WhatsApp Not Working? Fixes for Android, iPhone and Web

When WhatsApp stops working it never picks a good moment. A client is waiting, a family chat is buzzing, and your messages just sit there with a clock beside them. The good news is that WhatsApp's own help pages put the cause down to a poor connection most of the time, and the fixes are quick. I've put them in the order the help pages give them, starting with the easiest checks.

First, work out how WhatsApp is not working

The fix depends on the symptom, so spot yours before you change anything.

• Messages show a clock instead of a tick. According to WhatsApp's help pages, that means they aren't getting delivered.
• You can't send or receive chats, or photos and videos won't upload or download.
• You only see new messages once you open the app, so notifications are the issue.
• WhatsApp Web or the desktop app won't connect.
• One person's messages aren't arriving but everyone else's are.

If it's only one person, that points to something specific to them rather than WhatsApp being down. The block signs are explained in my guide to knowing if someone blocked you on WhatsApp, though a single sign proves nothing.

Check the internet connection when WhatsApp isn't working

WhatsApp says the most common reason for trouble sending and receiving chats, or uploading and downloading photos and videos, is a poor internet connection. It also affects hearing or recording audio. So begin here.

1. Open a chat and try to send a message. Look for the clock beside it.
2. Check the network signal on your phone. Is it blinking or empty?
3. Open a webpage in your phone's browser to see whether it loads.
4. Check whether other apps connect.
5. See whether WhatsApp works on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data, or the other way round. If only one fails, the problem is with that connection rather than WhatsApp.
6. If other apps work but WhatsApp doesn't, contact your mobile provider, because they may be able to change settings so WhatsApp works.

Fixes to try when WhatsApp isn't working on Android

If your phone is connected and the signal is strong, WhatsApp's help pages list these steps for Android. Work down the list one at a time.

1. Turn your phone off and on again.
2. Turn mobile data on.
3. Turn flight mode on and off.
4. Turn Data saver off.
5. Update WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
6. Use a supported operating system.
7. Turn data roaming off.
8. Turn Wi-Fi off and on, or connect to a different Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
9. Check Sleep mode isn't switching Wi-Fi off.

Fixes to try when WhatsApp isn't working on iPhone

The iPhone list is similar, with a few differences that suit Apple's settings.

1. Turn your iPhone off and on again.
2. Turn Mobile Data on.
3. Turn Airplane Mode on and off.
4. Allow Background App Refresh for WhatsApp.
5. Update WhatsApp.
6. Use a supported operating system.
7. Turn Data roaming off.
8. Turn Wi-Fi off and on, or join a different Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
9. Check Focus mode so Wi-Fi or data stays on.

If those WhatsApp fixes don't work

WhatsApp's help pages suggest a few further steps. Restart your Wi-Fi router. Contact your mobile provider and ask whether your APN settings are set up correctly, since that holds the details your phone needs to connect to the internet. Contact the Wi-Fi network administrator if you're on an office or campus network, because those networks can cause connection problems. On iPhone, forget your Wi-Fi network and reconnect.

There's a handy extra tip too: if you can, ask the person you're trying to contact to run the same checks, in case the issue is on their end.

When WhatsApp notifications aren't working

If messages only show up when you open the app, WhatsApp calls that a push notification issue. Its help pages say push notifications depend on your notification permissions, background data and battery settings. Work through these on Android.

• On Android 13 and above, apps need permission to send notifications. Go to Settings, Apps, WhatsApp, Notifications, then turn on Allow notifications.
• Check your phone's notification settings. WhatsApp says your phone's settings override WhatsApp's.
• Check Settings, Notifications inside WhatsApp, and make sure the notification tone isn't set to Silent.
• Turn Background data off and on under Settings, Apps, WhatsApp, Mobile data usage.
• Exclude WhatsApp from battery optimization. The steps differ for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus and Oppo phones.
• Make sure Do not disturb is off.

Grouped alerts have their own rules too. WhatsApp says group notifications have separate settings and each group can be muted, so check the group isn't muted if only group alerts are missing.

When WhatsApp Web isn't working

On a computer, WhatsApp's help pages suggest you refresh the WhatsApp Web page, clear your browser cache and cookies, and log out and back in. Restarting the computer can help. They also say some Wi-Fi networks, such as office or university ones, can cause problems, so try a different network or a hotspot. WhatsApp Web works on the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera and Safari, and it won't work with some older browsers, including Internet Explorer.

If your phone has been off or offline for a long time, WhatsApp says linked devices may be logged out if your primary phone is unused for over 14 days. Turn the phone back on, connect it to the internet, and link the device again if needed.

When WhatsApp isn't working for backups or other jobs

Sometimes the app opens fine but one job stalls. If it's your backup that won't finish, my guide to a stuck WhatsApp backup explains what to check. For the other everyday jobs, the list in my WhatsApp help guide is a good place to start.

Using WhatsApp for business when it stops working

If customers reach you on WhatsApp, an outage feels bigger. Keep another way to be reached, such as email or a phone number on your website, so people aren't left waiting. Then run the checks above in order, and don't change everything at once, because you won't know which step fixed it.

When to contact WhatsApp about it not working

If you've gone through every step and WhatsApp still won't connect, WhatsApp's help pages suggest contacting your phone manufacturer for notification problems, and your mobile provider for connection problems. Beyond that, check WhatsApp's help centre for any newer steps that suit your phone and app version.

Frequently asked questions

Why is WhatsApp not working on my phone?

WhatsApp's help pages say the most common reason is a poor internet connection. Check your signal, try other apps, and then work through the restart, update and Wi-Fi steps.

What does a clock next to my WhatsApp message mean?

WhatsApp's help pages say a clock instead of a tick means your message isn't getting delivered, which usually points to a connection problem.

Why am I not getting WhatsApp notifications?

Check your phone's notification permission, background data, battery optimization and Do not disturb. Your phone's settings override WhatsApp's.

What should I do if WhatsApp Web isn't working?

Refresh the page, clear your browser cache and cookies, log out and back in, or try a different network. Older browsers, including Internet Explorer, aren't supported.

Should I contact WhatsApp or my provider?

If other apps connect but WhatsApp doesn't, WhatsApp says to contact your mobile provider. For notification problems, contact your phone's manufacturer.