If your WhatsApp status is not working, there are a few potential causes and solutions to try. The problem could be due to issues with your internet connection, your phone’s settings, the WhatsApp app itself, or your account. In most cases, simple troubleshooting steps like restarting your phone, reinstalling WhatsApp, or checking your internet connection can fix status issues.
Checking your internet connection
One of the most common reasons WhatsApp status may not be working is problems with your internet connection. WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to send and receive statuses. Here are some things to check:
- Make sure you have an active WiFi or cellular data connection on your phone. Try toggling airplane mode on and off to reset the connection.
- Restart your home WiFi router if you are connected to WiFi. This can clear up any temporary glitches.
- Check if other apps that require internet are working properly on your phone.
- Try switching between WiFi and cellular data to see if one has issues.
- Check for any service outages with your cellular carrier or ISP if the problem persists.
If other internet-based apps are working fine, then the issue may be specific to WhatsApp. Moving to a different network often resolves connection problems that prevent status posting.
Updating and reinstalling WhatsApp
Issues with the WhatsApp app itself could also lead to problems with statuses. Try updating WhatsApp to the latest version from your device’s app store. Major app updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements.
If updating does not help, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp completely. This will clear out any corrupted files or cached data that could be causing glitches. Make sure to back up your chats before reinstalling.
On Android devices, also clear the app data and cache for WhatsApp before reinstalling. This removes additional temporary files stored by the app.
Checking account and privacy settings
Your WhatsApp account settings and privacy options could also affect your ability to post status updates. Here are some things to verify:
- Make sure your account is not banned or restricted. WhatsApp may limit certain features for banned accounts.
- Check that you have not muted status updates for specific contacts. Muted contacts will not see your status.
- Confirm your privacy settings allow contacts to view your status. You can set status privacy to “My Contacts”, “My Contacts Except…”, or “Only Share with…”
- Verify your account is not set to disappear after a certain time. Disappearing accounts cannot update status.
- Check that you have not turned off read receipts, which also disables status viewing.
Adjust your WhatsApp privacy settings as needed to ensure your contacts can view new status updates you post.
Troubleshooting on iOS
On iPhones and iOS devices specifically, a few additional things can prevent WhatsApp status posting:
- Check iOS background app refresh settings. WhatsApp requires this to be enabled.
- Allow WhatsApp to access your phone’s camera, photos, and videos in iOS settings.
- Verify WhatsApp’s notifications are turned on in iOS settings.
- Grant Location Services access for WhatsApp if you share locations.
- Disable Low Data Mode which can block status updates.
Toggling on and off these iOS permissions for WhatsApp can help get your status working again. Also make sure the app is updated to the latest iOS supported version.
Clearing WhatsApp cache and data
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, try clearing the WhatsApp cache and app data. This erases temporary files and resets all app settings to default.
On Android: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Data and Clear Cache
On iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > WhatsApp > Offload App. Then reinstall WhatsApp.
This will log you out of the app and remove your chats. So make sure to backup your messages first. Resetting app data often resolves stubborn performance issues.
What to do if your WhatsApp account is banned
If your WhatsApp account has been banned for violating terms of service, your ability to post status updates may be permanently revoked or limited. Try these steps:
- Appeal the ban – Follow the on-screen prompts in WhatsApp to submit an appeal request.
- Use a different phone number – Create a new WhatsApp account with a different number.
- Perform a factory reset – Wipe your device back to factory settings.
- Contact WhatsApp support – Email [email protected] for help.
Banned accounts typically cannot post statuses. To regain full access, you will need to go through WhatsApp’s appeal process successfully or start a new account.
Checking for WhatsApp service issues
There may be widespread service outages preventing all WhatsApp users from posting statuses and using other features. This is rare but does happen occasionally.
Check sites like Down Detector to see if others are reporting major WhatsApp issues. Usually global outages are resolved within a few hours.
You can also visit @WhatsApp on Twitter to look for updates from the company on any ongoing service disruptions impacting the app.
If WhatsApp is experiencing a temporary outage, there is not much you can do except wait for their engineers to fix the problem on their end.
Updating your phone’s software
Having the latest software on your phone can prevent bugs and glitches that may interfere with WhatsApp. Try updating your device’s operating system:
- iOS devices – Update to latest iOS version in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Android devices – Check for system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
Major OS updates often come with performance improvements and bug fixes for apps like WhatsApp. Keeping your phone’s software up-to-date can help resolve status issues.
Restarting your phone
Before trying more advanced troubleshooting, do a simple restart of your phone. Press and hold the power button until the power off slider appears. Shut down and restart your phone.
Restarting clears out any memory issues or glitches and resets all apps and connections. This can resolve temporary WhatsApp problems preventing status from working.
Trying WhatsApp Web/Desktop
If your WhatsApp status is having issues on your phone, try posting from WhatsApp Web or Desktop instead:
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer’s browser.
- Scan the QR code with your phone to link the devices.
- On the web, click your profile picture and select Status to post an update.
If status works via WhatsApp Web but not your phone, then the issues are isolated to your mobile device and app install. Use web access as a workaround.
Backing up your chats
Before continuing troubleshooting steps like reinstalling WhatsApp or resetting your phone, make sure to back up your chats and data. This prevents losing your messages.
On Android: WhatsApp > More options > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up.
On iPhone: WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
You must stay on the backup screen until it finishes completely. This ensures your chats can be restored if needed.
Contacting WhatsApp support
If all above troubleshooting fails to resolve your WhatsApp status issues, reach out directly to WhatsApp for additional help:
- Twitter – Tweet @WhatsAppSupport for basic troubleshooting tips.
- Email – Send an email to [email protected] describing your issue.
- FAQ – Consult WhatsApp’s online FAQ and help center.
WhatsApp support can investigate your account, review your usage history, and potentially resolve status problems that cannot be fixed through standard troubleshooting.
Summary
Here are some key points to remember when troubleshooting WhatsApp status not working:
- Check your internet connection and confirm WhatsApp is updated.
- Make sure your account settings allow statuses to be viewed.
- Restart your phone and reset the WhatsApp app.
- Update your phone’s operating system and WhatsApp.
- Back up chats before reinstalling WhatsApp or factory resetting your device.
- Contact WhatsApp support if all else fails.
With some systematic troubleshooting and app resets, you should be able to resolve most issues that are preventing your WhatsApp status from working properly.