How to Fix WhatsApp Not Sending Messages

Can’t figure out why WhatsApp is not sending your messages?

Despite the recent privacy issues involving WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned company continues to top the charts on both the Play Store and App Store. With more than 2 billion users, you’d think that the platform is flawless to get that many users. 

Well, for the most part, WhatsApp works without issues, and its reliability is unmatched. However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come without problems. 

One problem you might face on WhatsApp is messages that refuse to be sent. 

Most of the time, this problem is caused by offline servers or slow network connections. On the other hand, it can also be due to third-party applications, improper device configurations, or outdated software. 

If you’re experiencing this issue right now, you have come to the right place. 

Today, we’ll show you what to do if WhatsApp is not sending your messages to your contacts. 

Let’s get started!

1. Check WhatsApp Servers. 

Before tweaking your system configurations, we suggest that you check the status of WhatsApp’s servers first to ensure that the problem is not isolated to your device. You can do this by visiting third-party sites like Downdetector to view the platform’s status. 

Whatsapp Status

If WhatsApp’s servers are offline, the only thing you can do is wait for the issue to be resolved. 

On the other hand, you can proceed to the following solutions below if there’s nothing wrong with WhatsApp’s services. 

2. Restart Your Device. 

One of the quickest ways to fix most issues on WhatsApp or any other application is to restart your system. This allows your device to reload its resources and eliminate temporary bugs that may have occurred during run time. 

For Android users, follow the guide below to restart your device: 

  1. Locate the Power button on your Android device. 
  2. After that, hold it down until the selection menu appears on your screen. 
  3. Finally, tap on Restart to reboot your device. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

If you’re using an iOS device, here’s what you need to do: 

  1. First, open the Assistive Touch on your display. 
  2. Next, go to the Device tab and tap on More
  3. Lastly, choose Restart
WhatsApp not sending messages

Once done, go back to WhatsApp and try sending another message.

3. Check Your Network Connection. 

A slow internet connection could also be why WhatsApp is not sending your messages. Since you’re using an online messaging app, you’ll need stable internet to avoid issues. Run a test on your network using Fast.com to confirm if it’s the culprit. 

Speed Test

If the result suggests that your connection is slow or unstable, restart your modem or router to refresh the link with your service provider’s servers. Unplug your router from the outlet and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before reconnecting it. 

Restart Router

Once done, run another test to check if the problem is solved. Contact your ISP if you continue to experience network-related issues and ask them to fix their service. 

4. Turn Off VPN. 

VPNs or virtual private networks are third-party tools that protect your network and data from hackers and other entities. They work by changing your default IP address to report a different location and filtering your activity to hide sensitive data like bank accounts. 

Unfortunately, not all VPNs work the same, and some could introduce delays and instability to your network. 

If you can’t send messages on WhatsApp, we suggest turning off your VPN first. 

PureVPN

On the other hand, you can try using PureVPN if you’re not comfortable going online without protection. Unlike other VPNs, it works well with most applications and keeps your network stable while protecting your data. 

PureVPN also works well with streaming applications such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. 

5. Check Your Permissions. 

WhatsApp may not have the right permissions on your system to access your Wi-Fi or cellular data. To confirm this, check your device settings and ensure that WhatsApp is allowed to use your wireless network or mobile data. 

For Android users, follow the steps below to guide you on the process: 

  1. First, locate WhatsApp in your app drawer. 
  2. Now, press and hold its app icon and tap on App Info
  3. After that, go to Mobile Data & Wi-Fi
  4. Lastly, ensure that WhatsApp can access your Mobile Data and Wi-Fi Data
WhatsApp not sending messages

If you’re using an iOS device, here’s what you need to do: 

  1. On your home screen, tap on the Settings app to launch it. 
  2. Next, go to WhatsApp
  3. Finally, ensure that it can access your Mobile Data
WhatsApp not sending messages

Restart WhatsApp afterward and check if you can send messages. 

6. Turn Off Data Saver. 

Most mobile phones today offer data-saving features. This allows you to use your cellular data without worrying about maxing out your monthly allotment. However, this feature can restrict WhatsApp from connecting to the internet to deliver your messages. 

For Android users, here’s how you can disable data saver: 

  1. First, open the Settings app on your device. 
  2. Now, tap on Network & Internet
  3. After that, go to the Advanced tab and tap on Data Saver
  4. Lastly, ensure that the feature is disabled on your device. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

If you’re using an iOS device, follow the steps below to turn off low data mode: 

  1. On your home screen, launch the Settings app. 
  2. After that, tap on Mobile Data
  3. Finally, ensure that Low Data Mode is disabled. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

Once done, go back to WhatsApp to check if the problem is solved. 

7. Update WhatsApp. 

The current version of Whatsapp you’re using may no longer be supported by the servers. If you haven’t updated the app for a long time, now is the best time to do so. 

On Android devices, here’s how you can update Whatsapp:

  1. Launch the Google Play Store on your device and access your Profile
  2. Next, tap on Manage Apps & Device
  3. Go to the Updates Available tab afterward and locate Whatsapp
  4. Finally, tap the Update button beside Whatsapp to install the latest version of the app. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

If you’re using an iOS device, follow the guide below to update Whatsapp:

  1. First, open the App Store on your device. 
  2. Now, go to your Profile and find Whatsapp
  3. Lastly, tap the Update button next to the app. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

Relaunch the app after the update to check if the problem is solved. 

8. Reinstall WhatsApp. 

If you still can’t send messages on WhatsApp, we suggest that you reinstall the app on your mobile device. This way, we can ensure that there are no broken files on your system and you’re using the latest version of the app. 

Here’s how you can delete Whatsapp: 

  1. First, locate Whatsapp from your home screen. 
  2. Next, press and hold its icon until the selection menu appears. 
  3. Lastly, choose Uninstall (Android) or Remove App (iOS) to delete the app. 
WhatsApp not sending messages

Once done, go to the Play Store or App Store to reinstall Whatsapp. 

That wraps up our guide for fixing WhatsApp if it’s not sending messages. If you have questions or other concerns, voice them out in the comment section, and we’ll be glad to help. 

If this guide helped you, please share it. 🙂 

Author

  • John Sixto

    John is a staff writer at Saint and comes from a SAP ABAP development background. He has a Bachelors in IT and has been writing since 2018, with over 500 posts published. He loves to build PCs and has a deep curiosity in understanding how different components and configurations work. John spends hundreds of hours at a time, researching and testing the software and apps, before he proceeds to write about it. LinkedIn X (Twitter)

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