WhatsApp not receiving messages until you open the app? Missing important messages because notifications aren’t working properly is frustrating and can cause communication delays.
Here are 8 proven solutions to fix WhatsApp message delivery and notification issues on Android and iPhone.
Quick Fixes (Start Here)
1. Check Internet Connection
- Test other apps (Instagram, YouTube) to confirm internet works
- Switch between WiFi and mobile data
- WhatsApp needs stable connection for real-time messages
- Restart router if WiFi is unstable
2. Force Close and Restart WhatsApp
- Close WhatsApp completely from recent apps
- Wait 10 seconds
- Open WhatsApp again
- Check if messages arrive
3. Check WhatsApp Notification Settings
- WhatsApp → Settings → Notifications
- Enable all notification types:
- Message notifications: ON
- Group notifications: ON
- Call notifications: ON
- Set notification tone (not “None”)
Android-Specific Solutions
4. Disable Battery Optimization for WhatsApp
- Settings → Battery → Battery optimization
- Find WhatsApp → Don’t optimize
- Or Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Battery → Don’t optimize
- This prevents Android from sleeping WhatsApp
5. Enable Background App Refresh
- Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Mobile data
- Allow background data usage: ON
- Allow app while Data saver is on: ON
- Settings → Battery → Background app refresh → WhatsApp: ON
6. Check Do Not Disturb Settings
- Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb
- Turn OFF Do Not Disturb or
- Add WhatsApp to exceptions in DND settings
- Check scheduled DND isn’t blocking notifications
iPhone-Specific Solutions
7. Enable WhatsApp Notifications in iOS
- Settings → Notifications → WhatsApp
- Allow Notifications: ON
- Lock Screen: ON
- Notification Center: ON
- Banners: ON
- Badge App Icon: ON
8. Enable Background App Refresh (iPhone)
- Settings → General → Background App Refresh
- Background App Refresh: ON
- Find WhatsApp → ON
- This allows WhatsApp to check for messages in background
Network and Connection Fixes
9. Reset Network Settings
Android:
- Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Network Settings
iPhone:
- Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings
Note: Will reset WiFi passwords but often fixes connection issues.
10. Check WhatsApp Web Sessions
- WhatsApp → Settings → Linked devices
- Log out from all devices if you see unknown sessions
- Active WhatsApp Web can sometimes interfere with phone notifications
11. Update WhatsApp App
- Android: Play Store → WhatsApp → Update
- iPhone: App Store → WhatsApp → Update
- Restart phone after update
Advanced Solutions
12. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android)
- Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Storage
- Clear Cache (keeps your chats and media)
- Restart WhatsApp
- Don’t clear data unless absolutely necessary
13. Reinstall WhatsApp
Before reinstalling:
- Backup chats to Google Drive/iCloud
- Note down your phone number
Reinstall process:
- Uninstall WhatsApp
- Restart phone
- Download WhatsApp from official store
- Restore from backup during setup
14. Check Phone’s Date and Time
- Incorrect date/time can cause message sync issues
- Settings → Date & Time → Set automatically
- Restart phone after fixing
Carrier and Network Issues
15. Contact Your Mobile Carrier
- Some carriers block WhatsApp in certain regions
- Check if WhatsApp calling is blocked by carrier
- Ask about data restrictions on your plan
- Try using VPN temporarily to test
16. Check WhatsApp Server Status
- Visit downdetector.com/status/whatsapp
- Check social media for widespread WhatsApp issues
- If servers are down → wait for Meta to fix (usually 1-2 hours)
Prevention Tips
Keep WhatsApp Working:
- Don’t use battery saver apps that kill WhatsApp
- Keep WhatsApp updated regularly
- Maintain stable internet connection
- Don’t disable notifications in phone settings
- Restart phone weekly
Avoid These Mistakes:
- ❌ Using WhatsApp mods (GB WhatsApp, etc.)
- ❌ Disabling background data for WhatsApp
- ❌ Setting phone to aggressive battery saving
- ❌ Ignoring app updates
Device-Specific Tips
Samsung Phones:
- Disable “Put unused apps to sleep”
- Settings → Device care → Battery → Background app limits
- Remove WhatsApp from sleeping apps list
Xiaomi/Redmi:
- Disable MIUI optimization for WhatsApp
- Settings → Apps → Manage apps → WhatsApp → Other permissions
- Enable “Display pop-up windows while running in background”
OnePlus:
- Battery optimization → WhatsApp → Don’t optimize
- Advanced optimization → Sleep standby optimization → WhatsApp OFF
When Messages Still Don’t Arrive
Try These Alternatives:
- Use WhatsApp Web temporarily
- Ask contacts to call if urgent
- Check if specific contacts have issues (might be blocked)
- Try sending messages to see if outgoing works
Contact WhatsApp Support:
- WhatsApp → Settings → Help → Contact us
- Describe the issue with specific details
- Include phone model and Android/iOS version
Most WhatsApp message delivery issues are caused by battery optimization or notification settings. Fixing these usually resolves the problem immediately.