InfoIntegration
WhatsApp QR code expired
When connecting WhatsApp to OpenClaw, you need to scan a QR code within ~30 seconds. If the code expires before you scan it, the connection fails and you'll need to restart the process.
Symptoms
- •
QR code appears but fails when scanned - •
Session expired — please restart - •
WhatsApp enters a reconnect loop - •
QR code keeps regenerating without connecting
Causes
- •QR code wasn't scanned within the 30-second window
- •Network latency between your phone and the server
- •Previous WhatsApp Web session was invalidated
- •WhatsApp is linked to too many devices (max 4 linked devices)
Solution
Restart the WhatsApp integration
docker compose restart openclawThen open the OpenClaw dashboard and navigate to Integrations > WhatsApp. A fresh QR code will appear.
Scan quickly
You have about 30 seconds. Open WhatsApp on your phone:
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device
- Point your camera at the QR code immediately
Check linked devices
WhatsApp allows a maximum of 4 linked devices. If you're at the limit:
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices on your phone
- Remove an old device you no longer use
- Try linking OpenClaw again
Check network stability
If QR codes keep expiring, your server may have network issues:
ping -c 5 web.whatsapp.comIf packets are dropping, check your server's network configuration or try a different server location.