WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily communication, but what happens when it suddenly stops receiving messages? It can be frustrating and confusing. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 effective ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue of WhatsApp not receiving messages.
1. Restart Your Device
A simple restart can sometimes fix many issues, including WhatsApp not receiving messages. Whether your phone is Android or iOS, it may struggle with certain tasks. In such cases, a straightforward restart or reboot may do the trick.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
A slow internet connection may prevent your WhatsApp from receiving messages because your device cannot connect to the servers to receive them. You can use Fast.com or Speedtest.net to check your internet connection. Follow these steps:
1. Visit Fast.com or Speedtest.net on your device’s web browser.
2. Both Fast.com and Speedtest measure your internet speed instantly.
3. For WhatsApp to function properly, an internet speed of at least 1 Mbps is recommended. Speeds below this may lead to poor performance, including delays in receiving messages.
4. If your speed is below 1 Mbps, consider improving your connection or moving to a location with better internet service.
After performing these steps, check if your internet connection is stable. If the issue persists, you can move on to the next troubleshooting steps in the guide.
Pro Tip: Want to send a one-time WhatsApp message without cluttering your contacts? Learn how to message on WhatsApp without saving the number and keep your contact list clean.
3. Update WhatsApp to the Latest Version
An outdated WhatsApp app can sometimes cause issues, including not receiving messages. Follow these steps to update to the latest version of WhatsApp:
For Android:
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Enter “WhatsApp” in the search bar.
3. If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button next to WhatsApp. Tap on it to install the latest version. If you see the “Open” button instead, that means your WhatsApp is up to date.
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Search for “WhatsApp.”
3. If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button next to WhatsApp. Tap on it to install the latest version. If you see the “Open” button instead, that means your WhatsApp is up to date.
Updating WhatsApp to the latest version is crucial, as it often includes bug fixes and improvements that can resolve issues with message delivery. After updating, check if the problem persists. If so, you can proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp
Reinstalling WhatsApp is a good way to potentially fix WhatsApp not receiving messages issues. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to Reinstall WhatsApp:
1. Back Up Your Chats: Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and tap Back Up. This ensures you don’t lose your conversations.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp: Go to your phone’s “Settings,” find “Apps” or “Application Manager,” locate “WhatsApp,” and select “Uninstall.”
3. Restart Your Device: Once uninstalled, restart your device to clear any temporary files.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp: Visit the Google Play Store (Android) or Apps Store (iOS), search for “WhatsApp”, and download the app.
5. Set Up WhatsApp Again: Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account. Restore your chat backup when prompted.
You now have a fresh installation of WhatsApp, which usually fixes issues with not receiving messages. However, if the problem persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
Pro Tip: Discover how you can share your screen on WhatsApp video calls and do even more together in real time. It’s like you’re in the same room, no matter the distance!
5. Adjust Data Usage Settings
If you’re not receiving messages on WhatsApp, it might be due to your data usage settings. Restrictive settings can prevent WhatsApp from functioning correctly, especially in the background. Let’s adjust these settings to ensure WhatsApp can receive messages anytime.
For Android:
1. Open WhatsApp and select “Settings.”
2. Go to “Storage and Data.”
3. Under “Media auto-download,” you can adjust settings for when using mobile data, Wi-Fi, or roaming. Ensure that the necessary options are enabled.
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings” (bottom right corner).
2. Tap on “Storage and Data.”
3. Under “Media Auto-Download,” adjust the settings for Photos, Audio, Videos, and Documents based on your preferences.
Adjusting data usage settings helps ensure that media files and messages are downloaded appropriately, preventing any issues with message reception. After making these adjustments, check if the problem persists. If so, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
6. Enable Mobile Data for WhatsApp
You must have somehow accidentally disabled mobile data for WhatsApp, hence not receiving messages when there’s no Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below to enable mobile data for WhatsApp:
For Android:
1. Go to your Android’s “Settings.”
2. In “Settings,” look for “Apps,” followed by “WhatsApp.”
3. In the WhatsApp’s “App Info” page, tap on “Data Usage.”
4. Toggle on “Mobile Data.”
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open your iPhone “Settings” and tap on “WhatsApp.”
2. Scroll down and toggle on the “Mobile Data” option.
After enabling mobile data, check if the problem with not receiving messages has been resolved. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting steps.
7. Enable Background App Refresh
When this setting is turned off, you won’t receive new messages in those apps until you open them manually. Follow these steps to enable background app refresh for WhatsApp and fix the not receiving messages issue:
For Android:
1. Go to your Android’s “Settings.”
2. In “Settings,” look for “Apps,” followed by “WhatsApp.”
3. In the WhatsApp’s “App Info” page, tap on “Data Usage.”
4. Toggle on “Background Data.”
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open your iPhone “Settings” and tap on “WhatsApp.”
2. Scroll down and toggle on the “Background App Refresh” option.
After enabling background app refresh, check if the problem with not receiving messages has been resolved. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting steps.
8. Check Storage Space
Ensuring you have enough storage space on your device is crucial for WhatsApp to function properly. Running low on storage can lead to various issues, including difficulties in receiving messages. Let’s examine how to check your storage space to ensure smooth operation of WhatsApp.
For Android:
1. Open your device’s “Settings” and tap on “Storage.”
2. Check the available space on your device. Ensure you have enough free space for WhatsApp to operate. If your storage is running low, consider deleting unnecessary files or apps.
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Go to “General” and then “iPhone Storage.”
3. Review the available storage on your device. Make sure there is sufficient space for WhatsApp.
4. Delete any apps or files you no longer need to free up space.
After checking and freeing up storage space on your device, check if the issue of not receiving messages on WhatsApp persists. If the problem continues, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
9. Turn Off Power Saving Mode
Power-saving mode can inadvertently restrict certain functions of your device, including app notifications like those from WhatsApp. Let’s explore how to disable power-saving mode to ensure uninterrupted message reception.
For Android:
1. Open your Android “Settings.”
2. Go to “Battery” or “Battery & performance,” depending on your device model.
3. Toggle off “Power Saving Mode.”
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Go to your iPhone “Settings.”
2. In “Settings,” find and tap on the “Battery” option.
3. Toggle off “Low Power Mode.”
After turning off power saving mode, check if the issue of not receiving messages on WhatsApp is resolved. If the problem persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
Read also: How to Hide Your WhatsApp Profile Picture from Specific Contacts
10. Verify Contact Blocking
If you’re not receiving messages from a particular contact, your WhatsApp settings may be the culprit. You should verify if you have blocked specific contacts. Here’s a guide to check and the steps are largely the same for both Android and iPhone users:
1. Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings.”
2. In “Settings,” tap on the “Privacy” option.
3. Find “Blocked contacts,” and tap on it to review the list of blocked contacts.
4. If the contact whose messages you’re not receiving is listed, tap on it and select “Unblock.”
After verifying and unblocking contacts, check if you can now receive messages from the previously blocked contact. If the issue persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting steps.
Pro Tip: Had a fight on WhatsApp with someone? Find out if they might have blocked you on WhatsApp, resulting in the inability to send and receive messages from them.
11. Unmute Notifications
You could have muted a contact, hence not receiving chat notifications from this particular person. Follow these steps to unmute:
For Android:
1. Open the chat that you are not receiving notifications.
2. Tap the 3-Dots-Menu in the top-right and select “Unmute Notifications.”
For iPhone (iOS):
1. Open the chat that you are not receiving notifications, and tap on the contact’s profile name at the top.
2. In the “Contact Info” page, tap on “Muted,” followed by “Unmute.”
You will receive notifications for every WhatsApp message sent to you by this contact from now on.
Pro Tip: Discover the meaning of numerous WhatsApp symbols and icons so that you can navigate the platform with ease.
12. Check the Status of the WhatsApp Server
The last step is to identify whether the issue is with your device or a broader problem. When you’re experiencing difficulties in receiving WhatsApp messages, there’s a chance that many other users are encountering the same issue. To determine if the WhatsApp servers are down, affecting both iPhone and Android users, follow these steps:
1. Visit Downdetector and search for WhatsApp.
2. Check if WhatsApp is experiencing an outage.
3. Scroll down to get more data on “Outages Reported in The Last 24 Hours” and “Most Reported Problems.”
Checking the status of WhatsApp’s server is essential, as server issues can affect message delivery. If Downdetector’s report indicates problems, it’s best to wait for WhatsApp to resolve these issues. Once fixed, you should start receiving messages again soon.
Read also: How to Search Old WhatsApp Chat Messages by Date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why am I unable to receive WhatsApp messages only from a specific contact?
Possible Solution: Verify if you have accidentally blocked the contact. Go to WhatsApp settings, navigate to “Account” > “Privacy,” and check the list of blocked contacts. If the contact is listed, unblock them to start receiving messages.
FAQ 2: Can using a third-party WhatsApp mod affect message reception?
Explanation: Yes, using third-party WhatsApp modifications or unofficial versions can lead to various issues, including problems with message reception. It’s recommended to use the official WhatsApp application from the app store to ensure compatibility and a stable user experience.
FAQ 3: Will clearing WhatsApp data delete my chat history?
Explanation: Yes, clearing WhatsApp data will delete your chat history and media files. It’s crucial to back up your chats before clearing data. On Android, you can back up by going to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat backup.” On iOS, go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat Backup” to back up to iCloud. After clearing data, you can reinstall WhatsApp and restore your chat backup.
Read also: How to Use WhatsApp on a Computer
Conclusion
Experiencing issues with WhatsApp not receiving messages can be frustrating, but with these 12 troubleshooting steps, you can fix and get your messaging app back on track. Remember to stay updated, check your settings, and reach out to support if needed. Happy messaging!
