WhatsApp starts testing the feature to view and share channels using QR codes

WhatsApp channels have come a long way since they were introduced to the messaging platform last year, and Meta’s service continues to add new functionality regularly. The latest WhatsApp Channels feature is now in beta and allows users to quickly share, view and follow channels using a quick response (QR) code in the app. The feature is currently available for testing on recent versions of WhatsApp beta for iOS and Android, and will likely be rolled out to all users eventually.

QR codes from WhatsApp channels can also be exported to other apps

The new QR code sharing functionality was spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo on the latest versions of WhatsApp for iOS and Android. Beta testers who have updated the WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.24.25.7 or WhatsApp Beta for iOS 24.24.10.76 may be able to try out the new feature.

WhatsApp QR codes on the latest beta versions for iOS (left) and Android
Photo credit: WABetaInfo

According to the feature tracker, users who have enabled the feature on WhatsApp (you must be using the latest beta version of the app and managing an existing WhatsApp channel) can open their channel information panel and select the sharing options, where the option will be presented to create a Generate QR code.

Once the app generates a QR code, users can share it with another user on WhatsApp or other messaging apps. The QR code is shared as an image, so it can also be sent via third-party apps, or emailed and printed. This can be useful for companies that want to give customers an easy way to monitor their channel.

It is currently unclear when WhatsApp will bring the QR code sharing feature to users on the stable update channel. The company is currently testing other useful additions to the app, such as the ability to share full sticker packs, an image search feature, and contact management across devices. These features are expected to be made available to users as part of the beta program after sufficient testing.