Quick Answer
Here are the quick steps to get WhatsApp working on cellular data:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Data and Storage Usage.
- Make sure Media Auto-Download is turned off when roaming.
- Under Data Usage, enable Use Less Data for Calls.
- Make sure WhatsApp is allowed to use cellular data in your device settings.
- Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
- Restart your device.
Following these steps should allow WhatsApp to function properly over cellular data. Read on for more detailed explanations and troubleshooting tips.
Ensure WhatsApp Data Settings are Configured
The first thing to check is that WhatsApp’s data usage settings are properly configured. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Data and Storage Usage.
Here, make sure the following options are set:
- Media Auto-Download – Disable this option when roaming to prevent large downloads from eating up cellular data.
- Use Less Data for Calls – Enable this option to reduce data usage when making calls over cellular.
These settings will optimize WhatsApp to minimize unnecessary data usage when on cellular networks.
Allow WhatsApp to Use Cellular Data
You also need to make sure WhatsApp is actually allowed to use cellular data in your device settings. The steps vary by device and Android version, but look for a “Cellular Data Usage” or “Data Usage” screen in your main Settings app.
Here you can view and control which apps have permission to transfer data over cellular networks. Make sure WhatsApp is toggled on. Some devices also have a “Restrict background data” option that you may need to disable for WhatsApp.
Disable Battery Optimization
One common culprit preventing WhatsApp from working properly on cellular data is battery optimization. To maximize battery life, Android will restrict background data for apps. This can interfere with WhatsApp’s ability to send and receive messages in a timely manner when not in active use.
To disable battery optimization for WhatsApp:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Special App Access > Battery Optimization.
- Select WhatsApp and choose “Don’t Optimize.”
This will exempt WhatsApp from battery saving restrictions that may inhibit its background data usage.
Update WhatsApp to Latest Version
It’s always a good idea to keep apps updated to their latest versions. WhatsApp regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements.
To update WhatsApp:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Tap the hamburger menu and select “My Apps & Games.”
- Check the Updates tab for any available WhatsApp updates and install them.
Updating to the latest version may resolve cellular data connectivity issues that have since been patched.
Restart Your Device
One simple but effective troubleshooting step is to restart your Android device. A reboot will clear out any temporary glitches or processes interfering with WhatsApp’s functionality.
To restart an Android device:
- Hold down the Power button for a few seconds until the Power off prompt appears.
- Tap Power off and confirm to shut down the device.
- Once it’s fully powered down, press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.
Give WhatsApp a try after a restart to see if cellular data issues have been resolved.
Verify SIM Card and Cellular Network
Problems with your SIM card or cellular network connection can also prevent WhatsApp working properly over cellular data. Some things to check:
- Make sure your SIM card is properly inserted and seated in the tray.
- Check for dirt, debris or damage on the SIM card metal contacts.
- Remove and reinsert the SIM card to re-establish a cellular connection.
- Toggle Airplane mode on and off to force a network registration.
- Manually switch network modes from 4G to 3G or vice versa.
If you continue having network or SIM card issues, contact your carrier for assistance. They can check your subscription status and network coverage.
Troubleshoot Background Data Issues
Even if WhatsApp has permission to use cellular data, some Android devices apply restrictions on background data usage that can interfere with WhatsApp messaging. Try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check Settings for any “Data Saver” features and disable them.
- Disable any task killers or battery saver apps that may be shutting down WhatsApp in the background.
- Clear cached data for apps like Google Play Services that may be restricting background data.
- Toggle the “Restrict background data” option under Cellular Data Usage settings.
Rectifying any overly restrictive data saving or battery optimization settings can help WhatsApp work properly in the background.
Exclude WhatsApp from Metered Data
On some networks, cellular data is considered “metered” and apps may restrict background usage to avoid high bills. You can force WhatsApp to disregard this by excluding it from metered data checks:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access.
- Tap “Unrestricted data” and enable it for WhatsApp.
This will exempt WhatsApp from metered data restrictions that may be blocking background data.
Change WhatsApp Connection Settings
WhatsApp itself has some connection settings that may help get it working better over cellular data:
- Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and data > Media auto-download. Turn off when roaming and on Wi-Fi to prevent large downloads on cellular.
- Under Chat settings, enable Low data usage mode to reduce data transferred per message.
- In Notifications, disable Show previews to prevent media from auto-downloading via notifications.
Optimizing these settings can improve WhatsApp’s cellular data efficiency.
Try WhatsApp Web
If all else fails, you can access WhatsApp messaging via WhatsApp Web which uses your device’s internet connection instead of cellular data. Enable WhatsApp web in your app settings, then visit web.whatsapp.com in your phone’s browser to link your account and continue chatting without cellular data.
Contact Your Carrier
For persistent cellular data issues, contact your carrier’s customer support for assistance. They can check that your cellular plan properly supports data for third-party apps like WhatsApp. There may also be network settings on their end that need adjustment to allow WhatsApp traffic from your device.
Factory Reset as Last Resort
If no other troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue with WhatsApp on cellular data, a factory reset of your Android device may be necessary. This will wipe the phone and restore it to factory conditions, which can eliminate any software bugs or system errors preventing WhatsApp from working properly.
Back up important data before resetting then choose Reset options in Settings. This should be a last resort, but can fix cellular data issues if all else fails.
Conclusion
With the right settings configured, allowing WhatsApp proper permissions, and troubleshooting any network issues, you should be able to get WhatsApp working via cellular data on your Android device. Check the app’s data usage options, update to the latest version, restart your device, and contact your carrier if problems persist. With the steps provided, you’ll be chatting away over cellular data in no time.