If you’re staring at your phone and wondering, “Why are my WhatsApp messages not sending?” — you’re not alone. Whether you see a single tick, a clock icon, or no delivery at all, it can be frustrating. Sometimes it’s a global WhatsApp outage, other times it’s a quick fix on your device.
Table of Contents
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every possible reason your WhatsApp messages are not delivering and show you practical fixes. I’ll also cover WhatsApp Business delivery issues, group chat problems, and what to do when the issue is on the recipient’s side.
Check Your Internet Connection First
The most common reason behind WhatsApp messages not sending is a weak or unstable internet connection.
- Stable Wi-Fi or Mobile Data: Make sure you’re connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal or mobile data. If you’re using Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router.
- Test Your Connection: Open a browser or YouTube to confirm if other apps are working fine.
- Reset Router/Settings: Restart your Wi-Fi router or toggle Airplane Mode on/off. If nothing works, reset your phone’s network settings.
⚡ Pro tip: If your WhatsApp only sends messages when you switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa), the issue is likely your network provider.
Restart & Update WhatsApp / Device
Sometimes the fix is as simple as a restart.
- Restart Your Phone: Power off and back on. It clears temporary glitches.
- Update WhatsApp: Go to the Google Play Store or App Store and install any pending updates. Outdated versions often cause delivery issues.
- Update Your Phone’s OS: WhatsApp performs better on the latest Android/iOS updates.
A fresh update ensures you’re not stuck with bugs that block messages from sending.
Fix WhatsApp App-Specific Settings
WhatsApp has its own app-level settings that can interfere with delivery.
- Turn off Data Saver or Battery Saver: These modes sometimes block WhatsApp in the background.
- Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android only): Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Check Date and Time Settings: If your phone shows the wrong time zone, WhatsApp may not sync properly. Keep it on “Automatic.”
These are small tweaks, but they solve a big chunk of the “WhatsApp not sending messages” complaints.
Investigate Possible Blocking Issues
If your WhatsApp messages show only one tick and never turn into two ticks, it could mean you’re blocked.
- Check Last Seen/Profile Picture: If you can’t see these, you might be blocked.
- Try a WhatsApp Call: Calls won’t go through if you’re blocked.
- Ask a Mutual Friend: If they can still see the person’s profile, it confirms the block.
⚠️ Note: Being blocked is not a “technical issue” — it’s just how WhatsApp works to protect user privacy.
Reinstall WhatsApp for a Fresh Start
If nothing else works, reinstalling WhatsApp is often the ultimate fix.
- Back Up Your Data: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Delete it from your phone.
- Reinstall & Restore: Download the app again and restore your backup.
This wipes out corrupted files and gives you a clean start.
Check the Recipient’s Side
Sometimes, the issue isn’t you — it’s them.
- Recipient’s Phone is Off: Messages will remain unsent until their phone is back online.
- Airplane Mode or Dead Battery: Both stop WhatsApp messages from being delivered.
- Outdated WhatsApp Version: If they’re using an old version, your messages might not go through.
- Number Not Linked: If they changed numbers, the old one won’t receive anything.
This is why your WhatsApp messages may be stuck with the clock icon.
Device & Storage Issues
A full phone or buggy OS can also stop WhatsApp from sending messages.
- Full Phone Storage: Delete unnecessary photos or apps. WhatsApp won’t function well without free space.
- Corrupt OS or Glitches: If your phone keeps crashing, WhatsApp delivery may fail.
- Factory Reset (Last Option): Only do this if absolutely nothing works.
Group Chat & Special Cases
WhatsApp groups can behave differently.
- Clock Icon in Group Chats: This means the message hasn’t left your phone yet.
- Why Messages Fail in Groups: Sometimes caused by a poor network or a group member blocking you.
- One Tick vs Two Ticks: In groups, your message needs to reach all members before it shows as delivered.
Is WhatsApp Down Right Now?
Before stressing out, check if WhatsApp is down worldwide.
- Use Downdetector: Search “WhatsApp” to see outage reports.
- Check Twitter or News: Platforms often report outages in real-time.
- Signs of Global Outage: If no messages are sent at all, across all contacts, it’s a server issue — not your phone.
Outages usually resolve within an hour or two.
WhatsApp Business Message Delivery Problems
If you’re using WhatsApp Business, delivery problems can hurt your customer communication.
- Template Issues: Business templates not approved may cause non-delivery.
- Bulk Sending Restrictions: Spamming too many users can trigger filters.
- API Delays: If using WhatsApp Business API, server downtime can cause delays.
👉 Businesses should always keep backup communication channels (SMS, email) in case WhatsApp is temporarily unreliable.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
For more stubborn cases:
- Check DNS or VPN: Misconfigured VPNs can block WhatsApp.
- Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers block WhatsApp in certain regions.
- Reset Network Settings: On iPhone/Android, resetting network settings can fix hidden issues.
Watch: Fix WhatsApp Messages Not Sending
Still facing WhatsApp messages not sending? This quick YouTube video shows simple fixes step by step. Watch it below and get your chats working again.
FAQs
Why are messages not sending in WhatsApp?
Most often, it’s due to poor internet connection, app issues, or being blocked.
Why is my WhatsApp status stuck on sending?
It’s usually a network issue or the app needs an update.
Is there a problem with WhatsApp right now?
Check Downdetector or official WhatsApp and Twitter to confirm outages.
Why do messages stop delivering on WhatsApp?
The recipient might be offline, blocked you, or there’s a server issue.
WhatsApp not sending but receiving — what does it mean?
It means your incoming connection works, but outgoing messages are blocked by network or app settings.
Conclusion: When to Contact WhatsApp Support
If you’ve tried everything — from checking your internet to reinstalling the app — and messages still won’t send, it may be time to contact WhatsApp Support.
- Use the in-app help feature under Settings > Help > Contact Us.
- Include screenshots and details of your issue.
Most problems are solved with quick fixes like a restart, update, or network reset, but if it’s a rare bug, WhatsApp support can guide you.
If you’re also facing issues with other apps, check out my full guide on how to fix the NHS App not working on Android
This really cleared things up for me.
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Thank you for such a refreshing compliment! We’re delighted that we could make the topic interesting even for newcomers. That’s our goal! More to share soon! 😊🌱