Quick Answer
There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp may not be sending messages even when you have an active data connection:
- Your internet connection is slow or unstable
- The WhatsApp server is down
- Your phone’s date and time settings are incorrect
- Your WhatsApp account is banned or blocked
- There is a problem with your SIM card
- Your phone’s software needs to be updated
- You have exceeded your daily message limit
- Your phone’s storage space is full
To fix the issue, first check your internet connection speed and stability. Restart your phone and router if needed. Make sure your phone’s date and time are set correctly. Verify your WhatsApp account status, update your phone software, check for SIM card issues, and clear up storage space if needed. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
Checking Your Internet Connection
The most common reason Why WhatsApp is not working properly is an unstable or slow internet connection. WhatsApp needs a relatively fast and steady internet connection to send and receive messages smoothly.
Here are some steps to check your internet connection:
- Restart your phone and router – This often fixes temporary glitches in connectivity.
- Check if other apps are working – Try loading webpages, streaming videos, or using other chat apps. If they don’t work, it’s an overall internet issue.
- Check your data balance – Make sure you have not exceeded your mobile data allowance. Top up your balance if needed.
- Try switching between WiFi and mobile data – See if one connection works better than the other for WhatsApp.
- Test your internet speed – Use a speed testing site to check your upload and download speeds. Consistent speeds above 3 Mbps are recommended.
- Move closer to your router – Weak WiFi signals can cause intermittent issues. Move closer to get a stronger signal.
If your internet connection seems slow or unstable, contact your internet service provider. There could be an outage or another technical issue hampering connectivity in your area.
Verifying WhatsApp Server Status
Sometimes WhatsApp issues arise because of problems with WhatsApp’s servers and not your personal internet connection. The servers manage all WhatsApp accounts and messages across the globe. Any downtime or glitch can prevent messages from going through.
Here are some ways to check WhatsApp server status:
- Check Downdetector – This website tracks WhatsApp outages and user reports of issues.
- Visit WhatsApp’s Twitter or Facebook – The company posts updates about server issues.
- Check if contacts also can’t send messages – If it’s a server problem, your contacts will be affected too.
- Try using WhatsApp Web – If it doesn’t work either, that confirms a wider issue.
- Wait and try again later – Most server problems are resolved within hours.
There is usually nothing you can do except wait for WhatsApp to fix server problems on their end and restore service. Any loss of functionality due to server outages is temporary. Keep checking for updates on when it will be resolved.
Checking Date and Time Settings
WhatsApp relies on your phone’s date and time settings to work properly. If they are inaccurate, it can prevent WhatsApp from connecting to servers and sending messages.
Here are some steps to verify date and time settings:
- Enable “Set Automatically” in settings – This syncs your phone to the network time.
- Check timezone – Make sure your phone’s timezone is set correctly for your location.
- Look for “Invalid Date/Time” errors in WhatsApp – This indicates your settings are wrong.
- Restart your phone – Restarting can force your phone to reconnect and sync time settings.
- Set date/time manually if needed – If automatic settings don’t work, manually set the correct date and time.
If adjusting your phone’s date and time settings does not resolve the issue, your phone’s clock may be faulty. Contact your device manufacturer or take it to a repair center.
Checking Your WhatsApp Account Status
If your WhatsApp account has been banned, suspended or blocked, you will not be able to send or receive messages until the restriction is removed.
Here are some ways to check your account status:
- Open WhatsApp and check for a ban notification – WhatsApp will alert you if banned.
- Try registering your number again – Banned numbers can’t re-register.
- Check if you can use WhatsApp Web – If banned, you can’t use it.
- Try sending a message to WhatsApp support – Banned accounts can’t contact support.
- See if contacts can send you messages – You won’t get messages if banned.
WhatsApp bans accounts for violations like spamming, scamming, and illegal usage. The ban duration depends on the severity of the violation. You will need to appeal to WhatsApp support for reinstatement after a ban.
Updating Your Phone’s Software
Outdated phone software can sometimes disrupt How WhatsApp functions. Newer versions of your phone’s operating system and WhatsApp may have crucial bug fixes, performance improvements, and features needed for smooth messaging.
Here are tips on keeping your phone software updated:
- Check phone settings for pending updates – Install any available operating system and security updates.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version – Go to your app store to get the newest WhatsApp release.
- Restart phone after updates – Restart to ensure updates are fully implemented.
- Check for WhatsApp compatibility – Very outdated operating systems may not support the newest WhatsApp.
- Clear WhatsApp cache after updates – This deletes outdated update files that may cause glitches.
Updating your software will also improve your phone’s overall performance and security. If your phone is too old, you may need to upgrade to a newer device for the best WhatsApp experience.
Checking for SIM Card Issues
Since WhatsApp is tied to your phone number and SIM card, any SIM card problems can prevent sending messages.
Here are some SIM card checks:
- Restart phone and reinsert SIM – Reseating the card can fix temporary glitches.
- Try a different SIM card – Switch to another SIM to see if messages send.
- Test SIM card in a different phone – Verify the card itself works in another device.
- Inspect SIM card for damage – Look for physical wear and tear, scratches, bends.
- Check if SIM card is expired/deactivated – Contact carrier to renew if expired.
- Disable then re-enable mobile data – Turn mobile data off and back on.
If switching SIM cards resolves the issue, then you know the problem is with your original SIM. Contact your mobile carrier for a replacement. Damaged or invalid SIM cards cannot be used for WhatsApp messaging.
Freeing Up Phone Storage Space
Insufficient storage space on your phone can disrupt normal functioning of apps like WhatsApp. Here are some tips to free up storage:
- Uninstall unused apps and games
- Delete or offload large files like videos, photos
- Transfer files to a laptop or cloud storage
- Clear app caches and temporary files
- Factory reset your phone if needed
WhatsApp needs adequate free storage for its cache, media attachments, update downloads, and more. Low storage situations can cause messages to get stuck.
You should have at least 500MB of available space for WhatsApp to work without errors. Set your phone to auto-delete WhatsApp files after 30 days to prevent build up. Also enable WhatsApp’s low storage mode in settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
Beyond the common fixes, here are some additional troubleshooting steps for sending messages on WhatsApp:
- Force close and clear cache of WhatsApp
- Uninstall and reinstall the app
- Try WhatsApp on a different phone
- Create a new WhatsApp account
- Reset network settings on your phone
If the basic fixes do not work, try the more advanced troubleshooting steps above. Reach out to WhatsApp support if you are still unable to resolve the issue after trying all recommended solutions.
Preventative Measures
Here are some tips to prevent issues with sending WhatsApp messages:
- Maintain a stable WiFi or mobile data connection
- Keep your phone software and WhatsApp updated
- Don’t violate WhatsApp terms to avoid bans
- Back up messages regularly in case you need to reinstall WhatsApp
- Don’t overload phone storage
- Use WhatsApp Web as an alternative if your phone has issues
Following these best practices will minimize disruptions to your WhatsApp messaging. Be proactive about maintaining your phone to avoid frustrations.
When to Seek Help
If you have tried all the basic troubleshooting steps and WhatsApp is still not sending messages, it’s time to seek assistance:
- Contact your mobile carrier if you suspect a SIM card issue
- Reach out to WhatsApp support through chat or email
- Visit your phone manufacturer or carrier store for in-person support
- Search WhatsApp user forums for people facing similar issues
- Consult a phone repair technician if you think it’s a hardware problem
Be detailed when describing the issue to support reps so they can pinpoint the cause. Provide screenshots or error messages if applicable. Patience is key as troubleshooting can take some trial and error. Avoid any third-party messaging apps claiming to unlock WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about resolving WhatsApp messaging issues:
Why does my WhatsApp keep saying connecting?
This usually means there is a problem with your internet connection preventing WhatsApp from establishing connectivity with its servers. Try troubleshooting your WiFi or mobile data to resolve.
Why is my WhatsApp not sending media files?
Large media like photos and videos may fail to send if you have a slow connection or low storage space on your phone. Try compressing media, using WiFi instead of mobile data, or freeing up storage space.
How can I tell if someone blocked me on WhatsApp?
If your messages have one check instead of two, and profile photo and online status are unavailable, you may be blocked. There will be no notification of being blocked.
Can I retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages?
Unfortunately no, WhatsApp does not allow retrieving deleted messages. But you can restore conversations from a previous backup.
Why is my WhatsApp temporarily banned?
Temporary bans happen if you violate WhatsApp terms, like sending spam. Bans can last a few hours up to a few weeks. You will need to wait it out before sending messages again.
Conclusion
WhatsApp messaging issues like sending failures can be frustrating, but are usually fixable. Start by checking your internet connection, WhatsApp server status, account status, phone software version, SIM card, and storage space. Restart your device, reinstall WhatsApp, clear app caches, or upgrade your phone if needed. Seek assistance from mobile carrier, WhatsApp support, or phone technician if problems persist. With consistent troubleshooting, you should be able to resolve the issue and resume messaging.