WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. A key feature of WhatsApp is its ability to send notifications when you receive new messages. However, many users complain about not receiving notifications from the app. There are several potential reasons why WhatsApp notifications may not be working properly.
Notifications Are Turned Off in WhatsApp
The most obvious reason you may not be getting WhatsApp notifications is if you have disabled notifications within the app itself. To check this on an iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp and make sure that Allow Notifications is toggled on. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > WhatsApp > Notifications and make sure that notifications are enabled.
You can also check within the WhatsApp app by going to Settings > Notifications > In-app notifications. Make sure this is enabled. Additionally, check that notification sounds and vibrations are enabled if you want those features.
Notifications Are Disabled System-Wide
It’s possible you have disabled all notifications system-wide on your device, which would prevent WhatsApp from sending them. On an iPhone, check Settings > Notifications to make sure they are enabled. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications to confirm notifications are on.
You may also want to check that WhatsApp notifications are enabled under the system settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > See All Apps > WhatsApp. Make sure notifications are allowed.
Do Not Disturb Is Enabled
If Do Not Disturb mode is activated on your phone, you will not receive any notifications from WhatsApp or other apps. To disable this on iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and make sure Do Not Disturb is off. On Android, check that Do Not Disturb is disabled in the Settings menu.
You can make exceptions for WhatsApp notifications to bypass Do Not Disturb. On iPhone, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb > Allow Calls From > Everyone. On Android, go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb > Exceptions > Add app exception.
Outdated Software Version
Using an outdated version of WhatsApp could prevent notifications from working properly. Make sure you are running the latest version of WhatsApp by checking for updates in your phone’s app store. The app needs to be updated regularly to fix bugs and improve performance.
Battery Optimization/Power Saving Mode
Many Android phones have battery optimization or power saving settings that can disrupt notifications. To disable this for WhatsApp, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Optimize Battery Usage. Tap WhatsApp and select “Don’t Optimize.”
You may also need to add WhatsApp to the allowed apps list in your phone’s battery or power saving mode. Check your phone’s settings to find where to configure this.
Notifications Get Blocked by Third-Party Apps
Some third-party apps can block notifications from other apps, which may be impacting WhatsApp. For example, security and anti-virus apps can sometimes block notifications to protect privacy or reduce distractions.
Try disabling or uninstalling any apps that may be intercepting notifications to see if that fixes the issue. You can also check the notification settings within those apps to see if WhatsApp notifications can be allowed.
Correct Notification Settings within WhatsApp
WhatsApp allows granular control over notifications, so you may have disabled notifications for certain contacts or groups. To check your notification settings within WhatsApp:
- Tap the More Options icon (3 dots) > Settings > Notifications
- Make sure that “Notification Tone” is enabled
- Tap “Groups” and make sure all desired groups are enabled
- Tap “Individual Chats” and make sure all desired chats are enabled
This will ensure you have notifications enabled for the appropriate conversations within WhatsApp.
Media Settings May Be Restricting Notifications
WhatsApp allows you to disable notifications for media like photos, videos, GIFs, voice messages etc. To enable them:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Notification Tone > Media Visibility
- Make sure Show Previews is enabled
If previews are disabled, you may not get notifications when media is received in WhatsApp.
Popup Notification Settings
WhatsApp has an option to disable popup notifications from the app. To make sure these are enabled:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Popup Notification
- Make sure Show Popup Notifications is toggled on
Customize Notification Sound
If your WhatsApp notification sound is set to None, you won’t hear any sound when receiving messages. To change it:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Notification Tone
- Select a custom sound or set Default Notification Tone
Troubleshoot Operating System and App Issues
Software bugs and glitches can sometimes interfere with notifications. Try troubleshooting steps like:
- Restart your phone
- Force close and clear cache of WhatsApp
- Update your phone’s operating system
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
This may help resolve any app crashes, memory issues, or conflicts preventing WhatsApp notifications.
Check Network Connection and Signal
A weak internet connection or poor signal can impact WhatsApp notifications. Make sure you have a strong WiFi or cellular data connection. Move closer to your WiFi router or switch from WiFi to mobile data if notifications are delayed.
Verify Account Security and Privacy Settings
If your WhatsApp account has been compromised, notification settings may have been tampered with without your knowledge. It’s a good idea to enable two-factor authentication for your account.
You can also check WhatsApp Web/Desktop settings to make sure unknown devices are not linked or receiving notifications instead of your mobile device.
Disable Battery Saver Settings for WhatsApp
Some Android phones restrict background app activity to save battery life. This can prevent WhatsApp from fetching new messages. To avoid this:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access
- Select Battery Optimization and choose All Apps
- Locate WhatsApp and make sure it is not optimized
Update Notification Settings for Groups
If you are not receiving notifications for specific WhatsApp groups, check the group notification settings:
- Open the WhatsApp group
- Tap on the group name to open Group Info
- Go to Notifications > Unmute Group Notifications
This will override any previous group muting that may have disabled notifications.
Conclusion
WhatsApp notifications not working can be frustrating but the issue is usually caused by a minor settings or software problem. Go through the notification settings within WhatsApp and on your device to make sure they are enabled properly. Also try updating apps, restarting your device, and troubleshooting operating system or network issues. With a bit of debugging, you should be able to resolve the problem and start receiving WhatsApp notifications again.