WhatsApp is the world's most significant instant messaging (IM) platform with over 2 billion users. Even after the recent privacy fiasco, the Facebook-owned company tops the popularity charts on both the App Store and Play Store. As millions of users jump aboard WhatsApp, many complain that messages aren't being sent to friends and family via the app.
There can be many reasons behind the strange behavior. Typically, WhatsApp works as advertised, but if you get an error sending your message, perform the troubleshooting steps below.
If you are unable to send or receive messages on WhatsApp first turn the phone off and on again and see if it works.
1. Update Whatsapp
WhatsApp frequently distributes updates for its app on iOS and Android. WhatsApp not sending messages could be due to the recent buggy build installed on your device.
Open the App Store or Google Play Store on your device. Go to the updates section and download the latest build on your device. How to update WhatsApp on Android and iOS
2. Exit the Whatsapp beta program
If you are part of the WhatsApp Beta program and have a send error message with the build installed on your device, it might be wise to leave the beta program and opt for the stable build from the App Store or Google Play Store.
On iPhone, open the TestFlight app> WhatsApp> and select Exit Beta Program from the following menu.
On Android, open the Play Store and go to WhatsApp. There you will see the option to leave the beta program. How to become a WhatsApp beta tester on Android or iOS
3. Allow Whatsapp to use mobile data (iPhone)
iOS allows you to restrict mobile data usage for some apps from the settings menu. If the option is enabled for the WhatsApp app, you may not be sending or receiving messages.
Open the iPhone Settings app and scroll down to WhatsApp. From the following menu, tap the switch next to Mobile data to enable it. Consume less data with Whatsapp
4. Enable background data usage
Enabling this option allows you to send or receive WhatsApp messages even when you are not using the app. On iPhone, open Settings and go to WhatsApp. Then turn on Background App Refresh to allow WhatsApp to use the data in the background.
Android users can long press on the WhatsApp app icon and open the App Info menu. Open the Mobile data and Wi-Fi menu and turn on the Background data option.
5. Blocca Whatsapp in background (Android)
Some third-party Android skins like MIUI, Color OS and FunTouch OS close background apps. If you send a message and immediately close the app, the system may force the app to close in the background and cause a message sending error.
You should lock the app from the multitasking menu on your phone. The system will keep the app active all the time.
6. Disable data saver / reduced data mode
The data saver mode on iPhone or Android may hinder the normal functioning of WhatsApp. If you have enabled low data mode on your phone, it may be preventing WhatsApp from retrieving the latest messages.
To disable iPhone Low Data Mode, open the Settings app> Cellular> Cellular Data Options and disable Low Data Mode from the following menu.
For Android phones, go to Settings> Network and Internet> Data saving and turn off the option.
7. Disable battery saving mode
Battery saver mode is meant to prevent apps from running in the background to save some battery power. If you've enabled this option, consider disabling it from the Settings menu. IPhone users can go to Settings> Battery and turn off Power Saver mode from the menu.
Android users can go to Settings> Battery> Battery saver and turn off the option.
8. Clear cache
If Whatsapp does not allow you to send messages then try to clear the cache. Clearing the cache for WhatsApp will not interfere with personal data; it will only delete temporary files. To clear the cache, long press on the WhatsApp app icon and open the app information. Go to Storage and Cache, then clear the cache.
9. Restart your phone and reinstall Whatsapp
Restarting your Android phone or iPhone often fixes some problems. You can restart your Android or iPhone device and check if the WhatsApp video call is working or not. If not, make a backup of your current WhatsApp data and try reinstalling the app.
10. See if it's Whatsapp's fault
It is advisable to pay a visit to Downdetector to see if WhatsApp is having problems with its servers or not. Visit the Downdetector website and search for WhatsApp. If you notice huge spikes in the graph over the past 24 hours, sit back, relax, and let the company troubleshoot.
- How to use two WhatsApp accounts on Samsung phone
Use Whatsapp again
WhatsApp plays an important role in many people's lives. When WhatsApp doesn't send messages it can be a real headache for you. Follow the tricks above and fix the problem.
Further Reading:
- WhatsApp widget, how to use it
- How to recover forgotten WhatsApp PIN
- WhatsApp notifications don't work, 8 solutions
- Because sometimes Whatsapp doesn't send photos
- Whatsapp, how to convert audio messages to text
