What causes WhatsApp to freeze?
There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp may freeze or become unresponsive on your phone:
Too many media files
Over time, the WhatsApp media folder can get cluttered with lots of photos, videos, voice messages, and other files shared in chats. This can slow WhatsApp down and cause it to freeze as it struggles to load all the media. Try clearing out old media that you no longer need.
Outdated app version
If you haven’t updated WhatsApp in a while, you could be running an outdated version with performance issues or bugs. Make sure to keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version available in your phone’s app store.
Low storage space
If your phone is low on storage, WhatsApp may freeze as it runs out of space to save new data. Try freeing up storage space on your phone by removing apps and files you no longer need.
Too many chats/messages
Having too many individual and group chats with lots of messages can overload WhatsApp over time. Try archiving old chats that you don’t use often or deleting large unwanted group chats or message threads.
Connection issues
If you have a poor internet connection, WhatsApp may freeze while attempting to send/receive messages. Make sure you’re connected to a stable WiFi or cellular data connection.
Overloaded phone resources
If you have many apps running that are taking up a lot of CPU power, memory, or data, WhatsApp can freeze due to lack of phone resources. Try closing out of other apps to prioritize resources for WhatsApp.
Software conflicts
In rare cases, certain apps, OS updates or configurations on your phone may conflict with WhatsApp and cause performance issues. Try troubleshooting to identify and fix any software conflicts.
Server outages
WhatsApp server outages can also cause the app to freeze or crash during the outage window. Check Downdetector to see if WhatsApp is down.
How to fix and prevent WhatsApp freezing
Here are some troubleshooting steps to try when WhatsApp is freezing or unresponsive:
Force close and restart WhatsApp
If WhatsApp is frozen, force close the app by swiping it away from your recent apps list. Then restart WhatsApp to stop the freezing issue.
Update WhatsApp to the latest version
Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of WhatsApp by checking your phone’s app store for any available updates. Installing the latest update can fix freezing issues.
Clear app cache and data
In your phone settings, clear the app cache and app data for WhatsApp. This will wipe temporary files and reset the app to improve performance. Your messages will remain intact.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
If all else fails, uninstall WhatsApp from your phone, restart your device, then reinstall WhatsApp to start fresh. This can eliminate any corrupted files causing freezes.
Free up storage space
Delete old apps, photos, videos, and files to free up internal storage space and phone memory. Having enough free space can prevent WhatsApp performance issues.
Delete old chats and media
Regularly remove old chats, clear media, and archive unused chats to declutter WhatsApp and keep it running smoothly. Too many chats/messages can slow it down.
Prevent background app refresh
Restrict background app refresh and data usage for WhatsApp in your phone settings. This prevents it from taxing resources by constantly syncing.
Disable notifications
If you don’t need WhatsApp notifications, disable them in the app settings. This can improve performance by preventing notification overhead.
Close other resource-intensive apps
Close out of any other apps that may be taking up a lot of resources in the background when using WhatsApp. This frees up system resources for WhatsApp.
Update your phone software/firmware
Keep your phone’s software updated via system updates. Latest OS versions and firmware often include optimizations that improve app stability and performance.
Disable unnecessary phone services
Turn off or disable any unnecessary services and features on your phone that could be using resources unnecessarily in the background. For example restrict background data, disable animated wallpapers or visual effects etc.
Check for software conflicts
Troubleshoot your phone to check for any software/apps that may be conflicting with WhatsApp and causing freezes or crashes. Removing the problematic software can fix such issues.
Change WhatsApp video call settings
If WhatsApp only freezes during video calls, lower the video call data usage via WhatsApp settings. Also disable any software that could interfere with video calls.
Contact WhatsApp support
If you continue experiencing persistent freezing issues, contact WhatsApp support via email or Twitter. They may be able to provide personalized troubleshooting steps or fixes.
Best practices to prevent WhatsApp freezing
Here are some tips to follow routinely for optimal WhatsApp performance and prevent freezing issues:
Keep WhatsApp updated
Install WhatsApp updates as soon as they become available to get the latest optimizations and bug fixes. Updates often resolve freezing issues.
Regularly clear WhatsApp cache/data
Clear the app cache once a week and clear app data at least once a month. This wipes temporary files and resets the app to keep it smooth.
Archive unused chats
Regularly archive old chats from your Chats tab to declutter WhatsApp. Too many active chats slow it down over time.
Limit media forwards
When forwarding media like images/videos, select up to 5 chats instead of forwarding to all chats. Bulk forwards can choke WhatsApp.
Delete old media
Delete old photos, videos and audio files in your WhatsApp media folder periodically to free up storage space.
Limit notifications
Turn off nonessential notifications from WhatsApp Settings > Notifications. This minimizes resource usage.
Close WhatsApp completely
Don’t just minimize WhatsApp, swipe it away from the recent apps list to force close it when not in use. This frees up resources.
Avoid unsupported mods
Don’t install any unauthorized mods and tweaks for WhatsApp. These often cause freezing issues and app instability.
Turn off autodownload for media
Restrict WhatsApp media autodownload to save data usage and storage space. Autodownloading media can choke up the app.
Report bugs
If you notice recurring app freezes or crashes, report the issue to WhatsApp via in-app support or email support. This can help improve the app.
When to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
Reinstalling WhatsApp can fix freezing issues caused by corrupted files or caches. Here’s when you should uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp:
- WhatsApp keeps freezing frequently even after force closing and clearing cache/data
- You keep getting “WhatsApp keeps stopping” error messages
- WhatsApp crashes immediately on launch
- Phone is unable to install latest WhatsApp update
- WhatsApp freezing started after a recent app update
- You notice visual glitches or bugs in the app interface
- WhatsApp freezes during specific actions like attaching media
- Reinstalling WhatsApp fixes the freezing issue temporarily
Before reinstalling WhatsApp:
- Backup your WhatsApp chats via Google Drive or local backup
- Make note of any custom notifications settings
- Force close all apps and restart your phone
To reinstall WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the app store
- Restore your chat backup when prompted
Reinstalling WhatsApp forces the app to create fresh files and caches which can fix underlying issues causing freezes. Make sure to backup chats so you don’t lose your messages.
What to do if WhatsApp keeps stopping
Seeing “WhatsApp keeps stopping” error? Here is how to troubleshoot it:
- Force close and reopen WhatsApp – this resets the app
- Clear app cache and data then re-login
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version
- Restart your phone to clear out RAM
- Check Downdetector for any WhatsApp outages
- Uninstall updates and reupdate WhatsApp
- Factory reset phone if issue persists after above steps
- Report the bug to WhatsApp by emailing support
This error indicates WhatsApp is crashing immediately on launch. It’s often fixed by a simple app reset, update, or reinstall. If it persists, your phone itself may require servicing to check for software faults causing WhatsApp to crash.
What to do when WhatsApp is stuck on verifying
If WhatsApp gets stuck on the ‘Verifying’ screen on launch, try:
- Force closing WhatsApp from your phone’s app manager
- Clearing WhatsApp cache and data
- Checking your internet connection
- Reinstalling WhatsApp
- Updating your phone software/firmware
- Disabling any VPN temporarily
- Switching from WiFi to cellular data or vice versa
- Manually setting date/time correctly on your phone
This issue is often caused by connectivity problems, outdated app files, or incorrect date/time settings preventing WhatsApp verification. Following the steps above should get WhatsApp working again.
What to do when WhatsApp keeps lagging
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overloaded with media files | Clear old media from WhatsApp |
| Too many active chats | Archive unused chats |
| Outdated WhatsApp version | Update WhatsApp to latest version |
| Poor internet connection | Switch to a better WiFi or cellular data connection |
| Insufficient storage space | Delete unused apps and files to free up storage |
| Too many background apps running | Force close all other nonessential apps |
| Phone needs restart | Power cycle your phone |
| WhatsApp server issues | Check Downdetector and wait for servers to recover |
If WhatsApp is frequently lagging or delaying, follow the solutions per the cause in the table above. This will speed up performance and prevent lags.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp freezing can be annoying, the issue is often easy to fix by resetting the app, clearing caches/data, updating WhatsApp, deleting unused chats/media, reinstalling if necessary, and ensuring your phone has enough storage and resources available. Maintaining your phone software and using WhatsApp best practices can prevent freezes. In most cases, a frozen WhatsApp can be revived in minutes – so try not to panic and lose your cool if the app hangs! Just force close it, take a deep breath, and use the handy troubleshooting steps outlined above.