WhatsApp notifications not working? Fixes for Android and iPhone
When WhatsApp messages only arrive after you open the app, the cause is almost always a notification or battery setting. Check them in this order.
The fix
1. Check WhatsApp's own settings
- 1
Open WhatsApp › Settings › Notifications.
Make sure message and group notifications are switched on and a tone is selected.
- 2
Check the chat is not muted.
A muted chat shows a crossed-out speaker icon in the chat list. Open the chat, tap its name, then Unmute.
- 3
Update WhatsApp.
Install any pending update from the Play Store or App Store. Old versions can stop working properly.
The fix
2. On Android: allow notifications and background activity
- 1
Allow notifications.
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp › Notifications and turn on all message categories.
- 2
Set battery usage to Unrestricted.
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp › Battery and choose Unrestricted. This is the fix most people need.
- 3
On Samsung, remove WhatsApp from sleeping apps.
Open Settings › Battery › Background usage limits and make sure WhatsApp is not in Sleeping apps or Deep sleeping apps.
- 4
On Xiaomi, turn on Autostart.
Go to Settings › Apps › Manage apps › WhatsApp, turn on Autostart and set Battery saver to No restrictions.
- 5
Allow background data.
Under the app's Mobile data (or Data usage) settings, turn on Background data.
The fix
3. On iPhone: allow notifications and Background App Refresh
- 1
Allow notifications.
Go to Settings › Notifications › WhatsApp and turn on Allow Notifications, with Lock Screen and Banners selected.
- 2
Turn on Background App Refresh.
Go to Settings › Apps › WhatsApp (or Settings › WhatsApp) and turn on Background App Refresh.
- 3
Check Focus modes.
If Do Not Disturb or another Focus is on, add WhatsApp to its allowed apps in Settings › Focus.
Still nothing?
- Restart the phone.
- Check that your internet connection works in another app.
- Turn off Battery Saver or Low Power Mode and test again.
- As a last resort, back up your chats, then uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I only get WhatsApp messages when I open the app?
Your phone is stopping WhatsApp from running in the background, usually to save battery. On Android, set WhatsApp's battery usage to Unrestricted. On iPhone, turn on Background App Refresh for WhatsApp.
Why do notifications work for some chats but not others?
Those chats or groups are probably muted. Open the chat, tap its name at the top and check the Mute setting.
What to try next
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