The short answer
- 1The login QR code can only be read by Settings > Devices > Add Device in the phone app.
- 2If it fails, check camera permission, a refreshed code, screen brightness and the account.
- 3Never scan a QR code someone sent you: it logs their computer in to your account.
In this article
The QR code is only for Telegram's own scanner
Telegram Desktop and Telegram Web open on a screen called Scan From Mobile Telegram, with a QR code and three steps. The code is a login request for that computer, and it can only be read from inside the Telegram app on a phone where you are already logged in. Pointing the phone's normal camera app or a separate QR reader at it does nothing useful: at best it shows a link, and no login happens.
- The path on your phone: Settings > Devices > Add Device
- Log in using phone number - the way in without a camera
The QR code is blurred in this picture. A real one is only for your own screen and changes every few seconds.
The scanner is under Devices in the phone app:
Not available on this device.
- Settings tab
- Devices
- Add Device
- Bottom Settings tab
- Devices
- Add Device
The computer shows the code; the phone scans it. Tap Add Device, point the camera at the screen, and the computer logs in a moment later.
- Add Device - opens Telegram's own QR scanner
When scanning does not work, check in this order
- The camera is blocked. If Add Device opens a black screen or nothing happens, Telegram has no camera permission. Allow it in the phone's settings for the Telegram app, under Permissions, then try again.
- The code has changed. The QR code on the login screen is replaced every so often for security. If the screen has been open for a while, wait for the new code to appear and scan that one.
- The phone cannot read the screen. A dim or distant monitor, glare, or a very small window are common causes. Make the window bigger, turn up the brightness and hold the phone closer.
- The wrong account is open on the phone. The computer logs in to whichever account scanned it. If you use several accounts, switch to the right one first.
- One side has no connection. If either the phone or the computer is stuck on "Connecting…", the login cannot finish. Check both are online.
If you have Two-Step Verification on, the computer asks for your password after the scan. That is expected; the scan replaces the code, not the password.
Log in without the QR code
You do not need a working camera at all. On the login screen, choose Log in using phone number, type your number, and Telegram sends the code to the Telegram app on your phone, as a message in the official Telegram chat. Getting your code in the Telegram app on another device explains where to look.
The desktop app also offers Log in using passkey if you have set one up. See setting up a passkey.
Never scan a code someone sent you
If you already scanned one, open Devices on your phone straight away and end any session you do not recognise. Checking active sessions shows how.
The full setup, from installing Telegram Desktop to the first login, is in installing Telegram on Windows. Next step: adding a login email to get codes without SMS.
FAQ
Why can't I log in to Telegram Desktop with the QR code?
The code must be scanned from the Telegram app on your phone, at Settings > Devices > Add Device. A normal camera app will not log you in.
How do I log in to Telegram Web without scanning a QR code?
Choose Log in using phone number. Telegram sends the code to the Telegram app on your phone.
Is it safe to scan a Telegram QR code someone sent me?
No. It is usually a login screen on their computer; scanning it gives them access to your account.
Sources
At a glance
- 1Scan with Telegram
Settings > Devices > Add Device, not the camera app.
- 2No camera?
Log in using phone number; the code comes to the phone app.
- 3Only your screen
A QR code from a message is a takeover attempt.
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