WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps, but like any software, it can sometimes fail to open on your phone or desktop due to various reasons. Common causes include a poor or unstable internet connection, an outdated app version, server outages, software conflicts, corrupted cache files, etc.
Whether you’re experiencing a frozen app, connection errors, or an unresponsive application, this guide will walk you through the best troubleshooting steps to help you access the app quickly.
Fix WhatsApp Not Opening on iPhone/Android
First, let’s see what you can do when WhatsApp won’t open on your phone.
#1. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as WhatsApp requires an active connection to function properly. You can try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, restarting the router if using Wi-Fi, or testing your internet with other apps.
#2. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android)
Corrupted cache files can prevent WhatsApp from launching. Therefore, deleting the app cache might fix the issue of WhatsApp not opening.
Open the Settings app, select Apps, WhatsApp, and Storage, tap Clear cache, then tap Clear data, and confirm your choice.
#3. Offload the WhatsApp App (iPhone)
There is no direct option to clear the app cache on iPhone, but you can offload the app to resolve issues with WhatsApp not opening on iPhone. Go to the Settings app, select General, click iPhone Storage, tap WhatsApp, click Offload app, and confirm your option. Once done, click Reinstall App to get it again. Then, check if you can open the app and log in with your account.
#4. Update WhatsApp
If your WhatsApp is not up to date, sometimes it won’t open due to compatibility issues, and a simple update can resolve this issue. Go to the app store and check for updates.
#5. Restart Your Phone
Additionally, try restarting your phone to fix the issue when WhatsApp won’t open.
Fix WhatsApp Not Opening on Windows
When WhatsApp won’t open on your Windows PC, try the following tips to remedy the situation.
#1. Restart Your Computer
A simple reboot can resolve temporary glitches that cause WhatsApp not to open. After restarting, try launching it again.
#2. Disable VPN or Proxy Services
Similarly, ensure your PC is connected to a good network, or the WhatsApp desktop app won’t work. Additionally, if you’re using a VPN or proxy service, turn it off temporarily, and see if the app can open.
#3. Repair the WhatsApp App
If WhatsApp was downloaded from the Microsoft Store, you can attempt to repair the app when it’s not opening.
- Press Win + I to open Settings and click the Apps option.
- Select Apps & features on the left sidebar.
- Scroll through the list of apps to find WhatsApp.
- Click WhatsApp and choose Advanced options.
- Click Terminate. After a few seconds, click the Repair button.
Then, see if you run the WhatsApp app. However, if the issue persists, return to the same settings, click Reset to reset WhatsApp, and confirm your choice. After that, restart your PC.
#5. Reinstall WhatsApp
The WhatsApp desktop app can be corrupted due to different factors, such as an incomplete update. If the installation is damaged, the application may not start correctly. In this case, reinstalling WhatsApp could help fix the problem.
Open the Settings app, click Apps, and find WhatsApp. Click the option and select Uninstall. Next, press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type “%localappdata%”, and press Enter. Find the WhatsApp folder and delete it. Then, go to the Microsoft Store and install the app again.
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Final Thoughts
WhatsApp not opening on your phone or computer can be annoying and is mostly caused by connectivity issues, outdated software, or corrupted files. The above steps should resolve them in most cases. If that doesn’t work, you should check the WhatsApp server status.
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