My Whatsapp is not showing contact names 💥
WhatsApp is not showing you names of saved contacts. This problem usually affects a particular contact that you have recently saved. Sometimes it affects all contact names in your phone’s address book. Let's check how we can resolve this problem, starting with simple fixes and slowly getting into the more difficult ones. There are a total of 12 fixes.
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1. Whatsapp servers offline?
Unexpected issues can occur from time to time with the WhatsApp servers. Engineers might already be working to resolve the issue, but users still encounter bugs in the app. You should verify that the WhatsApp's servers are not responsible for WhatsApp not showing contact name by checking their uptime here on Downdetector.
2. Restart Whatsapp
Problem solving can sometimes be real easy. Try restarting your Whatsapp first to rule out any small bugs. Just close it and then open the app again. Is the problem still there then go on to the next fix.
3. Restart your mobile phone
This is one more to easy to be true fix, but one that often already solves a lot of smal issues. Just restart your mobile phone and check then if the contact names reappeared.
4. Close Whatsapp Duo apps
Dual Spacing is a way to create a second WhatsApp account if you own an iPhone. Parallel Space can be used by Android users. These kind of apps should be temporarily closed to rule out any issues caused by them interfering with your Whatsapp.
5. Upgrade Whatsapp
If you are using an older version of Whatsapp you can never be sure it is fully compatible with the most recent OS of your mobile phone. Therefore check quickly if there are any upgrades available. If so upgrade, then check if your problem with the contact names has been solved.
6. Close other messaging apps
To rule out other messaging apps like Skype or Messenger are interfering with your Whatsapp you sohlud temporarily close them until you have solved your current issue.
7. Refresh Whatsapp contact list
WhatsApp has a nice refresh feature which allows you to quickly retrieve newly saved contact names. These are the steps for refreshing saved contacts.
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the chat button at the bottom-right corner on WhatsApp.
- Tap the three vertical dots at the top-right corner.
- Click on Refresh.
8. Contact related problems
WhatsApp does not always show newly saved contacts immediately. Sometimes, it can take a few minutes or even a restart before the contact name is displayed. Did you save a contact name recently and WhatsApp doesn't show it? Close WhatsApp and start it again.
Also, make sure that the contact name is saved successfully in your phone's Address Book and that the number has been saved in the correct international format.
If the app is not working after you verify that your phone number was saved correctly, but the problem still persists, it is time to refresh all your contacts.
9. Is your SIM-card activated?
Which do you prefer to store your data, your SIM card or your phone? If you choose the first one, make sure your SIM card is always accessible from your phone.
Sometimes, the SIM card is lost or stolen by dropping it, changing its SIM card, or any other negligence. This can prevent your phone from being able to recognize it. It won't display any contacts that have been saved to the SIM card if it doesn't recognize it.
Check that your SIM card has been correctly installed in your phone. It can detect your phone and save your contacts. Continue to the next step if the SIM card works normally.
10. Address book problems on your phone
WhatsApp may not show contact names if your phone's addressbook is corrupted. The problem does not affect WhatsApp alone. Any other apps that use those contact names will not be affected by the name of the contacts. Other apps such as Telegram, Signal and the Messages app on your phone will also be affected.
Are you experiencing a problem with contacts not appearing on your phone? It could be a problem in your phone's contact book. WhatsApp will display contact names again if you resolve the issue in your phone's addressbook.
11. Get rid of OS restrictions
You can prevent prying eyes spying on your phone by setting the right permission settings. If you restrict access to trusted apps, however, your phone's operating system may refuse to allow them to see the data they require.
WhatsApp, for example, may only display contact numbers if you don't have access to your saved contacts. It is important to rule out the possibility.
Open the Settings app on Android and tap "Apps". Tap the three vertical dots at the top-right and tap "Permission manager".
Next, open "Contacts" and choose WhatsApp Basic or WhatsApp Business. Make sure the "Allow" circle is turned on.
On iOS: Open the Settings app on iOS. Go to "Privacy" and tap "Contacts". Turn on the toggle next to "WhatsApp".
12. Sync issues on Android phones
If you have stopped your contacts from automatically syncing, WhatsApp will not allow WhatsApp access to your contacts. Follow these steps to confirm that sync settings have been enabled.
- Go to Settings on your Android device.
- Next, tap on "Accounts and Users".
- Click on "WhatsApp".
- Make sure to check the box next Contacts.
- Tap the vertical dots in the upper-right corner to open the More menu and then tap "Sync Now".
Whatsapp still not showing contact names? Check out our random Whatsapp fixes.