WhatsApp not working? How to fix it on iPhone and Android
First find out if WhatsApp is down for everyone or just you. If it is just you, the fix is usually the connection, an update or storage.
Is WhatsApp down or is it your phone?
If WhatsApp stops working for lots of people at once, it is an outage and nothing on your phone will fix it. Check Downdetector or search for news of an outage. If others are fine, work through the fixes below.
The fix
9 fixes to get WhatsApp working again
- 1
Restart your phone.
This clears most app and connection glitches.
- 2
Check your connection.
Open a website or another app. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Turn Airplane mode on and off.
- 3
Update WhatsApp.
Old versions stop working. Update it from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
- 4
Set the date and time automatically.
A wrong date stops WhatsApp from connecting securely. On iPhone: Settings › General › Date & Time. On Android: Settings › General management (Samsung) or System › Date & time.
- 5
Free up storage.
WhatsApp needs space to save messages and media. Keep at least 1 GB free.
- 6
Allow background data and battery use (Android).
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp. Under Mobile data, turn on Background data. Under Battery, choose Unrestricted.
- 7
Allow mobile data and Background App Refresh (iPhone).
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp and turn on Cellular Data and Background App Refresh.
- 8
Clear the cache (Android).
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp › Storage and tap Clear cache. Do not tap Clear data.
- 9
Back up, then reinstall.
In WhatsApp go to Settings › Chats › Chat backup and back up. Then delete and reinstall WhatsApp, verify your number and restore the backup.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if WhatsApp is down?
Check an outage site such as Downdetector or search “WhatsApp down” on X or news sites. If many people report problems at the same time, it is an outage and you can only wait.
Will reinstalling WhatsApp delete my chats?
Only if you have no backup. Back up first in WhatsApp › Settings › Chats › Chat backup, then reinstall and restore when asked.
Why does WhatsApp say my phone is not supported?
WhatsApp regularly drops support for old versions of Android and iOS. Update your phone’s software. If no update is available, WhatsApp will stop working on that phone.
What to try next
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