Fix: WhatsApp Not Showing Message Notifications Until Opened

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Common Fixes

Fix 1: Ensure WhatsApp Notifications Are Enabled

Missing notification permissions are a common reason behind WhatsApp not showing new message alerts. Head to device settings to check and enable them manually.

On Android:Long-tap theWhatsApp icon> selectApp info>Notifications> enable theAll WhatsApp notificationstoggle.

On iOS:Open the Settings app > selectNotifications> tapWhatsApp> toggle onAllow Notifications.

Fix 2: Enable Background App Refresh (iOS)

TheBackground App Refreshallows apps to refresh and fetch new content in the background. Enabling it manually for WhatsApp will fix the issue of notifications not working.

Step 1:Open iPhonesettingsand scroll to the bottom to openWhatsApp.

Step 2:Enable theBackground App Refreshtoggle.

Fix 3: Disable Battery Optimization for WhatsApp (Android)

By default, Android optimizes all installed apps to save battery, which cansuppress app notifications. Disable it for WhatsApp to resume getting new message notifications.

Long-tap theWhatsApp icon> openApp info> selectApp battery usage> set it toUnrestricted.

Fix 4: Force Close and Reopen WhatsApp

Force-stopping WhatsApp refreshes the app to fix existing glitches creating the notification issue.

Swipe up from the screen’s bottom to switch apps, then slide up theWhatsApp cardto force-close it. Wait a few seconds, then reopen the app.

Fix 5: Exclude WhatsApp From Scheduled Summary (iOS)

The Scheduled Summary iOS feature, when enabled, delivers app notifications at a set time instead of alerting you in real-time. Exclude WhatsApp or disable the feature to solve the notifications not working issue.

Step 1:Open iPhonesettings> selectNotifications>Scheduled Summary.

Step 2:Scroll to the bottom and toggle off WhatsApp. Alternatively, disable theScheduled Summaryfeature to turn it off for all apps.

Fix 6: Log Out of Other Linked Devices

If you’ve logged into WhatsApp on multiple devices, they might get notifications before your phone. Log out of all other linked devices to restore normalcy.

Step 1:Open WhatsApp > tap thethree-dot menuat the top-right > selectLinked devices. On iPhone, tap theSettings(gear icon) at the bottom right and selectLinked Devices.

Step 2:Select a linked device and tapLog outto remove it.

Fix 7: Exit the Beta Program (Android)

Buggy beta updates can also create notification issues on WhatsApp. Leave the beta program, uninstall WhatsApp, and install its stable version from the Google Play Store.

Note:Back up your WhatsApp data before uninstalling the app.

Step 1:Open the Google Play Store, searchWhatsApp, and open its app page.

Step 2:Scroll down and tapLeaveunder You’re a beta tester section to exit it. Back up your data, uninstall WhatsApp, and install its stable version.

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Last updated on 22 May, 2024

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