> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.linkupapi.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp QR Authentication

> Authenticate WhatsApp accounts using QR code

## Authentication Flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create WhatsApp Account">
    [Register your WhatsApp account](/api-reference/webhook-realtime/create_account) to start receiving QR codes via webhook for authentication. QR code generation starts immediately after account creation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive QR Code">
    Your `qr_webhook_url` receives the QR code image automatically
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan QR Code">
    User scans the QR code with their WhatsApp mobile app (20 sec window)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authentication Complete">
    Account becomes authenticated and monitoring begins
  </Step>
</Steps>

## QR Code Lifecycle

* QR codes are generated immediately after account creation
* Each QR code expires after 20 sec
* New QR codes are automatically generated and sent to your webhook
* Display the latest QR code received