WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It offers convenient features like group chats, voice and video calls, document sharing and more. However, sometimes messages fail to deliver on WhatsApp due to various reasons.
Common reasons why WhatsApp messages don’t deliver
Here are some of the most common reasons why your WhatsApp messages may not be going through:
Poor internet connection
A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the main reasons why WhatsApp messages don’t send. WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to send and receive messages. So if you have poor connectivity or slow mobile data, your messages will get stuck until the connection improves.
Outdated app version
Using an outdated version of the WhatsApp app can also cause messaging issues. WhatsApp regularly releases updates to fix bugs and add new features. But if you don’t have auto-update enabled or haven’t updated WhatsApp manually, you may face delivery failures.
Insufficient storage space
WhatsApp needs free storage space on your phone to store and deliver messages. If your phone storage is full, the app won’t have space to save new messages for delivery. This will lead to messages getting stuck at the “sending” status.
Restricted background data usage
To optimize battery life, many Android phones restrict background data usage for apps like WhatsApp. This prevents WhatsApp from sending and receiving messages when running in the background. Head to your phone settings to allow WhatsApp unrestricted data usage.
Do Not Disturb mode enabled
Android’s Do Not Disturb mode blocks notifications and message delivery for selected apps. So if you have enabled DND mode and added WhatsApp to the list of silenced apps, your messages won’t go through.
Recipient’s account deactivated
If the recipient you’re messaging has deactivated their WhatsApp account, your messages to them will remain undelivered. Their account needs to be active to receive any messages.
You’re blocked by the recipient
If someone has blocked you on WhatsApp, messages you send to them will show a single tick and fail to deliver. You won’t be notified if you’re blocked, but your messages won’t go through.
Recipient has restricted visibility
WhatsApp allows hiding your Last Seen, Profile Photo and About info from specific contacts. If the recipient you’re messaging has restricted your visibility, your messages may get stuck.
Issues on the recipient’s device
Problems like a full storage, outdated app version, poor connectivity etc. on the recipient’s device can also lead to your messages not delivering to them.
Banned by WhatsApp
If WhatsApp has banned your account for violating their terms, you won’t be able to send or receive messages until the ban is lifted.
Incorrect phone number
Simply having an incorrect or invalid phone number for the recipient will lead to messaging issues on WhatsApp.
Disabled chat backup
With chat backup disabled, your messages have nowhere to be stored if they fail to deliver instantly. This can cause temporary delivery failures.
How to diagnose and fix WhatsApp message not delivering issue
Follow these troubleshooting tips to identify and resolve problems with sending messages on WhatsApp:
Check your internet connection
Firstly, check if you have an active internet connection on your phone. Open a browser or any other internet dependent app to confirm this. Switch between WiFi and mobile data if needed.
Restart your phone
Quickly restarting your phone can help resolve temporary glitches that may be preventing WhatsApp message delivery. This refreshes all apps and services.
Update to the latest WhatsApp version
Go to your app store, search for WhatsApp and install any available updates. This will rule out any app version related issues.
Clear app cache and data
Within WhatsApp’s app settings, try clearing cache and storage data. This deletes temporary files and resets the app to default.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
If other troubleshooting steps don’t work, uninstall WhatsApp completely and install it again from the app store. Just remember to backup chats first.
Check account status on web version
Log in to WhatsApp on your computer’s web browser to see if your account is working fine there. If web messages work but mobile doesn’t, reinstall the app.
Allow background data usage
Make sure WhatsApp has permission to transfer data while running in the background. Disable battery optimization and other data restrictions.
Disable Do Not Disturb mode
Check that WhatsApp is not silenced under your phone’s Do Not Disturb settings. Disable DND if enabled or remove WhatsApp from the list of silenced apps.
Free up storage space
Delete unused files, photos, videos and apps to free up storage space required for WhatsApp to operate smoothly. At least 100 MB free space is recommended.
Create a new group chat
Try starting a new group chat and see if your messages go through to multiple recipients. If it works, then the issue seems to be specific to just one recipient.
Ask the recipient to check their settings
Some settings on the recipient’s end could be blocking your messages. Ask them to disable DND, check account privacy settings, update WhatsApp version, clear cache and other basic troubleshooting.
Use WhatsApp on desktop/web
See if you’re able to message the recipient normally through WhatsApp desktop app or web version. If it works there but not on mobile, it indicates a device-specific issue.
Contact WhatsApp support
If all else fails, contact WhatsApp directly through their support page and report your persistent message sending issues. Provide details like your phone model, app version etc.
Tips to prevent WhatsApp message delivery issues
Going forward, keep these tips in mind to avoid facing message sending failures on WhatsApp:
- Always maintain a stable internet connection
- Regularly clear app cache and storage data
- Enable auto-update and install latest WhatsApp version
- Free up adequate storage space on your phone
- Back up chats to retain message history
- Allow unrestricted background data usage for WhatsApp
- Make sure you have the correct contact number of recipients
- Ask recipients to adjust privacy settings and check app issues on their end
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my WhatsApp messages have a single tick?
A single tick means your message has left your phone but hasn’t reached the recipient yet. This usually happens when you have a poor internet connection or the recipient is offline.
Why do my messages stay stuck on ‘Sending’?
If your messages remain stuck on ‘Sending’, it indicates they have failed to be delivered and will continue retrying. Reasons can be internet issues, recipient unavailability or account restrictions.
How do I know if someone has blocked me on WhatsApp?
If your messages to a contact only show single tick and never get delivered, it likely means you’ve been blocked by them. You won’t get a notification for being blocked.
Why am I unable to send messages to groups?
You may be restricted from sending messages to a group if the admin has limited permissions. Ask the group admin to check your group settings and permissions.
Some messages are delivered, some aren’t – why?
Intermittent message delivery failures typically point to network issues on your end. Try changing between WiFi and mobile data to see if deliverability improves.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has made instant messaging much more convenient. But technology can be unpredictable at times. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined above to identify and resolve WhatsApp message sending issues.
With over two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp servers can sometimes get overloaded, leading to temporary outages. Have patience and try again later if messages refuse to go through consistently.
Make sure to keep your app updated, maintain a stable connection, manage your storage and check recipient settings when diagnosing message delivery failures on WhatsApp. Reach out to WhatsApp support if problems persist beyond troubleshooting.