WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. However, like any technology, WhatsApp can sometimes encounter issues that prevent messages from sending properly.
If you’re experiencing problems sending WhatsApp messages, don’t panic! Here are the top troubleshooting tips to try and get your WhatsApp working properly again.
Check Your Internet Connection
The most obvious reason WhatsApp messages may not be sending is due to an unstable internet connection. WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to send and receive messages, so the first thing to check is that your Wi-Fi or mobile data is working properly.
Try disabling and re-enabling your Wi-Fi, turning Airplane Mode on and off, or toggling your mobile data off and back on. This refresh often fixes minor connectivity issues. Also move closer to your router or switch to mobile data if you’re on Wi-Fi with a weak signal.
Run a speed test on your connection using a site like Speedtest.net to verify you have a strong enough signal for WhatsApp. Generally you’ll need at least 1 Mbps download and upload speeds.
Update or Reinstall WhatsApp
Another common reason for WhatsApp issues is having an outdated version of the app. WhatsApp frequently releases new updates that contain bug fixes and performance improvements.
On Android, open the Play Store, go to the WhatsApp page and check if there are any pending updates. On iPhone, go to the App Store and do the same. Download the latest update and see if that resolves any sending issues.
If updates don’t help, try uninstalling WhatsApp completely, restart your phone, then reinstall WhatsApp from the app store. This will give you a clean slate version of the app which can fix software bugs causing sending problems.
Check WhatsApp Status
The WhatsApp servers could be having issues, which can prevent messages from sending on the app for all users globally. Before troubleshooting your device or connection further, it’s worth checking the WhatsApp status page to see if they have reported any known issues.
Go to downdetector.com and search for WhatsApp. Here you can see a live report of any WhatsApp problems being tracked. You can also access their Twitter @WhatsApp account which will post updates on widespread sending issues.
If WhatsApp confirms server outages, all you can do is wait until they are fixed on WhatsApp’s end. Once the service is restored your messages will send as normal.
Restart Your Phone
One quick fix to rule out software issues is simply restarting your phone. Restarting your device resets all currently running apps and services, essentially giving your phone a fresh start.
Power off your phone completely, leave it off for at least 30 seconds, then boot it back up. Once your phone is turned on and WhatsApp has re-loaded, try sending a message again. This restart clears out minor glitches that could be preventing WhatsApp from sending properly.
Clear WhatsApp Cache/Data
Clearing the WhatsApp cache and app data is a bit more drastic troubleshooting step, but can resolve problems stemming from corrupted data or files inside the app.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache. This deletes temporary files that could be causing issues. You can also go to Storage > Clear Data which deletes all WhatsApp data entirely.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select WhatsApp, then tap Offload App. This will clear all documents and data without deleting the app itself.
After clearing cache/data, re-open WhatsApp and check if messages can send. You may need to re-verify your phone number.
Enable WhatsApp Auto-Download
WhatsApp has an Auto-Download option that lets your phone automatically download files and media sent to you. If this setting is disabled, it could prevent some files in messages from properly downloading, making them unable to send.
To enable it, open WhatsApp Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Media Auto-Download. Toggle on auto-download for when connected on Wi-Fi and cellular data.
This ensures all message data gets downloaded so it can be sent from your device.
Delete Large Videos/Photos
Trying to send large files over WhatsApp could cause messages to get stuck and not deliver properly. Videos and photos over 16MB may have issues sending.
Try sending smaller sized media under 16MB in size. You can also delete old large videos/photos taking up space on your phone which could improve performance.
In WhatsApp go to Settings > Data and Storage Usage > Storage Usage to manage and delete files directly through the app as needed.
Disable Battery Optimization
On Android phones, having battery optimization enabled for WhatsApp could interfere with the app’s background processes, possibly impacting its ability to send messages.
Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Battery > Battery optimization and switch it off. This prevents your phone from restricting WhatsApp’s background battery usage, which is required to keep messages sending properly.
Check If You’re Blocked
If your messages aren’t sending to just one specific person/group, you may be blocked. This stops all your messages to that recipient from going through.
A simple way to check if you’re blocked is to call the contact through WhatsApp. If the call goes through, you aren’t blocked. But if the call instantly disconnects, that likely means you’re blocked.
Alternatively, ask a friend to start a group chat and add both you and the contact you think blocked you. If no group is created, you are blocked.
Disable DND Mode
Having Do Not Disturb mode enabled in your phone’s settings can block all your WhatsApp notifications, including sent and received messages.
To allow WhatsApp notifications, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb and add WhatsApp as an exception. You can also disable DND mode entirely which will let all notifications come through.
On iPhone, you can adjust DND and notification settings directly from WhatsApp’s app settings as well.
Check Date and Time Settings
Having incorrect date and time settings on your phone can disrupt WhatsApp’s ability to connect and send messages properly.
Go into your device’s Date and Time settings and make sure Automatic date & time and Automatic time zone are enabled to sync the accurate time.
You can also manually set the date and time accurately if needed. Having the precise time lets WhatsApp’s protocols function normally.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can help rule out any network-related issues that may be interfering with WhatsApp.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks, cellular data, and other connectivity services.
On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth. This achieves the same reset of network services.
After your device reboots, reconnect to Wi-Fi and cellular data then try sending WhatsApp messages.
Update Your Phone Software
Having an outdated version of your phone’s operating system can cause performance issues with apps like WhatsApp. Ensuring your phone is updated provides compatibility fixes.
On iPhones, install the latest iOS software update through Settings > General > Software Update. For Android, download system updates through Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
Major OS updates in particular can resolve bugs affecting WhatsApp.
Factory Reset Your Phone
If all else fails, performing a factory reset of your phone will wipe it back to default factory settings and often fixes software issues like sending problems.
On iPhone, a reset is done through Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. For Android devices, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
This should get WhatsApp working like new again. Just be sure to backup your phone first so you don’t lose all your data and files.
Conclusion
WhatsApp messages failing to send can be frustrating, but fortunately is usually fixable through standard troubleshooting steps like checking your connection, updating the app, restarting your device, and clearing cache/data.
If issues persist after trying the above solutions, it may point to a larger software issue requiring a factory reset or phone software update to resolve. But in most cases, a little troubleshooting goes a long way towards getting WhatsApp working properly again so you can send messages normally.