deal with any notice there, then link again. We do not retry by ourselves |
| Posting from groups is not included in your plan | The plan does not include it | It is on Pro, Studio and the trial: /pricing?lang=en |
Steps
- Open the link window. In Post from groups open Devices and click Link WhatsApp. If it was linked before, press Reconnect instead.
- Use the right screen on the phone. Open WhatsApp, then Settings, Linked devices, Link a device. Scanning with the phone's ordinary camera app does nothing.
- Scan while the ring counts down. The text under the code says when it refreshes. The code refreshes by itself; scan the one you see.
- Or link with a code. Choose Code by phone number, pick the country code and type the number without a leading 0 (for example 501234567). Press Get a code. On the phone go to Settings, Linked devices, Link a device, tap "Link with phone number instead" and type the code. The page shows how long it stays valid (a little over two and a half minutes).
- Wait for the groups. After "Linked" the page loads your groups and says how many it found. Then choose the groups, or close and use Import groups later.
- Check the status line. Devices should say Connected, with the number, name and last activity.
WhatsApp's own steps for linking a device are on its help page: How to link a device (checked 5 November 2026).
When it was connected and then stopped
| Status on Devices | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Unlinked from the phone | Someone removed this device under Linked devices on the phone, or the phone logged out | Link again by QR or code |
| Opened elsewhere | WhatsApp Web or another service took over the session | Press Reconnect |
| Reconnecting (attempt n) | A short network break | Nothing; it reconnects by itself |
| WhatsApp refused the number | WhatsApp blocked the link | Check WhatsApp on the phone first, then link again |
Disconnect stops publishing from every WhatsApp group until you link again; the groups and their settings are kept. Telegram channels are not affected, because they use the bot.
When to contact support
If the phone says the device is linked but Post from groups still shows Not connected after a few minutes, or the window keeps showing "Preparing a QR code" without a code, write to [email protected]. Send the time of the attempt, whether you used QR or the code, the phone model and the exact message on screen. Never send the code itself.
Related pages
- Post to every network from a WhatsApp or Telegram group
- Rules for posting from a group: words, signature, logo
- Notifications: what the bell tells you, and how often
Frequently asked questions
Why does the WhatsApp QR code keep changing?
Each code is short-lived. The page shows every new one by itself with a countdown, so you scan whatever is on screen when you are ready.
Can I link without scanning a QR code?
Yes. Choose Code by phone number, type your number with the country code and enter the code on the phone after "Link with phone number instead".
Does my phone need to stay on?
The link works like WhatsApp Web. If the phone removes the device or the session is opened elsewhere, Devices shows it and you link again.
Will linking show my private chats?
StreamLive Pro listens only to the groups you added under Groups. Other chats are not published.
I linked the wrong number. How do I change it?
Press Disconnect on Devices, then Link WhatsApp again with the right number. Group settings are kept, but the new number must be a member of those groups.
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