How to Fix WhatsApp Not Working on Android or iPhone?

Jack

By Jack

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whatsapp not working on Android

It is needless to mention the importance of WhatsApp in our daily lives. Many conversations (voice, video, and textual) occur every day through this app.

Since it is compatible with Android and iOS platforms, a massive crowd gathered around WhatsApp.

There are many complaints about ‘WhatsApp not working on Android‘ and ‘WhatsApp not working on iPhone.’

In this article, we explain how to overcome this issue for good and use WhatsApp once again.

Part 1: How to Fix WhatsApp Not Working on Android

In fact, there can be several reasons behind the WhatsApp not working on Android issue. This section explains those issues and the best solutions to address them.

Issue 1: You Cannot Download WhatsApp on Android

You cannot download WhatsApp on Android

Download issues are one of the most common issues related to WhatsApp. It is true that many smartphones today come with a pre-installed WhatsApp version for the convenience of the user.

However, some smartphones still require you to download them through the Play Store. In general, the installation of WhatsApp is not that difficult for a regular Android user.

However, due to some reason, some users may experience difficulties in downloading WhatsApp, and it is so frustrating.

If you’ve tried to download it several times with Play Store and failed, you should look for an alternative. In fact, there is a manual way to download the WhatsApp APK file from a third-party source.

However, downloading apps from third-party websites is not the most recommended method. Those apps may contain different types of malware that can even steal your personal information.

So, leave third-party APK to be the last resort and try the fixes mentioned below.

Besides, click here to fix the problem of RecBoot doesn’t work.

01. Check if there is proper connectivity

Check if there is proper connectivity

The most basic thing to check is the internet connection of the respective device. Without a proper internet connection, you cannot download anything. So, just check if you have a solid connection with enough speed.

02. Check if the date and time are correct

If your device is configured with an incorrect date and time, that can prevent you from downloading apps like WhatsApp. So, be sure to check if the date and time are set correctly and download the app again.

03. Check if the SD card is ready

If you download apps on the SD card, be sure to check if it is ready to use. If it is not formatted correctly and doesn’t have enough space, you cannot download any app on it. This is applicable, especially if the SD card is set as your default storage device.

Issue 2: WhatsApp Has Become Unresponsive

WhatsApp has become unresponsive

With Android devices, you are likely to experience unresponsive apps at least once in a while. This can happen due to a lack of memory, faulty firmware, malware attack, corrupt cache, etc.

Interestingly, with WhatsApp, unresponsive apps have become a pretty common instance. When the ‘App not responding‘ message prompts with WhatsApp, it can either stay for a long time or go away. If unresponsive WhatsApp is the case with you, here are the fixes you should try.

01. Force close WhatsApp

The most basic way to fix this issue is by force closing the app and restarting it. To do that, you should go to ‘Settings‘ first and choose ‘Application.’ Then, go to ‘WhatsApp‘ and tap the option called ‘Force Close.’ Then, launch WhatsApp to see if it works.

Force close WhatsApp

02. Restart your device

If the above option doesn’t work for you, you can try and restart the device. In fact, restarting the device can be the solution to many issues that occur during your daily life.

Here is a general method that can be used to restart your Android device. Press and hold the power button of the device and choose ‘Restart.’ Try to launch WhatsApp once again.

Restart your device to fix whatsapp not working on Android

03. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp

If none of the above options hasn’t worked, you should try a reinstallation of the software. You can uninstall the app and reinstall it through the Play Store.

By the way, if you are wondering how to send large videos on WhatsApp, this guide you must check out.

Issue 3: WhatsApp Not Working on Android Because It Keeps Crashing

WhatsApp not working on Android

Many users say that their ‘WhatsApp not working on Android’ because it keeps crashing frequently. As a result, you will face a poor user experience.

There can be various possible reasons behind a crashing WhatsApp app. Regardless of the cause, it can be fixed if you follow the below steps.

01. Update WhatsApp

In most cases, WhatsApp can crash if you have not updated it recently. In other words, outdated WhatsApp versions tend to crash often. So, you can solve this issue very easily just by updating your WhatsApp app.

Mentioned below are the steps to update WhatsApp.

  • Launch Play Store on the Android device.
  • Then, tap on the three-lined icon and go to ‘My Apps and Games.’
  • You will see a list of updatable apps. Tap on the option called ‘Update All.’
Update WhatsApp to solve whatsapp not working on Android

02. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp

Another way to fix ‘WhatsApp not working on Android’ is uninstalling and reinstalling it. You can simply uninstall the app and then download its latest version from Play Store. Then, you can check if it works without crashing.

03. Delete unwanted files and free up space

If you have unwanted files and unused apps on your device, just get rid of them. This will free up storage space on the device. If WhatsApp were crashing due to a lack of free space, this solution would fix it.

04. Restart your device

If you still experience the ‘WhatsApp not working on Android’ issue, you can perform a restart as well. As we have mentioned before, restarting can fix plenty of issues associated with Android devices.

Issue 4: WhatsApp Doesn’t Work on Wi-Fi

It is true that apps like WhatsApp require a stable and strong internet connection to function. So, if you have any problem with the internet connection, your WhatsApp is likely to fail.

Even if your Wi-Fi seems to work fine, WhatsApp may not work if the internet connection is poor. So, below is some guidance for you to check it and fix the potential issues.

01. Turn off and on your Wi-Fi connection

This is the most basic fix you should try. Just turn off your Wi-Fi connection, wait for a couple of seconds, and turn it on.

02. Switch on Airplane mode and disable it

This is another super-simple solution. You can turn on Airplane mode, wait for a while and turn it off. As a result, the connection will be refreshed.

03. Try using cellular data

If the problem persists even after the previous methods, you should try to use cellular data. But before that, you should ensure you have good data coverage.

04. Try to use WhatsApp over a different Wi-Fi connection

You can connect the same device to a different Wi-Fi connection and see if it works. If it works now, the issue is definitely with the Wi-Fi connection, not your device or WhatsApp.

05. Restart your Wi-Fi router

Another basic fix to address this issue is restarting your Wi-Fi router. As a result, the connection will be reset, and you can see if it works.

Issue 5: WhatsApp Doesn’t Recognize Your Contacts

WhatsApp doesn't recognize your contacts

In general, WhatsApp is supposed to recognize the contacts on the device easily without any issues. However, in certain cases, WhatsApp can fail to identify the contacts. That can be a serious issue, and here’s how to fix it.

01. Check if the contacts are using WhatsApp

If a particular contact doesn’t have a WhatsApp account linked to it, you cannot see it in WhatsApp. So, before getting panicked, make sure the person you are trying to contact through WhatsApp has an account.

02. Make sure if the phone number is saved to contacts

If a particular number is not saved to contacts, you cannot see it in your WhatsApp contacts. So, save it to contacts and check if it works.

03. Check for contacts’ permission

It is important to have your WhatsApp access to the contacts saved on the device. This can be done through the settings app of your phone.

Issue 6: WhatsApp Not Working on Android due to Facebook

Interestingly, many individuals say that they have trouble using WhatsApp when Facebook is installed on the same device. Here’s how to fix it if it is the case.

As the first step, you can log out of your Facebook app and check if WhatsApp is working. If not, you can even uninstall Facebook and relaunch WhatsApp.

If that trick works, reinstall Facebook. In addition to that, you can either update both apps or reinstall both of those apps.

Issue 7: WhatsApp Doesn’t Work Because You Are Using an Older Version

WhatsApp doesn't work because you are using an older version

For people who are using an older version of WhatsApp, you can experience this issue due to that. The best and only solution to address an outdated WhatsApp is to update it. Please follow up on the guide and update your WhatsApp app.

  • Go to Play Store and tap on the three-lined icon.
  • Then, choose ‘My apps and games.’
  • When the updatable list of apps shows up, tap on the ‘Update All‘ button.
Update WhatsApp

By the way, if you are facing the issue of WhatsApp backup being stuck, click to fix it now.

The Best Option: Use Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android to Fix WhatsApp Issues

If all the above methods have not worked for you, Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android would be your savior. In fact, you can use this software if you don’t have time to find the root cause.

Basically, ReiBoot is capable of fixing all the issues associated with your Android device. That means the same tool can also be used to fix WhatsApp not working on Android issues.

In a nutshell, Tenorshare ReiBoot is a powerful one-stop solution to address all Android-related issues.

Here’s how to use ReiBoot for Android and fix this issue.

01. Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android on your computer. Then, launch the software and connect the troublesome device to the same computer using an original USB cable. Click on the option called ‘Repair Android System.’

Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android

02. Then, on the following screen, you should click on ‘Repair Now.’

Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android Repair Now

03. You should choose the information related to the device now. For instance, you should choose the brand, model, carrier, series, etc., as required by ReiBoot. Then, click on the option called ‘Next‘ and download the firmware package that suits your device.

Download Firmware on Android

04. After downloading the firmware package, please click on the option ‘Repair Now.’ Then, click on ‘Continue‘ when prompted.

Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android

05. You should follow the on-screen instructions and take the required actions. This is a very convenient process. Then, you will see a message saying, ‘The repair process is completed.’

Fix whatsapp not working on Android with Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android

Well, that’s how to address any potential issue associated with your Android device and get it back to normal. Some individuals say that they have lost their WhatsApp data due to some reason (due to repairing attempts).

If you experience such an issue, you can use Tenorshare Android Data Recovery Tool and recover lost files.

Part 2: How to Fix WhatsApp Not Working on iPhone Issue?

If you are an iPhone user frustrated with WhatsApp not working issue, this section explains its fixes. So, keep reading and learn how to fix WhatsApp not working on the iPhone issue.

01. Restart Your iPhone

A restart is the simplest fix. You should try to fix the ‘WhatsApp not working on iPhone’ issue. In fact, restarting can resolve this issue for many users. Moreover, restarting an iOS device can easily fix a variety of other minor glitches.

Mentioned below are the steps to follow and restart your iPhone.

Restart your iPhone to fix WhatsApp Not Working on iPhone
  • Press and hold your device’s ‘Sleep/Side‘ button to see the slider screen.
  • Slide the slider towards the right side and shut down the iOS device.
  • Once the device is shut down, wait for a couple of seconds. Then, press and hold the ‘Sleep/Side‘ button again to see the Apple logo.
  • Once the device is switched on, relaunch WhatsApp and see if it works.

02. Check If Your Internet Connection is Working

Check if your internet connection is working

Many individuals say that their WhatsApp starts to cause trouble during a voice or video conversation. This can happen particularly because of a poor or unstable internet connection. The data connection can be poor even if you are connected to a Wi-Fi router.

As a result, you will end up experiencing a poor or interrupted WhatsApp experience. As the first fix, you should restart the router and see if WhatsApp is working.

If the problem persists, try to use cellular data and use WhatsApp to check it. If not, you can even connect to a different Wi-Fi network and check if WhatsApp works smoothly.

03. Update Your WhatsApp App

Most apps tend to experience various issues if you don’t update them in a timely manner. This is true with WhatsApp as well. As soon as you notice a new update, you should download it.

This can be a solution to various issues pertaining to your WhatsApp and other apps. In addition to fixing issues, installing updates allows you to experience a smooth user experience as well.

Mentioned below are the steps to update WhatsApp on your iOS device.

Update your WhatsApp app to fix WhatsApp Not Working on iPhone
  • Launch ‘Appstore‘ on your iOS device;
  • Go to the option called ‘Update,’ which is located at the bottom-right corner.
  • You can see all the apps that require updates. Tap on the option called ‘Update All.’

04. Reinstall WhatsApp on Your iOS Device

If the problem doesn’t go away after trying the above options, you can reinstall WhatsApp. This option will fix various glitches related to WhatsApp. Mentioned below are the steps to get it done.

  • Tap on the WhatsApp icon until you see a wobbling effect.
Reinstall WhatsApp on your iOS device
  • Then, tap on the ‘X‘ icon towards the app icon’s top-right. Now the app will be deleted.
  • You can now launch ‘Appstore‘ and search for ‘WhatsApp.’
Reinstall WhatsApp on your iOS device
  • Once the app is found, tap on ‘Get‘ to install it back on the device.
Reinstall WhatsApp on your iOS device
  • Launch the app once again, and see if it works fine.

Bonus Tip: Use ReiBoot to Fix ‘WhatsApp Not Working on iPhone’

Although iOS devices are regarded as stable and smoothly operated devices, they can experience some issues occasionally. Finding the root cause of all those issues and fixing them can be tiresome for a user.

Examples of those issues are mentioned below.

The best way to address all those issues is to use a professional tool like Tenorshare ReiBoot. This tool can fix all those iOS-related issues with a couple of clicks without causing any data loss.

  • Download, install and launch ReiBoot on your computer.
  • Connect your iOS device to the same computer using an original USB cable.
Tenorshare ReiBoot
  • Once the device is detected automatically, click on ‘Enter Recovery Mode.’
Tenorshare ReiBoot - Enter Recovery Mode
  • Wait for about 20 seconds so the device will enter recovery mode. You can notice that once the iTunes logo and a USB cable are visible on the screen.
  • Click on the option ‘Exit Recovery Mode‘ so the device will reboot automatically.
Exit Recovery Mode with Tenorshare ReiBoot
  • Wait for some time so that the process will be completed correctly.
Fix whatsapp not working on iPhone with Tenorshare ReiBoot

Your iOS device should work perfectly without any glitches now.

FAQ

1. Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices?

Yes, with the latest updates, WhatsApp allows users to link their account with up to four other devices.

2. Why can’t I see my friend’s last seen status on WhatsApp?

This could be due to their privacy settings. Users have the option to hide their ‘Last Seen’ status on WhatsApp.

3. How can I backup my WhatsApp chats?

Android users can backup their chats to Google Drive, while iPhone users can use iCloud for the same.

4. Can I retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages?

Yes, if you have a backup of your chats, you can retrieve deleted messages by reinstalling the app and restoring the backup.

5. How can I transfer my WhatsApp chats from Android to iPhone or vice versa?

Currently, WhatsApp doesn’t support direct transfer of chat history between platforms. However, third-party applications can help with this.

Conclusion

Above, we explained how to resolve the ‘WhatsApp not working on Android‘ and ‘WhatsApp not working on iPhone‘ issues. If you have any questions pertaining to this matter, please leave us a comment below. Good luck!

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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