WhatsApp Contacts Not Showing – How to Fix

This guide will show you how to fix WhatsApp contacts not showing

Bradley Flemming

Bradley Flemming

WhatsApp Contacts Not Showing

Last Updated on

Have you tried to start a new chat and found that your WhatsApp contacts are not showing? This guide is here to help. WhatsApp is the worlds leading messaging app. It allows users to freely communicate with texts, video calls, memes, and more. However, it is not always smooth sailing. Whatsapp has a history of things going wrong such as photos not downloading and messages not being sent.

Problems like this have led users to flock to alternative messaging apps such as Signal. However, if you are here to stay this guide will help fix the issue with WhatsApp contacts not showing below.

WhatsApp Contacts Not Showing – Causes

There are several reasons why Whatsapp cannot show contacts. For instance, it can occur when you switch to a new phone, WhatsApp sometimes incorrectly syncs contacts. Additionally, issues with WhatsApp being out of date can cause compatibility issues. Additionally, WhatsApp’s permissions may have also been reset.

Essential AI Tools

Editor's pick
EXCLUSIVE DEAL 10,000 free bonus credits

Jasper AI

On-brand AI content wherever you create. 100,000+ customers creating real content with Jasper. One AI tool, all the best models.

Best Deals

Editor's pick
Only $0.01 per 100 words

Originality AI detector

Originality.AI Is The Most Accurate AI Detection.Across a testing data set of 1200 data samples it achieved an accuracy of 96% while its closest competitor achieved only 35%. Useful Chrome extension. Detects across emails, Google Docs, and websites.

Best Deals

Editor's pick
TRY FOR FREE

Copy.ai

Experience the full power of an AI content generator that delivers premium results in seconds. 8 million users enjoy writing blogs 10x faster, effortlessly creating higher converting social media posts or writing more engaging emails. Sign up for a free trial.

Best Deals

TRY FOR FREE

WordAI

10x Your Content Output With AI. Key features - No duplicate content, full control, in built AI content checker. Free trial available.

Best Deals

*Prices are subject to change. PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

WhatsApp Contacts Not Showing – Fixes

Step

1

WhatsApp permissions

From time to time the app can have its permissions restricted, this can be for many reasons such as downloading a software update. This will stop the app from being able to operate properly. Giving the App permission will allow full functionality.

Follow these steps to give WhatsApp permissions.

  1. Open Settings on your mobile phone ad select WhatsApp.
  2. Allow the required permissions to be active.

Step

2

Update WhatsApp

Sometimes using an older version of WhatsApp can cause there to be compatibility issues. Making sure you have the latest version can alleviate this.

  1. Open the Google Play Store or App Store for iOS.
  2. Search for WhatsApp.
  3. If there is an update available then download and install it.

Step

3

Refresh contacts

If after following these steps contacts are still not showing simply refreshing contacts might fix the issue.

In order to refresh WhatApp contacts complete the following steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp.
  2. Select the chat icon on the bottom right-hand side.
  3. Press the three-dot dop down menu.
  4. Choose Refresh.

Step

4

Synchronize WhatsApp

Doing a forced synchronization can cause the contacts to reappear.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Choose Accounts.
  3. Select WhatsApp.
  4. Press Sync account.
  5. Enable Contacts toggle.

How do I find contacts on WhatsApp?

Select the search bar located at the top of the phone. Begin typing in the contacts name, they will then select the contact.

Why is WhatsApp not finding a contact?

Usually, this is an issue with permissions, This can usually be fixed by going into phone settings and giving WhatsApp full permission.

Final Thoughts

After reading through and following these steps you should be able to fix the issue with WhatsApp not being able to send photos to contacts. If you are still experiencing issues then you should contact WhatsApp support directly.