WhatsApp Not Receiving Messages? 11 Ways To Fix It (Solved)

Timothy Mark
Timothy Mark - Writer & Editor
16 Min Read

WhatsApp is one of the best messaging apps in the world, and you’ll face different problems, like WhatsApp not receiving messages.

If you’re experiencing this problem while using the app, you’ll need to fix it to be able to see recent messages from friends and family.

To fix WhatsApp not showing messages, you’ll have to know the reasons why you weren’t able to receive any messages in the first place.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix WhatsApp not receiving messages on your device. You’ll also know why messages are not loading on WhatsApp.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Not Sending Messages? 9 Ways To Fix It (Solved)

What To Do If You Can’t Receive WhatsApp Messages?

If you’re having a hard time seeing messages on WhatsApp, there are different reasons WHY.

Your internet connection may not be working well, you have been blocked by the person, etc.

But here’s what to do if you can’t receive WhatsApp messages. See if the phone number is correct, and make sure you aren’t blocked by the person.

Also, check if you haven’t mistakenly Archived the chat. This will create a separate section for these messages.

If you’ve mistakingly turned on roaming you when settings up your mobile data, try turning it off and see if you’ll be able to receive messages.

If you’ve seen this through and everything looks okay on your end, you’ll need to update WhatsApp to the latest version from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

After updating the app, restart your phone. You can switch it off, and wait for a few minutes before turning it on.

If you’ve tried and it’s still not working, it means you may have some technical issues on the app [third-party mostly].

If you’re using a third-party WhatsApp app like GB, FM, and Yo, you’ll experience this problem on the app.

To fix it, use the official WhatsApp app. If you want to continue using the third-party app, you’ll need to wait for the error to be fixed.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Not Sending Pictures? 9 Ways to Fix The Problem

Why Is My WhatsApp Not Receiving Messages?

If you’re unable to receive messages on WhatsApp, there are different reasons why the issue is happening on your account.

You’ll not be able to receive messages because the contact may have blocked you, or because you’re using a third-party WhatsApp app like FM, GM, Yo, etc.

The WhatsApp app may also be having a technical problem, or your internet connection is not working on the app.

The number of the contact you’re trying to get a message from may not have been saved correctly on your phone.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Not Sending Videos? 8 Ways to Fix The Problem

How To Fix WhatsApp Not Receiving Messages

Since you know the reasons why WhatsApp can’t receive messages on the app, here’s how you can fix it.

Fix 1: Switch Internet Provider

The most common reason why you can receive messages on WhatsApp Messenger is your internet connection, as stated by WhatsApp.

There may be a breakout in your internet coverage, and to fix this, you’ll need to change your internet network.

Switch to another internet provider, and check if the message will send.

Check your internet speed with fast.com and see if it’s slow. Turn on and off the mobile data and try again.

If you don’t have another network provider, you can try switching between a Wi-Fi connection and your mobile data.

If you were previously using Wi-Fi as your internet connection, change it to your mobile network.

Fix 2: Enable And Disable Airplane Mode

If your internet connection is working, but messages are not showing on WhatsApp you’ll need to turn on Airplane [Flight] mode and turn it off.

Turning on your Airplane Mode on your device turn off the signal on your phone, and when you turn it back up, everything will be refreshed including your internet connection.

For Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen and you’ll see the Airplane [Flight] Mode icon. Tap on it [You may have to still swipe left to see the icon on some Android devices].

For iPhone: Swipe up from the bottom of your phone and turn on Airplane Mode in the network section.

After a few minutes you can turn it back on, and now, enabled an internet connection and open WhatsApp to see new messages.

ALSO READ: How To Backup Your WhatsApp Chats And Media

Fix 3: Turn On Background Data [Refresh]

If you haven’t enabled background data on your device, you’ll need to turn it on now. This will allow you to receive messages even when you’re not using WhatsApp

For Android: Go to your phone Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info or See All [Num] apps > Then find WhatsApp app > Mobile data & Wi-Fi > Toggle on Background data.

If you’re using an Android device, you can force stop the app and it will stop it from running in the background. Then open the app again.

The app must be open for you to be able to tap on the Force Stop button.

For Android: Go to your phone Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info or See All [Num] apps > Then find WhatsApp app > And then tap on Force Stop.

To enable background app refresh so when not using the app you’ll also receive messages. Turn it on from your iPhone Settings.

For iPhone: Go to your phone Settings > Find the WhatsApp app > Tap on Background App Refresh > Toggle to turn on background refresh.

Fix 4: Restart Your Device

If WhatsApp can’t receive messages, and you’ve tried changing the network, but it’s not working, you can reboot your phone to fix the problem.

The app may just have a minor glitch, causing it to malfunction and not receive
messages.

Once you restart your device and open WhatsApp, the problem will be fixed, and you’ll be able to see new messages again.

For Android: Tap on the power button and tap on the restart option. You can power it off and wait for a few minutes before turning it on.

For iPhone: You can soft or force restart your device, this will clear glitches and stop running apps in the background.

You can also tap and hold the power button to turn it off, and then turn it on.

ALSO READ: The Best Private Messaging Apps With Better Encryption

Fix 5: Clear WhatsApp Cache [Android]

If you’ve been using the WhatsApp app for a long time, it means that there are a lot of caches stored on your device, and you need to clear them.

If you’re using an Android device, and you’re facing an issue with the app, you can clear the app cache.

To fix WhatsApp not showing messages, you need to clear the app cache.

To clear your WhatsApp cache, open your Android Settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info or See All [Num] apps > Find the WhatsApp app > Tap on Storage & Cache > Tap on Clear Cache.

Fix 6: Update WhatsApp App

If you haven’t updated the WhatsApp app in a long time, updating the app now is a good time to fix the issues.

The old version of the WhatsApp app may not be working properly, causing the app not to send messages.

To update the WhatsApp app on your device, go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, once you see an update, click on it to update right away.

After you’ve updated the Messenger app to the latest version, then you’ll need to restart your device.

ALSO READ: How To Hide Your Online Status On WhatsApp

Fix 7: Reset Network Settings

If WhatsApp Messenger not showing messages, you might as well reset your phone network settings.

This might give way to the bad network problem that is causing the app not to receive any new messages.

Resetting the network settings will fix the network problems that are causing the issues with Messenger stories.

For Android: Go to your phone Settings > System > Advance > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings or Reset  Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

For iPhone: Go to Settings > tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode. Select Reset Network Settings.

Fix 8: Stop Using Third-Party WhatsApp

If you’re seeing the problem on WhatsApp, but it’s not the official WhatsApp app it’s because you’re using a third-party app.

Many people are complaining that since they’ve switched to Yo, FM, or GM WhatsApp they’re experiencing these issues.

To fix this problem, you’ll have to uninstall the third-party WhatsApp app and download the official app from the Google Play Store.

ALSO READ: Best WhatsApp Alternative Apps On Android And iPhone

Fix 9: GB Whatsapp Not Receiving Messages

If you’re using GB WhatsApp you may not be able to receive messages on your device.

Sometimes GB WhatsApp not receiving messages may happen when you switch from the official WhatsApp app.

To fix this problem on GB WhatsApp not receiving messages, you’ll need to wait for them to release an update.

If you can’t wait, use the official WhatsApp app and you’ll be able to receive messages again.

Fix 10: Not Receiving Whatsapp Messages Unless I Open The App

If you’re not receiving WhatsApp messages unless you open the app, it means that you may have notification turned off for WhatsApp, or you’re using Do Not Disturb Mode.

To fix not receiving WhatsApp messages unless I open the app, make sure you turned off Do Not Disturb.

For Android: Go to your phone Settings > Tap Sound > Tap on Do Not Disturb > Tap on Turn off now.

For iPhone: Go to your phone Settings > Tap on Do Not Disturb > Toggle the Do Not Disturb option off.

And also allowed WhatsApp notifications on your Android and iPhone.

For Android: Go to your phone settings > Tap on Apps & notifications > Tap on App info or See All [Num] apps > Find the WhatsApp app > Tap Notification > Toggle All WhatsApp notifications.

For iPhone: Go to your phone Settings > Find the WhatsApp app > Toggle on Allow Notifications.

Log out from WhatsApp Web by going to WhatsApp > More options > WhatsApp Web > Logout from all computers.

ALSO READ: WhatsApp Voice Messages Not Working? 12 Ways to Fix It

Fix 11: Do Nothing And Wait

If WhatsApp is not showing messages, this can be an app-wide problem, or just for a specific region.

And since it’s a technical problem, there’s nothing you can do to solve the problem. All you can do is just wait.

if you’re using a third-party app, but you want to stick to it, you’ll have to wait for their next update.

Note that this third-party WhatsApp app is not secure as the official app.

This is likely a bug causing the app not to receive any messages. But it’s best to use the official WhatsApp app.

Conclusion

If WhatsApp is not showing messages, you’ll not be able to see any new messages from your friends or family.

This problem may be caused by your internet connection, the app having a technical fault, or you’re third-party app.

To fix WhatsApp not receiving messages, you’ll have to switch internet connection, turn on Airplane on and off, update WhatsApp, and restart your phone.

If you’re using WhatsApp’s third-party app, you’ll need to stop and move to the official app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why WhatsApp Cannot receive messages?

If your WhatsApp can’t receive messages, it means that you have a bad internet connection, or using any WhatsApp third-party applications. You can also be facing other technical issues.

How do I fix WhatsApp not receiving messages?

To fix WhatsApp not receiving messages, you’ll have to switch internet connection, turn on Airplane on and off, update WhatsApp, and restart your phone. If you’re using WhatsApp’s third-party app, you’ll need to stop and move to the official app.

Why do my WhatsApp messages only appear when I open the app?

If you’re not seeing messages while off the app, but only when you open it, it means either you have turned off notifications for WhatsApp, or WhatsApp background data is turned off.

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By Timothy Mark Writer & Editor
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As a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience in consumer technology, Timothy has been a dedicated author and editor at Techvocast.com since its inception. Specializing in addressing user concerns, his articles offer effective solutions for Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac-related issues. Timothy's expertise also extends to crafting content about social media and various applications. Through his daily articles, he consistently aids users in overcoming their technology challenges.
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