Quick Overview
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. However, many users face issues when trying to install WhatsApp on their devices. The most common reasons for WhatsApp not installing properly include – outdated operating system, lack of storage space, problems with Google Play Store, corrupted installation files, issues with internet connection etc.
The good news is, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to fix WhatsApp installation problems on both Android and iOS devices. This includes clearing app cache & data, uninstalling and reinstalling the app, updating your OS and other apps, freeing up storage space, re-downloading WhatsApp from official sources, switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data, rebooting your device etc. We have discussed these fixes in detail later in the article.
So if you are struggling to get WhatsApp on your smartphone or tablet, don’t worry. Just go through the solutions below to resolve the issue and start using WhatsApp seamlessly again.
Common Reasons Why WhatsApp May Not Install
Here are some of the most common reasons why you may face problems while installing WhatsApp on your Android or iOS device:
Outdated Operating System
WhatsApp requires the device OS to be updated to the latest version for the installation to go through smoothly. For Android phones, WhatsApp needs at least Android OS 4.1 and later versions. On iPhones, you need iOS 12 or later versions.
If your device OS is outdated, WhatsApp installation may fail or the app may crash frequently. So update your Android phone or iPhone to the latest OS version.
Insufficient Storage Space
WhatsApp requires at least 100-150 MB of free storage space on the device for installing and functioning properly. If your phone memory is full, WhatsApp installation may not complete successfully.
So ensure you have at least 150-200 MB of free space before trying to install WhatsApp. Also move media files like photos, videos to cloud storage to free up space.
Problems with Google Play Store
On Android devices, WhatsApp is installed via the Google Play Store. Any glitches with the Play Store app can also prevent WhatsApp from getting installed correctly.
Fix Play Store issues like app crashes, update failures etc. Also check for Android system webview problems which could affect Play Store functioning.
Corrupted Installation Files
Sometimes, the WhatsApp installation files downloaded on your device may get corrupted due to reasons like weak internet connection, storage problems etc. This can lead to installation failure.
If this is the case, uninstall WhatsApp completely and freshly download the installation file again before trying to install.
Internet Connectivity Issues
Stable internet connectivity is required for successfully downloading and installing apps from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
If you face WhatsApp installation failure, check your internet connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if that fixes the issue.
Fixes for WhatsApp Not Installing on Android
If you are unable to install WhatsApp on your Android smartphone, here are the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem:
Clear Cache and Data for WhatsApp
Sometimes residual cache and data for WhatsApp can cause problems with installing the app. To fix this:
- Go to Settings > Apps on your Android phone.
- Select WhatsApp and tap on Storage.
- Now tap on ‘Clear Cache’ and ‘Clear Data’ options.
This will delete all temporary data and cache for WhatsApp and resolve any installation issues caused by corrupted residual files.
Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp
If clearing cache does not work, try uninstalling WhatsApp completely from your Android device and install it again from the beginning.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Select WhatsApp and tap on ‘Uninstall’.
- Confirm by tapping ‘OK’ when prompted.
- Once WhatsApp is uninstalled, go to Play Store and reinstall it on your device.
Re-downloading the app and installing it from scratch can help fix any corrupted files causing WhatsApp installation to fail repeatedly.
Update Your Android OS
As mentioned before, your Android OS version needs to be 4.1 or later for WhatsApp to work properly.
To update Android OS:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update.
- Check for any pending OS updates and install them.
- Restart your device once the installation is complete.
This will update your OS to the latest version and meet WhatsApp requirements.
Update Google Play Services and Play Store
Sometimes outdated Google apps can also prevent WhatsApp installation on Android.
- Open Play Store on your Android device.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon on top left.
- Go to My Apps & Games > Updates pending.
- Check for any updates available for Google Play Services, Google Play Store and install them if available.
This will update the Play Store services to the latest versions and fix any bugs that could be preventing WhatsApp installation.
Free Up Storage Space
Lack of storage capacity on your Android device can lead to WhatsApp installation failure.
To free up space:
- Uninstall unused apps and games.
- Move photos, videos and other media to cloud storage or PC.
- Clear cache for apps and system using storage settings.
- Transfer data and files to external SD card if available.
Having at least 150 MB free space will allow WhatsApp to install without storage issues.
Download Latest WhatsApp Installation File
Corrupted or outdated installation files could be the reason behind WhatsApp not getting installed properly on your Android device.
To fix this:
- Uninstall the existing WhatsApp app if you have attempted to install it previously.
- Open Play Store and search for WhatsApp.
- Tap on Install to download the latest set up file for WhatsApp.
- Try installing WhatsApp again from the freshly downloaded file.
This will ensure any corrupted old files are discarded and you are installing the app from the latest file from Play Store.
Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data
If you face WhatsApp installation failure only on Wi-Fi or only on mobile data, try switching to the other connection.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and use cellular data to install WhatsApp.
- If that doesn’t work, turn off cellular data and connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Retry installing WhatsApp using the working connection.
This trick can help fix any issues caused by problems with one of the connections.
Reboot Your Android Device
Before installing WhatsApp again, rebooting your Android phone can help clear out any residual clutter and start fresh.
- Long press the Power button on your device.
- Tap on Reboot or Restart option.
- Wait for your phone to shut down and power up again.
- After reboot, try installing WhatsApp again.
Restarting your phone fixes temporary glitches that may be preventing WhatsApp installation.
Fixes for WhatsApp Not Installing on iPhone
For iPhones, here are some troubleshooting tips to resolve WhatsApp installation problems:
Update Your iPhone iOS
As mentioned before, WhatsApp requires iOS 12 or later to work smoothly on iPhones.
To update your iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Download and install the latest iOS update available.
- Restart your iPhone once the update completes.
Updating to the latest iOS meets WhatsApp minimum OS requirements.
Clear Cache and Data for WhatsApp
Any corrupted WhatsApp files on your iPhone can also hinder new installation. To delete them:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Find WhatsApp app and tap on it.
- Tap on Offload App option to clear all data and cache for WhatsApp.
This will wipe any problematic residual files for WhatsApp on your iPhone.
Check App Store for WhatsApp Updates
Using the latest WhatsApp version can help avoid installation problems.
- Open App Store on your iPhone.
- Go to Updates section.
- Check if any new updates are pending for WhatsApp.
- Tap Update against WhatsApp to install the latest version.
Having the most recent WhatsApp update can fix bugs that may be preventing the app from getting installed correctly.
Reboot Your iPhone
Before trying to install WhatsApp again, restart your iPhone to clear out temporary glitches.
- Press and hold either Volume Up or Side button and Power button simultaneously until you see the power off slider.
- Drag the power off slider to turn off your iPhone.
- Wait for 30 seconds and then power on your iPhone again.
Rebooting clears any minor iOS issues that could be stopping WhatsApp from installing properly.
Free Up Storage Space
WhatsApp requires free space on your iPhone for the installation files and caches.
To clear space:
- Offload unused apps.
- Manage and optimize Photos storage.
- Move files and data to iCloud or computer.
- Delete downloaded mail attachments.
Having minimum 150 MB free space will prevent storage errors during WhatsApp installation.
Update Apps like iCloud, iOS
Besides WhatsApp, also ensure essential apps like iCloud, iOS are updated. Outdated Apple apps can affect WhatsApp installation.
- Go to App Store > Updates and install any available updates.
- Alternatively, you can set automatic updates on for Apps in Settings.
This will update relevant Apple apps and services required for smooth functioning of third-party apps like WhatsApp.
Disable VPN or Proxy Settings
Sometimes VPN or proxy connections on your iPhone can interfere with app installations from App Store.
- Go to Settings > VPN and turn off any active VPN.
- Also disable any proxy settings under Wi-Fi or Cellular data.
Disabling VPN and proxy allows direct connectivity with App Store for installing WhatsApp without issues.
Factory Reset iPhone
If none of the above fixes work, you can consider resetting your iPhone to factory settings:
- Backup your data before reset.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter password when prompted and confirm reset.
- Set up your device again once the reset completes.
Factory reset will install a clean new iOS and remove any deep-rooted glitches that could be stopping WhatsApp from installing correctly.
Why Does WhatsApp Stop Working After Installation?
In some cases, WhatsApp may install correctly but then stop working or crash frequently after installation. Some common reasons for this include:
- Outdated OS version
- Insufficient storage space
- Too many background apps open
- Weak internet connection
- Problems with touch screen
- Corrupted app files
- Using unsupported devices
- Jailbroken/rooted device
If you face app crashes or freezing after installing WhatsApp, try the troubleshooting steps outlined above to resolve the problems. Updating device software, freeing up storage, re-downloading WhatsApp files, and rebooting your phone can help fix issues that cause the app to stop working.
How to Prevent WhatsApp Installation Problems?
You can avoid WhatsApp installation issues in the future by following these tips:
- Keep your device OS and other apps updated.
- Maintain sufficient free space – at least 150 MB.
- Download WhatsApp only from official sources like Play Store or App Store.
- Use a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
- Clear app cache and data regularly.
- Don’t install on unsupported, jailbroken or rooted devices.
- Backup your data periodically.
Taking these precautions will ensure your device meets WhatsApp requirements and prevent common installation failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is WhatsApp pending installation on my Android phone?
If WhatsApp is stuck in pending installation state on your Android phone, it could be due to issues like insufficient storage space, outdated Play Store version, using unsupported Android OS version, or problems with your internet connection.
How can I fix if WhatsApp gets stuck on verifying phone number?
– Check your internet connection and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
– Make sure you have entered the correct phone number with country code.
– Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
– Update WhatsApp to the latest version from Play Store.
What should I do if WhatsApp gets stuck on ‘Connecting’ on iPhone?
– Check your internet connection.
– Reboot your iPhone.
– Make sure background app refresh is enabled for WhatsApp.
– Update to the latest iOS version.
– Offload and reinstall WhatsApp from App Store.
Conclusion
Installing WhatsApp is usually quick and straightforward. But various factors like outdated software, storage issues, connectivity problems etc can cause WhatsApp installation failure on Android and iPhones.
The good news is troubleshooting steps like updating device software, reinstalling the app, freeing up storage, using a stable internet connection can help successfully install WhatsApp. Also avoid installing WhatsApp from unknown sources and maintain the minimum OS and storage requirements.
Taking the right precautions and following fixes mentioned in this article can help you overcome WhatsApp installation issues and start using the messaging app without problems.