> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://chale.tech/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # WhatsApp not working? How to fix common problems - URL: https://chale.tech/whatsapp-not-working/ - Published: 2026-10-18T16:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-18T16:00:00.000Z - Description: Messages stuck on one tick, WhatsApp not connecting, calls failing or the app crashing. Here are WhatsApp’s own fixes, in the order to try them, plus what to do if your network is the problem. - Author: Isaac Nana Yaw Annor - Tags: How-To, WhatsApp Most WhatsApp problems are really connection problems. Start at the top of this list and test after each step. ## 1\. Check your internet connection WhatsApp says the most common reason it cannot connect is that your phone is not connected to the internet. Open a browser and load a web page. If it does not load, the problem is your data or Wi-Fi, not WhatsApp. Check your bundle and see [mobile data not working on Android](https://chale.tech/mobile-data-not-working-android/). ## 2\. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data WhatsApp suggests trying the other connection. Some Wi-Fi networks (offices, hotels, campuses) block chat apps. ## 3\. Toggle airplane mode and restart Turn airplane mode on and off, then restart your phone. Close and reopen WhatsApp. ## 4\. Check the date and time WhatsApp says an incorrect date or time on your phone can stop it connecting. Set both to automatic in your phone’s settings. ## 5\. Update WhatsApp Install the latest version from Google Play or the App Store. Old versions eventually stop working. ## 6\. Check app permissions and data saving - Make sure WhatsApp is allowed to use mobile data and background data (Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Mobile data). - If you use Data Saver or a battery saver, set WhatsApp to unrestricted so messages arrive when the app is closed. - If only WhatsApp fails on mobile data while other apps work, WhatsApp says your provider’s access point (APN) settings may be blocking chat apps. See [how to configure internet settings on Android](https://chale.tech/android-internet-settings-apn/). ## 7\. Messages stuck on one tick One tick means the message left your phone but has not been delivered, often because the other person’s phone is off or offline. If all your messages are stuck, the problem is your connection. ## 8\. Linked devices not syncing WhatsApp logs out linked devices if your main phone is not used for over 14 days. Open WhatsApp on your phone, then link the device again if needed. ## 9\. WhatsApp keeps crashing Update the app and your phone’s software, restart the phone, and free up storage. WhatsApp says clearing the app’s cache does not delete your chats. Before uninstalling, back up your chats. ## 10\. “Your phone number is banned” That is not a technical fault. See [how to appeal a WhatsApp ban](https://chale.tech/whatsapp-account-banned-appeal/). Never install modified WhatsApp versions (such as “GB WhatsApp”) to “fix” problems. WhatsApp warns that unofficial apps are not supported and can lead to your account being banned. *This guide was checked in October 2026\. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.* ## Common questions ### Why are my WhatsApp messages stuck on one tick? One tick means the message left your phone but has not reached the other person, often because their phone is off or has no connection. If all your messages are stuck, check your own connection. ### Why does WhatsApp work on Wi-Fi but not mobile data? Check that WhatsApp is allowed to use mobile data, that you have a bundle, and that your APN is correct. WhatsApp says your provider’s access point settings can block chat apps. ### Will clearing WhatsApp’s cache delete my chats? No. WhatsApp says clearing the cache does not delete your messages or chats. ### Is WhatsApp down? If it fails for everyone around you on different networks, it may be a WhatsApp outage. Wait and try again later. ## Sources - [WhatsApp Help Center: Fixing issues on WhatsApp](https://faq.whatsapp.com/352017614163658?ref=chale.tech) - [WhatsApp Help Center: Can’t connect to WhatsApp](https://faq.whatsapp.com/237320450596426?ref=chale.tech) - [WhatsApp Help Center: Can’t send or receive messages](https://faq.whatsapp.com/5155925751185676?ref=chale.tech) - [WhatsApp Help Center: Can’t use WhatsApp due to app or device crashes](https://faq.whatsapp.com/860746416100488?ref=chale.tech) - [WhatsApp Help Center: About the Google warning “This app is fake…”](https://faq.whatsapp.com/451658463723880?ref=chale.tech)