WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. However, many iPhone users have experienced issues with WhatsApp crashing or shutting down unexpectedly.
Common Causes of WhatsApp Crashing on iPhone
There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp may keep crashing or shutting down on iPhones:
- Outdated app version – If you don’t have the latest version of WhatsApp installed, bugs or glitches in older versions could cause crashes.
- Insufficient storage space – WhatsApp requires free storage space on your iPhone to run smoothly. Lack of storage can lead to freezing and shutdowns.
- Too many chat backups – Having too many chat backups stored on iCloud can cause WhatsApp to lag and crash frequently.
- Jailbroken iPhone – Jailbreaking removes iPhone’s built-in security protections, making apps like WhatsApp unstable.
- iOS issues – Bugs or glitches in your iPhone’s operating system can also affect WhatsApp’s performance.
- Too many WhatsApp notifications – A flood of notifications from WhatsApp groups and chats can overload the app and cause shut downs.
How to Fix WhatsApp Shutting Down on iPhone
Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and stop WhatsApp from crashing on your iPhone:
Update to the Latest WhatsApp version
Make sure you are running the most up-to-date version of WhatsApp on your iPhone. Outdated app versions commonly cause performance issues. To update:
- Go to the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right.
- Scroll down to see pending app updates and install any available WhatsApp update.
Free Up Storage Space on Your iPhone
Having insufficient storage available can cause all kinds of app crashes and shutdowns. To free up space for WhatsApp:
- Offload unused apps
- Remove cached app data
- Delete large files like videos and photos
- Turn on iCloud Photo Library to move images to the cloud
- Upgrade iCloud storage if needed for backups
Reduce Number of Chat Backups
If you have too many WhatsApp chat backups stored in iCloud, it can burden the app. Try reducing backups to the last few weeks or months only.
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now to save your most recent backup.
- Tap Remove Older Backups and delete unneeded backups.
Disable Notifications from WhatsApp Groups/Chats
A constant barrage of notifications from WhatsApp can overwhelm the app. Mute group chats or turn off notifications from frequently messaging contacts.
- Open the relevant WhatsApp group or chat.
- Tap the name at the top and select Mute to disable notifications.
- Or go to main WhatsApp Settings > Notifications to customize notifications.
Update Your iPhone Software
Having the latest iOS version installed ensures maximum compatibility with WhatsApp. Install any available updates:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
- Download and install the latest iOS update shown.
Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes simply turning your iPhone off and back on can clear up app glitches causing crashes. To restart:
- Hold down the Power button on your iPhone until the “Slide to power off” prompt appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your phone. Wait 30 seconds.
- Hold the Power button again until the Apple logo appears to restart your iPhone.
Reinstall WhatsApp
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp can wipe out any corrupted files or cached data causing crashes. To reinstall:
- Delete WhatsApp from your iPhone – hold the app icon until it jiggles, then tap the X.
- Power your phone off and back on.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store and sign in again.
Other WhatsApp Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some other helpful tips for solving WhatsApp shutdowns on iPhone:
- Check for a jailbreak – Jailbroken iPhones are prone to app crashes. Consider resetting to factory settings.
- Verify date & time settings – Incorrect date and time can disrupt apps like WhatsApp.
- Reset network settings – Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Contact WhatsApp support if issues persist – They may have specialized troubleshooting tips.
Preventing WhatsApp Crashes
Once you’ve stopped the shutdowns, you can take steps to prevent WhatsApp from crashing again:
- Update WhatsApp whenever new versions are available.
- Limit notifications from busy group chats.
- Regularly clear old chat history and media.
- Maintain at least 1GB free storage on your iPhone.
- Backup chats to iCloud weekly, not daily.
- Keep your iPhone OS updated.
When to Backup and Reinstall WhatsApp
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps with no success, a clean reinstall of WhatsApp may be needed. Here’s when to backup chats and uninstall/reinstall the app:
- WhatsApp crashes immediately on launch repeatedly.
- The app is frozen and completely unresponsive.
- You get frequent error messages in WhatsApp.
- Usual fixes like updating iOS/WhatsApp don’t resolve shutdowns.
Before reinstalling, make sure to backup your chats so you don’t lose messages. On iPhone, WhatsApp should automatically backup daily to iCloud.
Losing WhatsApp Data After Reinstall
If you reinstall WhatsApp but still can’t access old chats, your backup may be corrupted. Here are options to try restoring lost data:
- Force quit WhatsApp and restart your iPhone – backups may not have synced yet.
- Update to the latest WhatsApp version if available – it may fix backup issues.
- Check your iCloud storage – insufficient space can prevent WhatsApp backups.
- Restore an earlier iCloud backup – go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups.
Unfortunately, if no backups are available, previously saved WhatsApp chats and media may be impossible to retrieve after reinstalling the app.
Conclusion
WhatsApp shutting down unexpectedly can certainly be frustrating. However, there are plenty of fixes you can try to troubleshoot the issue on your iPhone.
Updating the app, freeing up storage space, reducing backups, and disabling notifications are good first steps. For persistent crashes, restarting your iPhone, reinstalling WhatsApp, or contacting support may be needed. Periodically backing up chats is also recommended to avoid losing your message history.
With proper troubleshooting and preventive maintenance, you can get WhatsApp working smoothly again and avoid those annoying crashes disrupting your iPhone messaging.