This site is not affiliated with WhatsApp; this is an independent explanation.
WhatsApp Web not working usually looks like one of these: the QR code never appears, the scan does nothing, the page sits on "Loading your chats", messages do not sync, or you are thrown out again and again. The good part is that your chats are stored safely on your account and phone, so a broken web session rarely means lost messages.
The web version is a screen that talks to your account through your browser. When it fails, the cause is almost always in the browser, the computer's clock or network, or the link between your phone and the computer. Work through the list in order and you will fix most cases within a few minutes. For trouble inside the phone app, use the full WhatsApp not working page.
Common causes
1Browser cache or cookies are corrupted
How to tellPage loads blank, spins forever or logs out again and again
What fixes itClear site data for the page or open it in a private window
2Browser extension blocks the page
How to tellWorks in a private window but not in the normal one
What fixes itDisable ad blockers and privacy extensions for the page
3Wrong date, time or time zone on the PC
How to tellConnection or secure page warnings, QR scan fails
What fixes itSet date and time to automatic
4Phone has no internet or the linked device expired
How to tellMessages stop syncing or the web shows a connection warning
What fixes itOpen the phone app on a good connection and relink if needed
5Outdated browser or app
How to tellA message says the browser is not supported
What fixes itUpdate the browser and the phone app
6Camera cannot read the QR code
How to tellPhone scanner stays on scanning
What fixes itClean the lens, raise the screen brightness, zoom the page
How to fix it, step by step
Reload the page once
Press Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows to reload without the saved copy. On a Mac use Cmd + Shift + R. A page that was open for many hours often just needs this.
Check the phone and computer internet
Your phone must be connected to the internet, at least from time to time, for the link to stay active. Open a web page on both devices. If the computer connection is poor, see WiFi not working or internet not working.
Try a private window
Open a private or incognito window and visit the web address of the service. If it works there, a cache problem or an extension is the cause in your normal window.
Clear cache and cookies for the site
In your browser settings find the site data section, search for the site, and remove its stored data. You will log out of the web screen only, not out of the phone. Then scan a new QR code.
Turn off extensions
Switch off ad blockers, VPN add-ons and privacy tools one by one. Some of them block the connection the page uses to receive messages.
Fix the computer's date and time
Open Windows settings, go to Time and language and turn on automatic time and time zone. Secure pages refuse to load when the PC clock drifts too far.
Update the browser and the phone app
Install pending updates for your browser. Update the phone app from its official store too. Old versions may not link properly.
Unlink and link again
On the phone open the app's Linked devices screen, remove the computer, then scan the new QR code from the web page. Hold the phone steady about 20 cm from the screen.
Try another browser or the desktop app
If one browser fails, test another. The dedicated computer app from the official source is also an option. Do not use unofficial web tools or mod versions; they can steal your messages.
WhatsApp Web not working on Chrome: browser specific checks
Chrome and other browsers share the same typical faults. Check that the site is allowed to show notifications and use the camera if you use calls, that hardware acceleration is not breaking the page, and that no extension is limiting it. In Chrome, the site settings icon next to the address bar shows what is allowed for the page.
If the page opens but stays blank, try turning off hardware acceleration in the browser's system settings, then restart the browser.
QR code problems
| What you see | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No QR code appears | Blocked script or poor connection | Private window, check internet |
| QR shows but will not scan | Dirty lens or glare | Clean lens, change brightness |
| Scan works, then chats never load | Slow connection or cache | Wait, then clear site data |
| Logged out repeatedly | Cookies being deleted | Allow cookies for the site |
The page keeps on Loading your chats at 100 percent. Your phone shows the device as linked. Wait a few minutes on a steady connection; if nothing changes, clear the site data and link again.
Why WhatsApp Web is not working on a PC but fine on the phone
The phone keeps its own copy of your chats, so it will look fine even when the computer link is broken. The computer link depends on the browser, the PC clock, the network and any security software. A firewall at an office or college may also block the web connection. In that case, only the network owner can open it, and you can test by using mobile data hotspot from your phone.
If the hotspot works, the earlier network is blocking the page. Read hotspot not working if sharing data does not start.
Keep your account safe
Never scan a QR code that someone sends you or shows you on another screen, since this can give them access to your chats. Log out of the web version on shared computers. Never share the six digit code sent to your number.
Frequently asked questions
Why is WhatsApp Web not working today?
Usually the cause is local: browser cache, extensions, a wrong PC clock or a weak connection. When lots of users complain together, a short fault at the service is possible and waiting helps.
Why is WhatsApp Web not working on Chrome?
Try a private window first. If that works, clear the cache for the site and turn off extensions, then update the browser.
Why does my WhatsApp Web QR code not scan?
Check that the phone has internet, clean the camera lens, raise the screen brightness and hold the phone steady. Reload the page to get a fresh code.
Can WhatsApp Web work if my phone is switched off?
On the current linked devices setup the computer can work for a while without the phone, but the phone still needs to connect to the internet now and then to keep the link alive.
Why is my WhatsApp Web not working on PC but working on mobile?
The phone has its own copy of the app. The computer depends on the browser, network and clock, so fix those or try another network.