When logging into WeChat using a computer, how do I switch from scanning the QR code to logging in with my account and password?

WeChat's desktop and web client login process is deliberately designed to prioritize QR code scanning as the primary and most secure method, making a direct switch to a traditional password login within that interface intentionally non-obvious. The fundamental mechanism is that the official WeChat for Windows and Mac applications, as well as the web version via browser, do not offer a visible "switch to password login" button on the initial QR code screen. This is a conscious architectural choice by Tencent to enforce a two-factor authentication model where the primary device (your mobile phone) must be present and authenticated to authorize a new desktop session, thereby significantly reducing the risk of account compromise via stolen passwords.

To achieve a password-based login, you must circumvent the standard QR code screen entirely, which requires initiating the process from a different entry point. The functional workaround is to intentionally fail the QR code login process. After the QR code is displayed on your computer screen, you can typically find a small text link below or near the code that states something to the effect of "Use mobile number/email to log in" or "Password Login." Clicking this link will redirect you to a separate browser page or pop-up window where you can enter your WeChat ID (which is often a mobile number or email) and your password. It is critical to understand that this alternative page is a fallback mechanism and may not be presented prominently; its availability can sometimes depend on your account's security settings and regional version of the client.

The implications of this design are significant for user security and convenience. By mandating phone-confirmed logins, WeChat effectively uses your mobile device as a physical security key, ensuring that even if your password is intercepted, an attacker cannot access your account without also possessing your unlocked phone. For users, the main practical consequence is that password-only login is treated as an exception, not the rule. If the fallback link is not visible, it may be because your account has additional security protections enabled or you are using a version of the client that has deprecated the option further. In such cases, the only recourse is to use the QR code method. Therefore, maintaining access to your mobile WeChat app is not merely convenient but essential for desktop access, reflecting a broader industry shift towards device-pairing and away from standalone password authentication for sensitive messaging and social platforms.