> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.z-api.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get QRCode

> Obtain the QRCode to connect your WhatsApp to the instance

## Overview

Just like WhatsApp Web, to connect to Z-API you need to scan a QRCode or provide a phone number. You can do this in two ways:

* Connect through our admin panel
* Integrate the experience within your own application

<Warning>
  Due to new updates made by WhatsApp, on some devices, WhatsApp has started requiring an additional verification step when attempting to connect to WhatsApp Web, which is the **[Passkey](/en/tips/extension-guide)**. When they perform the connection, a **[Challenge](/en/instance/passkey-prologue)** may be returned to be completed.
</Warning>

<Tip>
  Create a method with 10 to 20 second intervals to call the API and get a new QRCode. If the user does not scan the QRCode after 3 calls, stop the flow and display a button for the user to request a new QRCode. This avoids unnecessary calls to WhatsApp.
</Tip>

<Note>
  WhatsApp invalidates the QRCode every 20 seconds. If already authenticated, the connection will fail. After connecting, Z-API methods will be available.
</Note>