WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. However, sometimes after updating the app, users find that WhatsApp is not working properly on their device. There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp may stop working after an update and some troubleshooting steps you can try to get it working again.
Issues Downloading or Installing the Update
The most obvious reason Why WhatsApp may not be working after an update is because there was an issue downloading or installing the latest update. Here are some common download and installation issues and fixes:
- Insufficient storage space – WhatsApp requires at least 100MB of free space to download and install an update. Try freeing up storage space on your device.
- Connection issues – Check that you have a stable internet connection when updating. Slow/unstable connections can disrupt the download.
- App crash on install – Sometimes an update may crash or fail to install properly. Try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp.
- Update stuck in queue – The update may be queued in the Play Store/App Store app. Check the Pending Updates section and trigger the WhatsApp update.
- App not updated to latest version – Make sure WhatsApp has auto-update enabled or manually update to the latest version.
Account and Login Issues
If WhatsApp installed properly but you can’t log in or access your account, there are a few things that could be wrong:
- Banned account – Your account may have been banned from WhatsApp, preventing login. Appeal to WhatsApp Support if you think this is in error.
- Invalid/Expired session – Your WhatsApp session may have expired or become invalid after the update. Try fully uninstalling the app and reinstalling.
- Incorrect credentials – Double check you are using the correct phone number and verification code to log in.
- SMS verification issue – There may be an issue receiving the SMS code if SIM card changed. Use voice verification.
- Incorrect date/time – WhatsApp requires accurate date and time settings. Check this on your device.
Compatibility Issues
In some cases, an update may cause compatibility issues that prevent WhatsApp working properly:
- Outdated OS – Ensure your phone’s OS is up to date. WhatsApp requires at least Android OS 4.1 or iOS 10.
- Jailbroken/rooted device – WhatsApp may have issues functioning on jailbroken or rooted devices after an update.
- Unsupported device – Very old phone models may lose support for WhatsApp. Check WhatsApp’s system requirements.
- Third-party apps causing issues – Try uninstalling problematic apps that may conflict with WhatsApp.
- App bugs – The new update itself may be buggy. Downgrade to a previous version if the issues started after updating.
Connectivity and Data Issues
WhatsApp relies on an internet connection and data access to function. Connectivity issues can prevent it working properly after an update:
- No internet connection – Check Wi-Fi or mobile data is enabled and connected.
- Poor signal strength – Weak mobile signal can affect WhatsApp. Move location or try Wi-Fi instead.
- Background data disabled – Enable background data usage for WhatsApp in your device settings.
- Data saver/restrictions enabled – Exclude WhatsApp from any data restrictions or saver modes.
- Incorrect APN settings – Your mobile data APN settings may need to be corrected.
- Carrier/network outage – Check for any network outages with your carrier.
Permissions Issues
WhatsApp requires certain permissions to access device features like contacts, storage, camera etc. Update issues may be caused by permissions problems:
- Revoked permissions – Make sure all required WhatsApp permissions are enabled in your device settings.
- Necessary permissions missing – The update may have introduced new permissions requirements. Grant all requested permissions.
- Storage permission issues – Grant full file access permission if having media download issues.
- Contacts permission error – Re-enable contacts access if unable to see contacts in WhatsApp.
- Location permission needed – Some features may require location access to be enabled now.
Notifications Not Working
A common problem after updating is WhatsApp notifications no longer working properly:
- Notifications disabled – Check WhatsApp notifications are enabled in your device settings.
- Do Not Disturb mode – Make sure DND mode is not blocking WhatsApp notifications.
- App battery optimization – Exclude WhatsApp from battery optimization/standby.
- Outdated OS – Old OS versions may have notification issues. Update your Android/iOS.
- Notification sound muted – Double check WhatsApp notification sounds are enabled and not muted.
- Notifications bug – Try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp to clear any notification bugs.
User Interface Bugs and Performance Issues
An update may sometimes introduce new UI bugs or performance problems:
- App freezing/crashing – Try force closing and restarting the app if it’s freezing or crashing.
- Slow loading times – Give the update some time as it optimizes in the background after installing.
- UI elements not working – Check for any UI bugs introduced in the latest update and report them.
- Battery/overheating issues – The update may have battery optimization issues. Try uninstalling WhatsApp updates.
- Laggy performance – Lower graphics settings may help improve performance if laggy.
- App taking up too much space – Clear WhatsApp cache and free up storage space if it seems too large.
WhatsApp Web Issues
The WhatsApp update may also affect access from WhatsApp Web:
- Unable to link device – Try re-scanning the QR code to link your device again. Make sure your phone has internet.
- Incorrect pairing – Check that you have paired the correct device to avoid linking issues.
- Logged out automatically – Your phone app updating can log you out of web. Log in again.
- Web sync problems – Try force closing and restarting WhatsApp on mobile to resync web.
- Cookie/cache conflicts – Clear cookies and site data from browser settings.
- Access blocked – The update may have introduced web access blocks. Try using different browser or device.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you are still experiencing issues after updating WhatsApp, here are some general troubleshooting steps to try:
- Force close and restart the app.
- Update WhatsApp again to latest version.
- Update your device software/OS to latest version.
- Disable battery optimizations for WhatsApp.
- Clear WhatsApp cache and data.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Restart your phone.
- Reset network settings on your device.
- Try a different Wi-Fi or mobile data network.
- Factory reset device (backup data first).
Contact WhatsApp Support
If you still can’t get WhatsApp working after trying all applicable troubleshooting steps, you should contact WhatsApp support for further help:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us
- Twitter: Tweet @WhatsApp support
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp frequently asked questions: https://faq.whatsapp.com
Be sure to explain the issue in detail and what troubleshooting you have already tried when contacting support. They may be able to provide specialized help getting WhatsApp working again if you are still experiencing problems after updating.
Avoid Future Update Issues
To help avoid issues when updating WhatsApp in the future, keep these tips in mind:
- Backup chats – Always backup your messages before updating so you can restore if needed.
- Sufficient storage – Have at least 100MB free space before updating.
- Stable internet – Only update when you have a good Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
- Review changes – Read change logs so you know what’s new or altered in the latest update.
- Delay non-critical updates – Wait a few days before installing major updates to let bugs get fixed.
- Charge device – Update with battery above 50% to avoid unexpected shutdowns.
- Report bugs – Tell WhatsApp support about any new issues you notice after an update.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp not working after an update is frustrating, the problem typically has a resolution. Issues like download failures, compatibility problems, bugs or glitches are usually fixed in subsequent app updates. Try the troubleshooting steps outlined and revert to a previous version of the app if needed. With some patience and tweaking, you’ll likely have WhatsApp working again after an update caused problems.