Why is WhatsApp Stuck on Connecting on iPhone and How to Fix It

6 min readNov 4, 2023

Whether it’s Android or iOS, WhatsApp has made it so much easier for users to connect to people near and far through text messages; voice calls; video chats; and much more, all under one roof. However, undefined annoyance hits the doors when WhatsApp on your iPhone is stuck and is not connecting. So, in this blog, we will discuss why this issue happens and how can you fix it. Let’s get started. Read More

Why is WhatsApp Stuck on Connecting on iPhone?

iPhones are known for powerful performance, seamless user interface, and well-optimized apps. So, it’s seldom that an app does not function and gets stuck as if it’s the device that’s the culprit. Moreover, some users have also reported that the lag does not impact notifications, but WhatsApp itself does not load chats even after waiting for a long while. The following could be the potential reasons behind this:

Poor Internet Connectivity
WhatsApp Server Downtime Issues
Corrupt Cache Files
Software Bugs and Glitches

Quick Answer
To fix this issue on WhatsApp, restart the device and then the app. Switch to a better internet connection. If that does not help, update WhatsApp on your iPhone.

How to Fix WhatsApp Not Connecting on iPhone

Now that you know the reasons, let’s go through the potential solutions that can help resolve this issue.

Method 1: Restart the App, then Device

Often such issues are caused by minor temporary glitches due to improper booting of devices. Fortunately, you can easily fix these by restarting the device and then using WhatsApp.

Method 2: Wait for Server Uptime

Popular apps such as WhatsApp occasionally face server downtime issues due to heavy traffic or might be in maintenance mode, which could affect the functionalities of the app. We recommend you check for any such issues with the server in your region on Downdetector for WhatsApp, and if there are any discrepancies reported, wait until they fix it.

Method 3: Troubleshoot Internet Connectivity

WhatsApp can function on a weaker internet connection. However, the performance of the app is often compromised in such cases. Having a strong internet connection becomes much more important in case you’ve just changed the device and are trying to restore the backup of your chats & messages or you’re trying to get on a call. Refer to our guide on How Do I Fix Slow Internet on My iPhone to improve the connectivity on the device and get rid of the WhatsApp stuck on connecting issue.

Method 4: Disable Low Data Mode and Power Saver

Low Data Mode on iPhones reduces the data usage on the device when using cellular data or WiFi. However, to do so, it prevents certain apps from consuming excessive data, which could lead to the discussed issue on WhatsApp. Follow the steps to disable it:

1. Open Settings and tap on Mobile Data.

2. Select your active network provider.

3. Slide the toggle next to Low Data Mode to turn it off.

4. Now go back to Settings, tap on Battery, and toggle off Low Power Mode.

Method 5: Clear Storage Space

WhatsApp requires enough storage space even for daily usage. The unavailability of sufficient memory could cause issues with the app. Back up all your data and clear out system storage on your iPhone. If you are still facing issues with insufficient memory, refer to our guide on 12 Ways to Fix iPhone Storage Full Issue.

Method 6: Enable Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content in the background, even when you’re not actively using them. Apps can fetch new data, retrieve updates, and stay up to date without you having to manually open each app. Enable this for WhatsApp by following the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General, followed by Background App Refresh.

3. Slide the toggle to enable this for WhatsApp.

Method 7: Update WhatsApp, then iPhone

Outdated apps are prone to bugs and app glitches. In the case of WhatsApp, the parent company is quick to come out with constant updates, and if it is stuck and is not connecting on your iPhone, we suggest you update the app.

1. Go to the App Store and tap on your Profile at the top right corner.

2. You will be able to see the list of apps that need to be updated. Scroll down, select WhatsApp Messenger and tap on Update.

3. Once done, open the Settings app.

4. Tap on General, followed by Software Update.

5. Tap Download and Install

The best part is you can also update your iPhone without WiFi.

Method 8: Reset Network Settings

As it seems that the discussed issue is caused due to network and connectivity errors, resetting network settings can configure it to default ones, which might help. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General and select Transfer or Reset iPhone at the bottom.

3. Tap on Reset and select Reset Network Settings.

Method 9: Reset All Settings

If the error persists, there may be some configuration error with any other settings on the device, which is causing WhatsApp to get stuck and not connect to its server. Follow the steps to reset all settings:

1. Open Settings and tap on General, followed by Reset or Transfer iPhone.

2. Tap on Reset and select Reset All Settings from the menu.

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Method 10: Reinstall WhatsApp

Lastly, if none of the above-mentioned methods helped fix the issue, we suggest you try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp. Follow the steps below:

1. On the homepage, tap and hold the WhatsApp icon.

2. Tap on Remove App.