There are a few potential reasons why WhatsApp may show unread messages when there are actually none:
Group Chat Notifications
If you are part of any WhatsApp groups, you will see notifications for the entire group chat even if the messages are not specifically addressed to you. This is because WhatsApp considers all messages in a group chat as unread until you open the chat and view the messages.
For example, if there are 10 new messages in a group chat but only 2 are relevant to you, you will still see a notification for 10 unread messages. This is why it may seem like you have unread messages when opening WhatsApp, even if no one has actually sent you anything directly.
Deleted Messages
Another possibility is that someone sent you a message but then deleted it before you had a chance to view it. While the message itself is deleted and won’t show up in your chat, WhatsApp still registers it as an unread message.
So if someone sends you a message and deletes it a few seconds later, it will briefly show up as an unread message on your end until WhatsApp refreshes this status.
Delayed Notifications
Sometimes there can be a delay between when a message is sent and when your phone receives the notification from WhatsApp’s servers. If you open the app during this delay, it may seem like phantom unread messages.
For example, someone sends you a message but due to connectivity issues your phone hasn’t received it yet. If you open WhatsApp a minute later, it will show unread messages until the notification comes through.
Incorrect Unread Message Counts
In rare cases, there seems to be a glitch with WhatsApp’s unread message counts. Some users have reported wildly inaccurate numbers of unread messages showing up, even though there are no new messages when opening the app.
Restarting the app or your phone typically resolves this, as it forces WhatsApp to re-sync and realize there are actually no unread messages. It seems to be a localized glitch that correcting itself after reloading the app.
Unread Messages from Blocked Contacts
If you have blocked a contact, their messages will still register as unread on your end since you can no longer view them. So if you have blocked someone who is trying to message you, it may seem like you have unread messages when you actually don’t.
The only way to resolve this is to unblock the sender in order to view and mark the messages as read. Or you can simply ignore them if you want to remain blocked.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp regularly shows unread messages when there are none due to group chat notifications, deleted messages, delayed notifications, glitches, and messages from blocked contacts. The unread message indicator is not always accurate and simply opening the app is usually enough to clear any false unread statuses.
If the problem persists, try restarting your phone or reinstalling WhatsApp to force a refresh. But in most cases, it is simply the result of one of the reasons explained above. As long as you open WhatsApp and view all new messages, the unread count should update accordingly after a short delay.
WhatsApp Features
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. Here is an overview of some of the key features that make WhatsApp such a popular communication tool.
Messaging
The core functionality of WhatsApp is free messaging and voice calls between users. You can send text messages, photos, videos and documents to individuals or groups. WhatsApp uses your internet connection so you can avoid SMS charges.
Group Chats
You can create group chats with up to 256 participants and communicate seamlessly with family, friends or teams. Useful features like mute and custom notifications help manage active conversations.
Voice and Video Calls
Make free Voice over IP (VoIP) calls or video calls to other WhatsApp users. The app uses your wifi or mobile data for high quality calls. Video calls support up to 8 participants.
Statuses
Share photos, videos and GIFs as your status. Statuses are visible to your contacts and disappear after 24 hours. View who has seen your status and prevent specific contacts from seeing it.
Stories
Create visually engaging stories that disappear after 24 hours. You can also view the stories shared by your contacts. Stories are end-to-end encrypted.
Disappearing Messages
Enable disappearing messages to have your messages automatically deleted after 7 days. This adds an extra layer of privacy and security to your chats.
End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp secures your messages and calls with end-to-end encryption so they stay between you and the person you’re communicating with. Third-parties cannot read or listen to your private conversations.
Cross-Platform Usage
WhatsApp can be used seamlessly across iOS, Android and desktop devices. Set up WhatsApp Web to continue chats on your computer.
Media Sharing
Share photos, videos, GIFs, documents and voice messages. Media and files can be easily sent within chats or groups. WhatsApp compresses media to save storage space.
Offline Messaging
Messages you send will be delivered even if the recipient is offline. WhatsApp queues and delivers the messages when the user is back online. No missed communication.
WhatsApp Security Features
WhatsApp provides a variety of security features to help keep your account and conversations safe.
Two-step verification
Add an extra layer of security to your account by enabling two-step verification. You will need to enter a six-digit PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp.
End-to-end encryption
WhatsApp uses the Signal protocol to provide end-to-end encryption for all conversations. This ensures only you and the person you’re communicating with can read what is sent.
Disappearing messages
Enable disappearing messages to have new messages disappear from chats after 7 days. This adds ephemeralness to your conversations.
Reporting
You can quickly report suspicious accounts, groups, messages and statuses to WhatsApp by using in-app reporting tools.
Blocking
Block contacts, groups and businesses to prevent them from contacting you on WhatsApp. You won’t receive any calls or messages from blocked accounts.
Privacy settings
Control your privacy settings to determine who can see your profile picture, status, last seen timestamp and more. You decide who gets access.
Group control
Admins can restrict groups so only admins can send messages. Admin permissions provide control over groups.
Secure backups
Back up your encrypted WhatsApp data to Google Drive or iCloud. You can secure backups with a password for extra security.
WhatsApp Tips and Tricks
Here are some handy tips and tricks to help you get the most out of WhatsApp.
Pin conversations
Pin up to 3 groups or chats to the top of your WhatsApp chat list for quick access. Just swipe right on a chat and select “Pin”.
Bold, italics and strikethrough
Formatting options allow you to bold, italicize or strikethrough your text easily. Enclose text in asterisks or underscores to quickly format.
@mention contacts
Use the @ symbol followed by a contact’s name to mention them in group chats. They will receive a notification highlighting your message.
Search messages
Use the search bar at the top of any chat to quickly find messages containing specific keywords, dates, contacts or media files.
Pin important messages
You can pin up to 3 messages per chat to the top of the conversation for easy access. Just long press a message and select “Pin”.
Mark chats as unread
Swipe left on a chat and tap “Mark as Unread” to manually flag chats as unread. Useful for remembering to reply.
Email chat history
You can email yourself a text file containing your full message history with a contact. Tap More > Email chat.
Two-step verification
Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-step verification for your account. You’ll need to enter a unique 6-digit PIN.
Night mode
Enable night mode to apply a darker theme to WhatsApp for comfortable nighttime use. Tap Settings > Chats > Theme.
WhatsApp FAQs
Is WhatsApp really free?
Yes, WhatsApp is completely free to download and use with no in-app purchases or ads. The only cost is your standard data plan you use to access the internet.
How do I know if someone blocked me on WhatsApp?
If a contact blocks you, you won’t see their profile picture and last seen status. Messages sent to them will never show as delivered. You’ll be removed from any common groups.
Can WhatsApp be hacked?
While no app is completely hack-proof, WhatsApp has extensive security protections through encryption, two-step verification and other measures. As long as you have a strong password, risk of hacking is low.
How many users does WhatsApp have?
WhatsApp currently has over 2 billion active users worldwide. It is the most popular messaging app globally.
Is WhatsApp safe for kids?
WhatsApp can be safely used by kids with proper parental guidance. Monitor their interactions, enable privacy settings, and educate them on proper etiquette and dangers.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices?
Yes, WhatsApp now allows linking up to 4 devices so you can use WhatsApp desktop and portal without needing your phone connected.
How do I backup my WhatsApp chats?
On Android, WhatsApp backups are saved automatically to Google Drive. On iPhone, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to manage iCloud backups.
What happens when I delete WhatsApp?
Deleting WhatsApp will erase your messages, media, settings etc. Make sure to backup your data first. Your account will remain active for 120 days if you want to reactivate.
How do I restore my WhatsApp backup?
On Android, backups will restore automatically when reinstalling WhatsApp with the same number. On iPhone, tap “Restore” after reinstalling to restore iCloud backup.
Can I run WhatsApp on a tablet?
There is no native WhatsApp app for tablets, but you can sync your WhatsApp account with WhatsApp Web and use the web browser on your tablet to chat.