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Is WhatsApp Not Working? Here Are 10 Easy Fixes You Can Try

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

There are a few possible reasons for WhatsApp not working. Thankfully, you can usually fix it relatively quickly. If the app is crashing, you can't send messages, or you are experiencing any other issues, follow the tips below to get the app back up and running again.

Editor's note: All instructions were generated using a Google Pixel 8a running Android 16 and an Apple iPhone 15 running iOS 18.3.2. Some of the steps below might be slightly different on your end, depending on your device and software.

Check if WhatsApp is down

We always blame our devices when something isn't working, but maybe the problem isn't local. The reason for WhatsApp not working could be that the service is down.

An easy way to see if the problem is WhatsApp itself is to try using any other app or browser. If everything else is working, chances are WhatsApp's servers are the issue. You can also use online tools like the website Down Detector. This service will let you know if there are any problems with WhatsApp itself. If WhatsApp is down, all you can do is wait until service is restored.

Close and reopen the application

If WhatsApp isn't the problem, then it might be the app. One easy fix you can try is simply closing and reopening WhatsApp. It might also help to log out and log back in. This should kill the pesky bugs and get all the gears back in place.

How to force close WhatsApp on Android:

Launch the Settings app.

Go into Apps.

Tap on See all apps.

Find and select WhatsApp.

Select Force stop.

Confirm by hitting OK.

How to close WhatsApp on iPhone:

Unlock your phone.

From the home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold.

The App Switcher will show up. Swipe left and right until you find WhatsApp.

Swipe WhatsApp up, away from the screen.

While you're at it, you might also want to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. This gives it a much cleaner reset than simply closing it.

How to uninstall an Android app:

Tap and hold onto the WhatsApp app in your home screen or app drawer.

Select App info.

Hit Uninstall.

Confirm by selecting OK.

How to uninstall an iPhone app:

Find the WhatsApp app. Tap and hold onto it for a couple or few seconds.

Tap on Remove App.

Select Delete App.

Check for updates

Though running older apps often brings no issues, sometimes services also change things server-side, deeming some functions useless. You want to ensure you're running the latest version of the app, so head to the Google Play Store and check for updates.

How to check for app updates on the Google Play Store:

Open the Google Play Store.

Tap on your profile icon in the top right corner.

Hit Manage apps & device.

Tap on Updates available.

Hit Update all or look for WhatsApp and select Update.

How to check for app updates on the Apple App Store:

Launch the Apple App Store.

Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner.

Scroll down a bit, and you'll see all your available updates. Tap on Update next to WhatsApp, or select Update All to handle all app updates.

While you're at it, you might also want to check if any updates are available to your device. Check the instructions below to learn how to update your Android device.

How to check for Android updates:

Open the Settings app.

Go into System.

Hit Software updates.

Tap on System update.

Select Check for update.

The system will let you know if anything is available for your device. Follow instructions.

How to check for iPhone updates:

Launch the Settings app.

Go into General.

Select Software Update.

The system will automatically search for updates. Select Download and Install if there are any.

Restart the phone

Believe it or not, a good ol' reboot seems to fix most smartphone issues. It's one of the first troubleshooting methods you should try. Just restart your phone and see if WhatsApp works.

How to restart an Android phone:

Press the power and volume up buttons simultaneously.

Hit Restart.

How to restart an iPhone:

Press and hold the side and either the volume down or volume up buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.

A power options screen will appear.

Use the slide to power off slider to turn the phone off.

When the phone is off, press and hold the side button to turn it back on.

Check your internet

There's a chance your internet is down. Again, you can test other apps or the web browser and see if WhatsApp not working is an isolated issue. If nothing else works, the problem could be your internet connection.

You can check the router and see if it's connected to the internet. It would help if you tried restarting the router, too. Also, those using a VPN might want to turn it off to see if that fixes the issue.

If you're using cellular data, you might want to see if your data connection is on.

How to turn on mobile data on Android:

Open the Settings app.

Go into Network & internet.

Hit SIMs, then select your main SIM.

Toggle Mobile data on.

If you're outside your country or network coverage, also tap on your primary SIM and toggle Roaming on (this may incur extra charges).

How to turn on mobile data on iPhone:

Open the Settings app.

Go into Cellular.

Make sure Cellular Data is toggled on.

If you want to enable roaming, go into your main SIM under SIMs. Then toggle on Data Roaming.

Clear the app cache

Cache is an excellent method to keep your phone snappy, but old data can get corrupted and be the reason for WhatsApp not working. It doesn't hurt to clear it from time to time, especially if the app isn't working.

Clear cache on Android:

Open the Settings app.

Go into Apps.

Find the WhatsApp app under See all apps.

Tap on Storage & cache.

Hit Clear Cache.

You can also select Clear storage for a clean start.

Sadly, you can't clear the cache on iOS apps. The only effective way to accomplish this is to delete the app and reinstall it.

Allow all app permissions

Many issues can come from not giving WhatsApp the necessary permissions to access essential information. For example, WhatsApp may not pick up your contacts if you accidentally deny permission to your phone's contacts. You may also have disabled background data.

How to change app permission settings:

Open the Settings app.

Go into Apps.

Find the WhatsApp app under See all apps.

Select Permissions.

Make sure to allow access to everything under Not allowed.

How to allow app permissions on iPhone:

Launch the Settings app.

Go into Apps.

Find and select WhatsApp.

Under Allow WhatsApp To Access, ensure everything is toggled on and enter all subsections to enable extra features.

Did WhatsApp delete your account?

Have you stopped using WhatsApp for a long time? If so, there's a chance WhatsApp not working is simply due to your account being deleted. The service deletes accounts after 120 days of inactivity. A WhatsApp account is active as long as it has an internet connection. If this is the case, your only solution is to create a new WhatsApp account.

Make sure you have enough storage

Sometimes, WhatsApp can have issues downloading content when the phone runs out of storage. The first thing to try is to clear some storage on your Android or iOS device. You can delete apps, get rid of images and videos, etc. You can also try clearing some WhatsApp data.

How to delete WhatsApp data on Android:

Open WhatsApp.

Hit the three-dot menu button.

Go into Settings.

Select Storage and data.

Tap on Manage storage.

Go into each conversation and delete whatever you deem unimportant.

How to delete WhatsApp data on iPhone:

Open the WhatsApp app.

Tap on the Settings tab.

Go into Storage and Data.

Hit Manage Storage.

Go into each chat and delete whatever you deem unnecessary.

Make sure background data is enabled!

If WhatsApp isn't properly notifying you of messages, you may have accidentally turned off background data. This can easily be fixed in the settings.

How to enable background data:

Open the Settings app.

Go into Apps.

Find the WhatsApp app under See all apps.

Go into Mobile data & Wi-Fi.

Enable Background data.

You can also toggle Unrestricted data usage on. This gives the app complete data access even when in Data Saver mode.

How to turn on Background App Refresh on iPhone:

Open the Settings app.

Go into General.

Tap on Background App Refresh.

Find WhatsApp and make sure it's toggled on.

Now that WhatsApp is back up and working, we also have a guide to teach you the ins and outs of all important WhatsApp features. Give it a read to take advantage of everything the service offers.

How To Fix GB WhatsApp Login Problem In 2025

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Mobile applications have become integral to our daily lives. From communication, shopping, gaming, and education to entertainment, apps are central to how we interact with the digital world. Developers spend time, money, and effort to create these apps, which are often distributed through official platforms like the Google Play Store or Apple's App Store. However, a growing trend has emerged over the past decade; the creation, distribution, and promotion of altered APKs, commonly known as "MOD APKs." These modified versions of original apps are often designed to unlock premium features, bypass in-app purchases, or remove ads without compensating the developers.

This report looks into the issue of altered APKs and their impact on intellectual property (IP) rights. We'll explore how creating, distributing, and promoting these unauthorized modifications infringe on the rights of original app developers. Additionally, we will examine the legal frameworks governing this practice and the policies that tech platforms have instituted against MOD APKs. Lastly, this article emphasizes that TechBullion does not support or promote any MOD APKs that infringe on the intellectual property rights of other companies or developers.

Understanding APKs and MOD APKs: A Technical Overview

To fully comprehend the implications of altered APKs, it's essential first to understand what an APK is. An APK, or Android Package Kit, is the file format used by the Android operating system to distribute and install apps. Essentially, it is the Android equivalent of an executable file (.Exe) on Windows.

On the other hand, a MOD APK is an altered or modified version of the original APK, designed by third parties. These modified APKs can vary significantly in purpose. They may offer enhanced functionalities, unlock in-game currencies, remove advertisements, or bypass security restrictions. For instance, in gaming, MOD APKs might provide users with unlimited in-game money or resources, giving them an unfair advantage over others. In non-gaming apps, MOD APKs might unlock premium features without paying subscription fees.

While this might seem beneficial to users at first glance, it is crucial to recognize the unethical and illegal undertones of this practice. By using MOD APKs, users access services without compensating the developers, thus infringing on their intellectual property rights and undermining their efforts.

The Intellectual Property Rights of App Developers

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) play a critical role in the digital world, particularly for app developers who invest resources to create software products. The moment an app is developed, it becomes the intellectual property of its creator or the organization that commissioned its creation. This ownership is protected by various forms of intellectual property law, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

1) Copyright: Copyright law protects the original work of creators, including software. Apps, as a form of software, are automatically protected under copyright law once they are developed. This protection grants developers the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and modify their software. When a third party modifies an APK without permission, they are essentially tampering with the copyrighted work, which constitutes a copyright violation.

2) Trademarks: Many apps are branded under recognizable names or logos, which may also be protected by trademarks. Using the brand name of an app to distribute altered APKs can lead to trademark infringement, particularly if the modified APK is misrepresented as the original app.

3) Licensing Agreements: Most apps come with an end-user license agreement (EULA) that dictates how the app can be used. When a user downloads and installs an app from a legitimate source, they agree to the terms set forth in the EULA. These agreements often explicitly prohibit users from modifying the app or distributing altered versions. Distributing MOD APKs is a violation of such licensing agreements and can lead to legal action from developers.

The Legal Implications of Altered APKs

Creating, distributing, and promoting MOD APKs has several legal implications, especially concerning intellectual property rights. Below, we outline the key areas where MOD APKs infringe on the rights of original developers and the possible consequences for those involved in the creation, distribution, and promotion of these altered files.

1. Copyright Infringement

The most straightforward and prevalent legal violation associated with MOD APKs is copyright infringement. When a third party modifies an APK, they are creating a derivative work without the developer's permission. In many jurisdictions, including the United States, creating a derivative work without authorization is a direct violation of copyright law. This means that the original app developer has the right to take legal action against anyone involved in creating or distributing MOD APKs.

For example, if a popular game app is modified to provide users with unlimited in-game currency without paying, the modified version is a derivative of the original game. The creators of the MOD APK are infringing on the game developer's copyright, as they did not obtain permission to alter the game's code.

2. Circumvention of Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Many apps and games are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems, which are designed to prevent unauthorized access or modifications. MOD APKs often involve bypassing or disabling DRM measures to unlock premium content or remove restrictions.

Circumventing DRM protections is illegal in many countries, including the United States, under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Section 1201 of the DMCA prohibits the circumvention of technological measures that control access to copyrighted works. Violating this section can lead to hefty fines and even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the offense.

3. Breach of Licensing Agreements

As mentioned earlier, most apps are governed by licensing agreements, such as EULAs, that dictate how users can interact with the software. These agreements often explicitly prohibit users from modifying, reverse-engineering, or distributing altered versions of the software. When a third party creates and distributes a MOD APK, they are violating the terms of the EULA, which is a legally binding contract between the user and the developer.

Violating a EULA can result in the developer taking legal action against the creator or distributor of the MOD APK. While this might not always result in criminal charges, civil lawsuits can be pursued, potentially leading to substantial financial penalties.

4. Trademark Infringement

In some cases, MOD APKs may lead to trademark infringement, particularly when altered versions of an app are distributed under the same name as the original. If a modified app is misrepresented as the original, it could confuse consumers and damage the brand's reputation. Trademark owners can file lawsuits against parties that misuse their trademarks in such a manner.

The Impact on Developers and the Tech Industry

The creation and distribution of MOD APKs have far-reaching consequences for developers and the broader tech industry. App development is a resource-intensive process that requires significant time, effort, and capital investment. Developers often rely on revenue generated through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or advertisements to recoup their investment and fund future projects.

When MOD APKs allow users to bypass in-app purchases or remove ads without compensating the developer, it undermines the entire business model. This not only results in financial losses for the developers but also discourages innovation. In smaller development studios, these financial losses can be devastating and could even force developers to shut down their projects altogether.

Furthermore, the proliferation of MOD APKs can lead to a decline in the quality of apps available in the market. If developers are not adequately compensated for their work, they may lose the incentive to create high-quality apps, resulting in a saturated market with poorly designed and maintained software.

Policies Against MOD APKs: How Platforms Are Combating the Issue

Recognizing the growing threat of MOD APKs, tech companies and app distribution platforms have implemented policies to curb their proliferation. Google, which operates the Android ecosystem, has been at the forefront of this battle. Below are some of the key measures taken by major platforms to combat the distribution and promotion of altered APKs.

1. Google Play Store's Strict Policies

The Google Play Store, the primary distribution platform for Android apps, has a strict policy against altered APKs. Google actively monitors the Play Store for any apps that promote or distribute MOD APKs. Apps found in violation of these policies are promptly removed from the store, and developers responsible for distributing these altered files may face account suspension or termination.

Moreover, Google Play Protect, a built-in security service, scans apps on users' devices for harmful behavior, including the use of unauthorized APKs. This ensures that users who unknowingly download MOD APKs are warned about potential security risks.

2. App Store Policies

Although APKs are specific to Android, the Apple App Store has similar policies to protect its ecosystem. Apple maintains tight control over the apps that are available in its store, and any app that attempts to distribute unauthorized modifications is quickly removed. Apple also uses robust security measures to prevent the installation of unauthorized apps on iOS devices.

3. Website Takedowns and DMCA Notices

In addition to policies implemented by app stores, many developers take action against websites that host or distribute MOD APKs. By filing DMCA takedown notices, developers can have these websites shut down or have infringing content removed. This legal mechanism allows developers to protect their intellectual property by targeting the distribution points of altered APKs.

The Ethical and Security Concerns Surrounding MOD APKs

Aside from the legal implications, MOD APKs present significant ethical and security concerns for users. While users might be tempted to download MOD APKs to access premium features for free, they may inadvertently expose their devices to malware or other security risks.

1. Malware and Security Risks

MOD APKs are often distributed through unofficial websites or forums that do not guarantee the safety of the files. Unlike apps downloaded from legitimate sources like the Google Play Store, which are scanned for malware, MOD APKs can contain malicious code that compromises the security of a user's device. This malware can lead to data breaches, theft of personal information, or even financial loss.

2. Unfair Advantage and Ethical Concerns

In gaming, MOD APKs provide users with unfair advantages, such as unlimited in-game currency or enhanced abilities, which can disrupt the balance of online multiplayer games. This behavior not only violates the terms of service of most games but also damages the overall gaming experience for other players.

TechBullion's Stance on MOD APKs

As a responsible voice in the tech community, TechBullion does not support or promote the use of MOD APKs that violate the intellectual property rights of app developers or companies. We believe that developers deserve fair compensation for their work and that unauthorized modifications undermine the integrity of the app development ecosystem.

While we understand that the appeal of free or enhanced features might tempt some users to seek out MOD APKs, we encourage our readers to support developers by purchasing legitimate versions of apps and games. Not only is this the ethical choice, but it also ensures that developers can continue to innovate and provide high-quality content.

Conclusion

The creation, distribution, and promotion of altered APKs, or MOD APKs, is not just a legal issue but also an ethical one. MOD APKs infringe on the intellectual property rights of developers, leading to financial losses, reduced incentives for innovation, and potential security risks for users. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and respect the intellectual property rights of creators who contribute to the digital ecosystem.

Developers invest time, effort, and resources into creating apps that improve our daily lives, and they deserve to be compensated for their work. By refraining from using or promoting MOD APKs, we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable tech industry that fosters innovation and rewards creativity.

TechBullion takes a firm stance against MOD APKs that violate intellectual property rights and urges users to support developers by using legitimate app platforms.

WhatsApp Introduces The Blue Circle, Meta AI Button: Where Is It, How Does It Work And How To Disable It?

After being delayed due to the legal framework in Europe, Meta AI arrived on WhatsApp from March 21 to 23. The "blue circle" that has appeared on the app for many users is nothing less than a new artificial intelligence available to all. This is Meta's response—owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—to the growing popularity of ChatGPT. The company wants to implement this AI in several of its products, starting with WhatsApp as a testing ground for future integration into its other platforms.

Meta AI arrives in Europe: what the blue circle on WhatsApp is for

As Meta announced in a statement last September, the tech giant intended to integrate its Meta AI into several of its products and applications, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. However, Meta AI has been added to WhatsApp in Europe at the end of March 2025, after being delayed a few months compared to the rest of the world due to the legislation in this continent, which leads in AI regulation.

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El "círculo azul" de WhatsApp es Meta AI, un nuevo chatbot potenciado por inteligencia artificial disponible para los usuarios de esta aplicación de mensajería

To get Meta AI on WhatsApp, just update the app to its latest version.

Broadly speaking, Meta AI is very similar to other AI-powered chatbots like the famous ChatGPT. This AI is

Ask me: we can write to Meta AI for answers or simply have a conversation with the AI.

Talk to me: we can speak and ask questions to Meta AI using the phone's microphone and speaker, offering a more convenient way to ask questions for those who don't want to use the keyboard.

Look at this: we can send an image to Meta AI and get answers about it. For example, it can translate a restaurant menu into another language or give information on how to care for a plant from a photo.

Edit my photo: Meta AI can help you edit photos, including removing or adding elements. For example, we can ask to remove a stranger from the background or change the colors of an object.

However, Meta AI omits one key feature in Europe: generating images from scratch, a feature other AIs like ChatGPT or X's Grok can do. This is one of the most useful and popular features in these apps, but also one of the most controversial. Grok, for example, has often shown that its minimal content filters and moderation allow the creation of problematic images of public figures.

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Meta AI nos permitirá enviarle imágenes para que las modifique o edite a nuestro gusto, entre otras funcionalidades

In any case, one thing is clear: Meta has expanded its market into the AI field and now has ChatGPT in its sights as one of its main competitorsAs Meta announced in a statement last September, the tech giant intended to integrate its Meta AI into several of its products and applications, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

However, Meta AI has been added to WhatsApp in Europe at the end of March 2025, after being delayed a few months compared to the rest of the world due to the legislation in this continent, which leads in AI regulation.Taking advantage of its massive user base worldwide through platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, Meta hopes to emerge victorious from the fierce AI war. Only time will tell if its offering of features, along with easy access and availability, gives it a decisive edge over its rivals.

Where is the Meta AI button in Whastapp?

To access Meta AI in WhatsApp, ensure you have the latest version of the app installed. Open WhatsApp and tap the "new chat" icon, typically located at the bottom right corner of the main screen, represented by a pencil or chat bubble icon. In the chat list, you'll find "Meta AI" among your contacts. Tap on this contact to start a conversation with Meta's AI assistant.

How to disable the Meta AI button in Whastapp

Meta AI is an artificial intelligence tool integrated into WhatsApp that allows users to interact with a virtual assistant directly within the app.

To access Meta AI, simply open WhatsApp, and you'll see a blue circle icon on the main chat screen. By tapping on this icon, a conversation with the AI assistant will open, where you can ask questions or request information.

To disable or minimize the presence of Meta AI on WhatsApp, you can delete the chat with the assistant.

Follow these steps:

Open the conversation with Meta AI in WhatsApp.

Tap on the chat name at the top of the screen to access the chat settings.

Select "Delete chat" and confirm the action.

Please note that while this will hide the chat with Meta AI, the AI functionality will remain active in the app. Currently, it's not possible to completely disable Meta AI on WhatsApp.

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