WhatsApp Not Working? Try These Steps To Fix It

WhatsApp is an encrypted messaging platform that’s free to use, but if the app doesn’t seem to be working properly, there are a few steps users can take to fix it. Since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has added several useful features, making it an all-in-one communication tool that allows users to send and receive text messages, images, videos, documents, make voice and video calls, and much more.

The Meta-owned platform was recently spotted testing quick message reactions – a feature that already exists on rival platform Telegram. WhatsApp is also testing the ability to send files that are up to 2GB in size, another feature that is already available on other messaging platforms. As of now, WhatsApp users can only share files that are less than 100MB in size in the document format.

One of the issues WhatsApp users may face is being stuck on a particular screen or not being able to use a feature in the app. This could be due to a glitch, and closing the application and reopening it can fix the problem. Sometimes there might be issues with the internet connection. Users can try switching between mobile data to Wi-Fi to see if that fixes the problem. However, if there are still issues with connectivity, checking whether WhatsApp’s servers are down is the next best option. Users can check if WhatsApp is experiencing any internal issues or outages via Downdetector. The platform tracks the status of websites and services in real-time. Additionally, users can also check WhatsApp’s official Twitter handle or other social media accounts to see if other users have reported the same issue. If WhatsApp is down, users will have to wait until the platform fixes the problem.

How To Troubleshoot WhatsApp

If WhatsApp is not experiencing a widespread outage, there could be a problem with the app and there are a few things users can try to fix it. Clearing WhatsApp’s cache might help restore its functionality. Additionally, users should also check if the application has all the permissions it requires to run. Sometimes, not having enough storage on a smartphone can also hinder the normal functioning of WhatsApp. Users should check if their device is running out of storage and make room by deleting large files or applications that are not required. Disabled background data is another reason that can cause WhatsApp to malfunction. All these options are located in a device’s Settings menu and will differ based on the phone being used.

It’s also worth checking if WhatsApp has released a new version of the app by going to the phone’s app store and checking if there’s an update. If so, updating to the latest build of the app might fix some problems. Restarting the smartphone can provide another fix if it’s a runtime memory issue that is causing WhatsApp to behave abnormally. If none of the above methods work, users may need to uninstall WhatsApp from their device (after backing up their chats and media files) and re-install it. For those who are using a really old phone, WhatsApp might have dropped support for the particular model and it might be time to upgrade to a new device that supports the latest version of the app.

Source: WhatsApp, WhatsApp/Twitter, Downdetector