You’re trying to talk to your friends and family using WhatsApp on your iPad, but it’s not working properly. WhatsApp is the preferred communication app of many iPad users, so when it stops working, it affects a lot of people. In this article, I’ll explain what to do when WhatsApp is not working on an iPad so you can fix the problem for good!
Why Is WhatsApp Not Working On My iPad?
At this point, we can’t be exactly sure why WhatsApp is not working on your iPad, but it’s most likely a software issue with your iPad or the app itself. You probably received an error notification that says "WhatsApp Is Temporarily Unavailable." Poor connection to Wi-Fi, software crashes, outdated app software, or WhatsApp server maintenance are all things that could be causing WhatsApp to malfunction on your iPad.
Follow the steps below to diagnose and fix the real reason why WhatsApp is not working on your iPad so you get back to chatting with your friends!
How to Troubleshoot WhatsApp Problem on iPad
1. Restart Your iPad
When WhatsApp is not working on iPad, the first troubleshooting step is restarting your device, which can occasionally resolve minor software glitches or bugs. On an iPad with a Home button, press and hold the top button until the power slider appears on the screen.
If your iPad doesn’t have a Home button, simultaneously press and hold the top button and either volume button. Release both buttons when "slide to power off" appears on the screen.
Drag the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPad.
Wait about thirty seconds, then press and hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears on the center of the screen.
2. Close WhatsApp On Your iPad
When WhatsApp is not working on your iPad, there’s a decent chance that the app itself is malfunctioning. Sometimes, closing out of the app and reopening it can fix those minor app glitches.
To close WhatsApp, double-click the Home button to open up the app switcher, which displays all of the apps currently open on your iPad. If your iPad doesn’t have a Home button, swipe up from the very bottom of the screen to the center of the screen. Hold your finger in the center of the screen until the app switcher opens.
Once the app switcher opens, swipe WhatsApp up and off the screen. You’ll know it’s closed when it no longer appears in the app switcher.
3. Check The Server Status Of WhatsApp
Occasionally, major apps like WhatsApp undergo routine server maintenance. You may not be able to use WhatsApp while it’s undergoing server maintenance. Take a look at these reports to see if the WhatsApp servers are down or undergoing maintenance.
If they are, you just have to wait it out. WhatsApp will be back online soon!
4. Check For An Update To WhatsApp
App developers frequently release updates to their apps in order to add new features and fix existing bugs. If you’re running an outdated version of the app, it could be the reason why WhatsApp is not working on your iPad.
To check for an update, open the App Store and tap on your Account Icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Tap App Updates to see apps with available updates. If an update is available for WhatsApp, tap the Update button to its right, or tap Update All at the top of the list.
5. Delete WhatsApp and Reinstall It
Another way to troubleshoot a malfunctioning app is to delete and reinstall it on your iPad. If a file within WhatsApp has become corrupted, deleting the app and reinstalling it will give the app a fresh start on your iPad.
Press and hold the WhatsApp icon until the menu appears. Tap Remove App -> Delete App -> Delete.
Don’t worry — your WhatsApp account won’t be deleted if you uninstall the app on your iPad, but you’ll have to reenter your login information when you open the app again after reinstalling it.
To reinstall WhatsApp on your iPad, open the App Store and tap on the Search tab. Type "WhatsApp" into the search bar, then tap the cloud icon to the right of WhatsApp in the results.
6. Turn Wi-Fi Off And Back On
If you use Wi-Fi while using WhatsApp, the app may not be working because of an issue with your iPad’s connection to Wi-Fi. Just like restarting your iPad, turning Wi-Fi off and back on can sometimes fix minor connectivity bugs or glitches.
To turn Wi-Fi off, open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, then tap the switch next to Wi-Fi. You’ll know Wi-Fi is off when the switch is gray. To turn Wi-Fi back on, tap the switch again — you’ll know it’s on when it’s green!
7. Forget Your Wi-Fi Network, Then Reconnect
A more in-depth Wi-Fi troubleshooting is to forget your Wi-Fi network, then reconnect your iPad to it. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network for the very first time, your iPad stores information about how to connect to that Wi-Fi network.
If any part of that process changes, it may affect your iPad’s ability to connect to the Wi-Fi network. By forgetting the network and reconnecting, it’ll be like connecting your iPad to the Wi-Fi network for the very first time.
To forget a Wi-Fi network, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi and tap the Information button (look for the blue i) next to the Wi-Fi network you want your iPad to forget. Then, tap Forget This Network -> Forget.
To reconnect to the Wi-Fi network, tap on it in the list of networks under Choose A Network… and enter the Wi-Fi password, if the network has one.
8. Try Cellular Data Instead Of Wi-Fi
If Wi-Fi isn’t working, try using Cellular Data instead of Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Cellular iPad models only). If WhatsApp works with Cellular Data but not Wi-Fi, you’ll know it’s your Wi-Fi network that’s causing the problem.
First, open Settings and tap Wi-Fi. Turn off the switch next to Wi-Fi.
Next, tap back to the main page of Settings and tap Cellular. Make sure the switch next to Cellular Data is on.
Open WhatsApp and see if it’s working now. If WhatsApp is working, you’ve identified an issue with your Wi-Fi network. Check out our other article to learn how to fix Wi-Fi issues.
What’s Up, WhatsApp?
You’ve successfully fixed WhatsApp on your iPad and you can get back to chatting with your friends and family. Next time WhatsApp is not working on your iPad, make sure to come back to this article for this fix! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comments section.
See also: Wi-Fi Calling Not Working On iPad? Here’s The Fix
