WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps with over 2 billion users worldwide. It offers free, encrypted messages and calls which make it a go-to communication tool for many. However, sometimes WhatsApp can unexpectedly start showing a blank screen which prevents you from using the app properly.
There can be several reasons why WhatsApp is showing a blank or white screen. The most common causes include outdated app, software bugs, issues with connectivity, incompatible device settings, app crashes and conflicts with other apps. With some troubleshooting, you can typically resolve the blank screen issue and get WhatsApp working again.
Possible Reasons for WhatsApp Showing Blank Screen
Here are some of the main reasons why WhatsApp may be showing a blank screen:
- Outdated App: If you haven’t updated WhatsApp in a while, it may not be compatible with the latest version of your phone’s operating system. This can cause display issues like a white screen.
- Connectivity Issues: WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to function. Poor network connectivity or using mobile data when signal is low can interrupt WhatsApp and cause a blank display.
- App Crashes: Sometimes WhatsApp can crash or freeze which leads to display issues including blank screens. Force closing and restarting the app usually resolves such crashes.
- Software Bugs: Bugs or glitches in the WhatsApp software may also be responsible for the blank screen, especially after an update. Reinstalling or reporting the issue can help.
- Incompatible Device Settings: Enabling certain display settings like battery saver mode, dark mode etc can sometimes conflict with WhatsApp and lead to blank screen.
- Conflict with Other Apps: If you have apps that interfere with WhatsApp by blocking notifications or overlays, it can also cause display issues in the app.
How to Fix WhatsApp Showing Blank or White Screen
If your WhatsApp is stuck on a white screen, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to get it working again:
1. Force Close and Restart App
The easiest solution is to force close WhatsApp if it’s frozen and restart it. To do this:
- On Android: Open phone settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Force Stop. Then open WhatsApp again.
- On iPhone: Double tap the home button and swipe up on WhatsApp app to close it. Then restart.
Restarting the app will refresh it and usually resolves any software glitches causing the blank screen.
2. Update WhatsApp to Latest Version
An outdated version of WhatsApp can also lead to blank screen errors. Follow these steps to update WhatsApp:
- On Android: Open Play Store > Tap menu icon > My Apps & Games > Update WhatsApp.
- On iPhone: Go to App Store > Tap your profile icon > Available updates > Update next to WhatsApp.
Downloading the latest version of WhatsApp may fix compatibility issues that cause display problems.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp
If force closing or updating WhatsApp does not resolve the issue, try reinstalling the app:
- On Android: Uninstall WhatsApp, then install it again from Play Store.
- On iPhone: Hold the WhatsApp icon until it starts jiggling, then tap the X icon to delete. Redownload it from App Store.
Reinstalling can fix corrupted app files or data that may be causing the blank screen.
4. Check Internet Connectivity
Make sure your phone is connected to a stable WiFi or mobile data connection. Settings > Connections > Data Usage to check connectivity. Turn off battery saver mode as it can restrict background data. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data if one connection is not working properly with WhatsApp.
5. Update Your Phone Software
Software updates can sometimes fix compatibility issues with apps. It is recommended to keep your Android or iPhone software updated to the latest version. To update:
- On Android: Settings > System > Advanced > System Update
- On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update
6. Disable Battery Saver/Power Saving Mode
Battery saver or power saving modes restrict apps running in the background. This can interfere with WhatsApp and cause display issues. Try turning off battery saver mode and check if it fixes the problem.
7. Allow WhatsApp Display Over Other Apps
Make sure WhatsApp display is not being blocked by other apps. Go to phone settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions and enable “Display over other apps”. Also disable “Restrict notifications” if enabled under app notifications settings.
8. Clear App Cache and Data
Clearing cached data and app data can sometimes resolve app glitches causing blank screens. Here are the steps:
- On Android: Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache + Clear Data
- On iPhone: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > WhatsApp > Offload App. Then reinstall.
This will clear temporarily stored app files and restore app settings to default.
9. Update Your Phone’s Operating System
Having the latest OS version ensures compatibility with apps like WhatsApp. On Android go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install the latest OS update.
10. Free Up Phone Storage Space
If your phone is low on storage, it can affect WhatsApp performance and cause display issues. Free up space by deleting unused apps, photos, videos or files. Maintain at least 500MB free space for WhatsApp to function smoothly.
11. Disable Dark Mode
Dark mode may sometimes conflict with WhatsApp. Try settings > Display > Disable Dark Mode. Then restart WhatsApp to see if it fixes the blank screen.
12. Uninstall Conflicting Third-Party Apps
Apps like security, antivirus, cleaning apps and app cloners can sometimes interfere with WhatsApp. Try uninstalling such apps and check if it resolves the issue.
13. Clear App Data of Problem Apps
If a specific app seems to be conflicting with WhatsApp, clear its cache/data like you did for WhatsApp earlier. Reboot your phone afterwards.
14. Factory Reset Your Phone
If nothing else works, backup your data and reset your phone to factory settings. This will wipe out any software bugs causing WhatsApp issues. Set up your device again and reinstall WhatsApp.
Prevent WhatsApp from Showing Blank Screen
To avoid WhatsApp blank screen issues in the future, follow these tips:
- Always keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version
- Maintain stable WiFi or mobile data connection
- Disable battery saver mode
- Allow WhatsApp display over other apps
- Regularly free up storage space on your phone
- Avoid installing too many third-party apps that may conflict
- Backup WhatsApp data regularly in case you need to reinstall
What to Do if Problem Persists
If you still see a blank screen on WhatsApp even after trying all troubleshooting steps, here are some other options:
- Try logging in to WhatsApp on another phone or device to see if the issue is specific to your phone
- Report the problem within WhatsApp by going to Settings > Help > Contact Us so they can investigate
- Perform a factory reset on your phone if nothing else works
- Contact WhatsApp Support for further help in resolving the issue
In most cases, the blank screen problem is fixable with some simple troubleshooting. If the issue started after a WhatsApp update, wait for a fix in next update. Make sure to report any persistent WhatsApp issues so the developers can improve the app.
Conclusion
WhatsApp showing a blank or white screen is usually caused by outdated app versions, software bugs, connectivity issues, incompatible device settings or conflicts with other apps. Try force closing the app, updating WhatsApp, reinstalling it, checking your internet connection, freeing up storage space and disabling battery saver mode. Also allow display over other apps, update your phone software and OS, disable dark mode if enabled and remove any problematic third-party apps. With these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the WhatsApp white screen issue and get back to messaging.