How to Fix WhatsApp Messages Not Sending or Receiving (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

Few things are more frustrating than opening WhatsApp and seeing:

• Messages stuck on one tick
• Chats not delivering
• No new messages coming in
• “Connecting…” at the top

I’ve experienced this issue myself on my Infinix device, and I’ve also helped many people fix it quickly using the same steps in this guide.

The good news is:

Most WhatsApp message problems are caused by simple connection or settings issues — not permanent damage.

Let’s fix it step by step.

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Step 1: Check If WhatsApp Is Down Worldwide

Before changing anything, confirm it’s not a global outage.

Do this:

1. Open Google
2. Search:
   “Is WhatsApp down today?”
3. Check websites like Downdetector

If WhatsApp is down globally, you just need to wait.

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Step 2: Confirm Your Internet Connection

WhatsApp needs stable internet.

Steps:

1. Open Chrome
2. Visit any website (example: google.com)

If websites don’t load, your internet is the problem.

Quick Fix:

• Turn Wi-Fi off and on
• Switch to mobile data

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Step 3: Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

This refreshes your network instantly.

Steps:

1. Swipe down from the top
2. Tap Airplane Mode
3. Wait 10 seconds
4. Turn it off again

Then reopen WhatsApp.

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Step 4: Restart Your Phone

This fix worked for me many times when WhatsApp froze.

Steps:

1. Hold the power button
2. Tap Restart
3. Wait for the phone to boot up
4. Open WhatsApp again

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Step 5: Force Stop WhatsApp (Android Fix)

WhatsApp may be running in a stuck background state.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Tap WhatsApp
4. Tap Force Stop
5. Reopen WhatsApp

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Step 6: Clear WhatsApp Cache (Safe Fix)

Cache files sometimes cause messaging delays.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Tap WhatsApp
4. Tap Storage
5. Tap Clear Cache

Do NOT tap Clear Data.

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Step 7: Disable Data Saver Mode

Data Saver blocks background messaging.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap Data Saver
4. Turn it Off

Then test WhatsApp again.

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Step 8: Allow Background Data for WhatsApp

WhatsApp needs permission to run in the background.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Apps
3. Tap WhatsApp
4. Tap Mobile Data & Wi-Fi
5. Enable:

• Background data
• Unrestricted data usage

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Step 9: Check WhatsApp Notification Settings

Sometimes messages arrive but you don’t see alerts.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Notifications
3. Tap WhatsApp
4. Enable:

• Allow notifications
• Pop on screen

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Step 10: Update WhatsApp to the Latest Version

Old versions can stop working properly.

Steps:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search WhatsApp
3. Tap Update if available

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Step 11: Check WhatsApp Storage Space

If your phone storage is full, WhatsApp may stop receiving messages.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Storage
3. Ensure you have at least 1GB free

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Step 12: Reinstall WhatsApp (Last Option)

Only do this after backup.

Steps:

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup
3. Backup your chats
4. Uninstall WhatsApp
5. Reinstall from Play Store

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Helpful Internal Guides (Recommended)

To solve related issues, these guides will help:

Full SMS + WhatsApp troubleshooting pillar:
How to Fix SMS & WhatsApp Messaging Problems (Step-by-Step Mobile Guide)

Fix internet problems causing WhatsApp failure:
How to Fix Wi-Fi and Internet Connection Problems (Step-by-Step Beginner Guide)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts (Important)

When WhatsApp messages are not sending or receiving, the cause is usually:

• Poor internet connection
• Background restrictions
• Cache problems
• Outdated app version

I’ve personally used these fixes, and they work for most beginners without stress.

Written with care by Akindele Akinfenwa — Founder of Smsmobile24.com.