How to Fix WhatsApp Not Working on Wi-Fi

Can’t figure out why WhatsApp is not working on Wi-Fi?

WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging platform. It’s used by many people for business transactions and regular conversations. It started as a chat app, but it upgraded to a complete package with the inclusion of voice and video functionalities. 

In order to work, WhatsApp requires an internet connection. This can be through your home network or your device’s cellular data. 

While we often rely on mobile data when on the go, it’s more convenient to use Wi-Fi inside our homes. Unfortunately, there have been reports from several WhatsApp users who are having a hard time using the app on a wireless connection. 

Based on what we know, this problem on WhatsApp is usually caused by an issue with your network or service provider. However, it can also be due to outdated software, corrupted files, or improper device configurations. 

To help you out, we’ve decided to make a guide for fixing WhatsApp if it’s not working on your Wi-Fi. 

Let’s begin!

1. Check WhatsApp Servers. 

Before changing your system configurations, it’s vital for you to identify where the problem is coming from. This should help you decide how you’ll plan your next actions to resolve the issue on your device. 

To check WhatsApp’s status, you can use third-party tools like Downdetector

Whatsapp Status

If there’s an ongoing issue on the app, there’s nothing much you can do since server-related problems can’t be addressed on your end. 

On the other hand, you can proceed to the following solutions below if WhatsApp’s servers are up and running. 

2. Restart Your Device. 

A temporary bug or glitch may have occurred on your device, causing connectivity issues on WhatsApp. To rule this out, restart your device to reload its resources and eliminate possible errors. 

On Android devices, here’s what you need to do: 

  1. First, locate the Power button on your device. 
  2. After that, press and hold its icon until the selection menu appears. 
  3. Lastly, choose Restart to reboot your system.
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

For iOS users, follow these steps to restart your device: 

  1. On your home screen, access the Assistive Touch and go to Device
  2. Now, tap on More
  3. Finally, select Restart
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

Once done, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and see if WhatsApp works. 

3. Check Your Network Connection. 

A slow or unstable network connection could also be why WhatsApp is not working when you connect to your Wi-Fi. To confirm this, run a test on your network using Fast.com to measure its upload and download speed. 

Speed Test

If the test result indicates that your network is the problem, restart your modem or router to re-establish the connection with your ISP. Unplug your router from the outlet and wait for 5 to 10 seconds before reconnecting it. 

Restart Router

Once done, perform another test to check if the problem is solved. If not, contact your service provider and ask them to fix their service. 

4. Reset Your Network Settings. 

Your device’s network configurations might not be set correctly, which causes connectivity issues to WhatsApp. To fix this, reset your network settings to ensure that everything is in order.

For Android users, see the steps below to reset your network settings: 

  1. First, open the Settings app on your device. 
  2. After that, go to System
  3. Now, tap on Advanced and access the Reset Options tab. 
  4. Lastly, choose Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile, & Bluetooth. Follow the prompts to continue with the process. 
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

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 General and open the Reset tab. 
  3. Finally, tap on Reset Network Settings and follow the on-screen instructions to continue. 
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

Go back to WhatsApp afterward to check if the problem is solved. 

5. Turn Off VPN. 

VPNs are third-party apps that protect your network and data from hackers and other harmful entities. They mask your default IP address to hide your location and filter your data to secure sensitive data like bank accounts, passwords, and card numbers. 

Unfortunately, VPNs can also introduce delays to your network, especially if you are not connected to a high-speed server. 

If WhatsApp is not working on Wi-Fi, try disabling your VPN first. 

PureVPN

On the other hand, you can try switching to a much more reputable provider like PureVPN if you’re not comfortable going online without protection. Unlike other services, it works well with most apps and keeps your connection fast and secure. 

6. Update WhatsApp. 

If you still can’t use WhatsApp when connected to a wireless network, we recommend updating the app. The version you’re using might have an issue related to Wi-Fi connection, causing it to run into errors when connected to a wireless network. 

On Android devices, see the guide below to update WhatsApp: 

  1. First, open Google Play Store on your device. 
  2. After that, go to your Profile and tap on Manage Apps & Device
  3. Now, access the Updates Available tab and look for WhatsApp
  4. Lastly, hit the Update button if there’s a newer version available. 
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

For iOS users, here’s how you can update WhatsApp: 

  1. Open the App Store on your iOS device. 
  2. Next, go to your Profile
  3. Finally, look for WhatsApp and hit the Update button. 
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

After the update, go back to WhatsApp and check if the problem is solved. 

7. Reinstall WhatsApp. 

For your last option, you can try reinstalling WhatsApp if it’s still not working on Wi-Fi connections. This should ensure that there are no broken or missing installation files on your system. 

Follow these steps to delete WhatsApp on your device: 

  1. Go to your app drawer and locate WhatsApp
  2. Now, press and hold its icon until the selection menu shows up. 
  3. Lastly, tap on Remove App (iOS) or Uninstall (Android) to delete the app. 
WhatsApp not working on Wi-Fi

Go to the Play Store or App Store after deleting WhatsApp and reinstall the app from there. 

That sums up our guide for fixing WhatsApp if it’s not working on Wi-Fi connections. If you have questions about the solutions above, please leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. 

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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