WhatsApp desktop getting stuck on syncing is a common issue that many users face. There could be several reasons for this problem. Here are some quick potential causes and fixes to try if your WhatsApp desktop is stuck syncing.
Quick Fixes
- Restart WhatsApp desktop – Closing and reopening the app often fixes minor glitches
- Check your internet connection – Make sure you have a stable internet connection on both devices
- Update WhatsApp – Install the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone and desktop
- Reinstall WhatsApp desktop – Uninstalling and reinstalling the desktop app sometimes resolves issues
- Clear cache – Clear cached data and files to remove corrupt temporary files
- Log out and log back in – Logging out and back in can reset syncing issues
Why Does WhatsApp Desktop Get Stuck Syncing?
There are a few common reasons why you may see the ‘Syncing’ message on WhatsApp desktop and the app is unable to finish syncing:
Internet Connectivity Issues
Stable internet connectivity is required on both your phone and computer for WhatsApp desktop syncing to work properly. Some common internet-related reasons for syncing issues include:
- Poor internet connection on your computer or phone
- Switching between wifi and mobile data networks
- Connectivity drops or interruptions
- Using a VPN or proxy server
- Network congestion or low bandwidth
If you have an unstable internet connection, it can disrupt the continuous syncing process between your devices. Check that both devices are connected to a strong wifi or mobile data network to resolve this.
Outdated WhatsApp Version
Having an outdated version of WhatsApp either on your phone or desktop can also lead to syncing problems. WhatsApp frequently releases new updates with bug fixes and improvements. Not updating to the latest version can sometimes break the syncing capability.
Make sure you have installed the most recent updates of WhatsApp on both your computer and mobile device. Update WhatsApp on your phone through the Play Store or App Store. On desktop, check for any available updates in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store.
Incorrect Time and Date Settings
WhatsApp syncing relies on your device’s time and date settings being correct. If your computer and phone have incorrect or mismatched date/time settings, it can prevent WhatsApp desktop from syncing.
Double check that both your phone and computer have the right time zone set and show the same correct date and time. Set both devices to update time and date automatically if needed.
Corrupt App Data or Cache
Over time, some corrupt data or cache files can build up in WhatsApp that may affect the syncing process. Things like incorrect app preferences, temporary files, residual old data, etc can accumulate and cause sync issues.
Try clearing the app cache and data on WhatsApp desktop to remove any problematic temporary files or old data. On Android phones, consider force stopping the app and clearing cache/data.
Too Many Messages and Media
If there is a very large amount of chat history and media on your WhatsApp account, it can sometimes overwhelm the desktop app during initial syncing. The sheer volume of messages and files to transfer and process can freeze the desktop app.
In such cases, syncing typically gets stuck at 90-95%. You may have to be patient and keep the app open for a long time. Syncing should eventually complete after some time, although it is a slow process.
Account Issues
In rare cases, there may be some underlying issue with your WhatsApp account that is preventing the desktop app from syncing. For example:
- You recently changed your phone number linked to your WhatsApp account
- Your account was temporarily banned by WhatsApp
- You are logged in on another device which is disrupting the desktop sync
- There is a problem with your account’s encryption keys
Account-specific problems like these require you to carefully check your account details and settings on both mobile and desktop apps. You may need to unlink devices or contact WhatsApp support in some cases.
How to Fix WhatsApp Desktop Sync Issues
Here are some step-by-step solutions you can follow to troubleshoot WhatsApp desktop not syncing:
1. Check Internet Connection
Start by checking that your computer and mobile phone are both connected to the internet and able to access WhatsApp services. Open a browser tab on both devices and try loading the WhatsApp web page to confirm.
If there are connectivity problems, switch to a stable WiFi or mobile data connection on both devices before trying to sync again.
2. Force Stop WhatsApp on Your Phone
- Open Settings on your Android phone
- Tap on Apps or Application Manager
- Select WhatsApp from the list
- Tap Force Stop button
Forcing WhatsApp to stop on your phone can help reset the syncing process when opening WhatsApp desktop again.
3. Update WhatsApp on Both Devices
Ensure you have the most recent versions of WhatsApp installed by updating both apps:
On Desktop:
- Open Microsoft Store/Mac App Store
- Go to Updates section
- Check for WhatsApp update and install it
- Restart WhatsApp Desktop after update
On Phone:
- Open Play Store/App Store
- Go to Updates section
- Check for WhatsApp update and install it
- Open WhatsApp on your phone after updating
4. Log Out and Log Back In
Logging out and back in essentially resets the app and clears any data causing sync issues:
- Open WhatsApp Desktop
- Click on the Menu icon in top left
- Select Log Out option
- Scan the QR code again with your phone to log back in
This should re-initialize the syncing process and hopefully get it unstuck.
5. Clear Cache and Data
Removing cached files and app data can resolve corrupted data preventing syncing.
On Desktop:
- Close WhatsApp Desktop
- Open File Explorer and go to the WhatsApp folder
- Delete the ‘Cache’ and ‘Databases’ folders
- Restart WhatsApp Desktop to recreate fresh files
On Android:
- Open phone Settings > Apps > WhatsApp
- Tap Storage, then Clear Cache and Clear Data buttons
- Open WhatsApp on your phone again
6. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp Desktop
If all else fails, uninstalling and doing a clean reinstall of WhatsApp desktop may fix stubborn syncing issues:
- Uninstall WhatsApp Desktop from your computer
- Restart your computer
- Reinstall latest version of WhatsApp Desktop
- Scan QR code again to log in and sync
Preventing WhatsApp Desktop Syncing Problems
You can avoid syncing issues in the future by following these best practices:
- Keep WhatsApp updated to latest version on both devices
- Avoid switching networks while syncing is in progress
- Sync over a stable WiFi connection for best results
- Periodically clear cache and other temporary files
- Ensure correct date/time settings on computer and phone
- Don’t uninstall or log out of WhatsApp while sync is incomplete
Conclusion
WhatsApp desktop getting stuck on syncing can be frustrating, but is usually fixable. The problem is often due to connectivity issues, outdated app versions, corrupt data or account conflicts. Follow the troubleshooting steps to check for potential causes and apply fixes like updating WhatsApp, logging out and back in, clearing app data, reinstalling the desktop app, etc. With some patience and trial and error, you should be able to resolve the syncing problem and get WhatsApp desktop working properly again.