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Overview

QR code authentication is the primary method for connecting Baileys to WhatsApp. Your phone scans the QR code displayed by Baileys, establishing a multi-device connection.

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Basic QR Code Connection

The simplest way to connect with a QR code: 
import makeWASocket from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'

const sock = makeWASocket({
    printQRInTerminal: true
})
When printQRInTerminal is set to true, the QR code will be displayed in your terminal for easy scanning.

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Browser Configuration

You can customize the browser identity that appears in your WhatsApp’s “Linked Devices” section using the browser parameter.

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Available Browser Configs

Baileys provides predefined browser configurations: 
import makeWASocket, { Browsers } from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'

const sock = makeWASocket({
    browser: Browsers.macOS('Chrome'),
    printQRInTerminal: true
})
// Appears as: Mac OS (Chrome)

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Browser Configuration Options

BrowserPlatformVersion
Browsers.ubuntu()Ubuntu22.04.4
Browsers.macOS()Mac OS14.4.1
Browsers.windows()Windows10.0.22631
Browsers.baileys()Baileys6.5.0
Browsers.appropriate()Auto-detectedSystem release

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Custom Browser Configuration

You can also provide a custom browser configuration: 
const sock = makeWASocket({
    browser: ['My Custom OS', 'My App Name', '1.0.0'],
    printQRInTerminal: true
})
The browser parameter is a tuple: [Platform, AppName, Version]

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Receiving Full Message History

To receive complete message history when connecting, configure these options: 
import makeWASocket, { Browsers } from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'

const sock = makeWASocket({
    browser: Browsers.macOS('Desktop'),
    syncFullHistory: true,
    printQRInTerminal: true
})
1

Set syncFullHistory

Enable syncFullHistory: true to request full chat history from WhatsApp.
2

Use Desktop Browser

Desktop browsers (macOS, Windows, Ubuntu) receive more message history than mobile browsers.
3

Handle History Events

History will be received via the messaging-history.set event after connection.

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Complete Connection Example

Here’s a complete example with QR code authentication and session persistence: 
import makeWASocket, { 
    Browsers, 
    DisconnectReason, 
    useMultiFileAuthState 
} from '@whiskeysockets/baileys'
import { Boom } from '@hapi/boom'

async function connectToWhatsApp() {
    // Load saved session
    const { state, saveCreds } = await useMultiFileAuthState('auth_info_baileys')
    
    const sock = makeWASocket({
        auth: state,
        browser: Browsers.macOS('Chrome'),
        printQRInTerminal: true,
        syncFullHistory: true
    })
    
    sock.ev.on('connection.update', (update) => {
        const { connection, lastDisconnect, qr } = update
        
        if (qr) {
            console.log('QR Code updated, scan with your phone')
        }
        
        if (connection === 'close') {
            const shouldReconnect = 
                (lastDisconnect?.error as Boom)?.output?.statusCode !== 
                DisconnectReason.loggedOut
            
            console.log('Connection closed:', lastDisconnect?.error)
            
            if (shouldReconnect) {
                connectToWhatsApp()
            }
        } else if (connection === 'open') {
            console.log('Connected successfully!')
        }
    })
    
    // Save credentials when updated
    sock.ev.on('creds.update', saveCreds)
}

connectToWhatsApp()

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QR Code Timeout

You can configure how long to wait for QR code generation: 
const sock = makeWASocket({
    qrTimeout: 60000, // 60 seconds (in milliseconds)
    printQRInTerminal: true
})
QR codes expire after a short period. If the user doesn’t scan in time, a new QR code will be generated automatically and emitted via the connection.update event.

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Connection Events

Monitor the QR code and connection status: 
sock.ev.on('connection.update', (update) => {
    const { connection, qr, lastDisconnect } = update
    
    if (qr) {
        // New QR code available
        console.log('Scan this QR code:', qr)
    }
    
    if (connection === 'connecting') {
        console.log('Establishing connection...')
    }
    
    if (connection === 'open') {
        console.log('Connection opened')
    }
    
    if (connection === 'close') {
        console.log('Connection closed')
    }
})

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Best Practices

1

Choose the Right Browser Config

Use desktop browser configs (macOS, windows, ubuntu) to receive more message history.
2

Save Authentication State

Always use useMultiFileAuthState to save sessions and avoid repeated QR scanning.
3

Handle Reconnections

Implement automatic reconnection logic for network failures (but not for logout).
4

Display QR Properly

If building a UI, extract the QR from the connection.update event rather than printing to terminal.

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Next Steps

Session Management

Learn how to save and restore sessions

Pairing Code Method

Alternative authentication without QR codes

Handling Events

Process messages and connection events

Socket Configuration

Advanced socket configuration options

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