Few things are more frustrating than sending an urgent text on WhatsApp, only to see a single gray tick staring back at you. A WhatsApp message not delivered can leave you wondering if the problem is your phone, the app, or the recipient.
This issue happens to millions of users worldwide, and the good news is—it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain why messages on WhatsApp are not delivering, the most common causes, and step-by-step solutions to get your chats flowing again. And if reinstalling or resetting WhatsApp risks your data, we’ll show how Gbyte Recovery can help you restore lost messages safely.
What Does “WhatsApp Message Not Delivered” Mean?
When you send a message in WhatsApp, the app uses a simple tick system:
One gray tick: Message sent but not delivered.
Two gray ticks: Message delivered but not yet read.
Two blue ticks: Message delivered and read.
So, if you’re seeing message in WhatsApp not delivered, it means the message left your phone but didn’t reach the recipient’s device. This can happen for several reasons, ranging from internet issues to being blocked.
Common Reasons Why WhatsApp Messages Are Not Delivering
Poor or No Internet Connection
The most common cause is unstable internet. If your Wi-Fi is weak or your mobile data is turned off, messages on WhatsApp will not deliver.
Recipient’s Phone Is Off or Offline
If the recipient’s device is off, in airplane mode, or not connected to the internet, your message on WhatsApp will not be delivered until they reconnect.
Blocked by the Recipient
Sometimes, the reason your WhatsApp message is not delivered is because the recipient has blocked you. In this case, your messages will forever show one gray tick.
WhatsApp Server Issues
Though rare, WhatsApp servers can go down. When that happens, all messages on WhatsApp stop delivering temporarily.
Outdated WhatsApp Version
An outdated app may cause delivery glitches. If you keep wondering, “Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering?”, updating the app might be the solution.
Phone Storage or System Issues
If your device is running low on storage or has background system errors, it may prevent messages on WhatsApp from delivering properly.
An Ultimate Guide to Fix WhatsApp Message Not Delivered Issues in 2025
Now that we know the causes, let’s walk through proven solutions.
If you’re staring at a single gray tick and wondering why your WhatsApp message is not delivered, don’t panic. Below are proven methods to fix it.
Method 1 – Check Your Internet Connection Thoroughly
The number one reason for messages on WhatsApp not delivering is a poor or unstable internet connection. Even if your Wi-Fi shows connected, it might not be transmitting data properly.
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if delivery resumes.
Open a browser or another app to confirm if your internet is active.
Run a quick speed test—WhatsApp requires a stable connection for messages to be delivered instantly.
👉 Many users complain, “Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering when my internet is on?” Often, the issue lies with weak signal strength, restricted background data, or VPN interference. Disabling VPNs and allowing WhatsApp unrestricted access to data can resolve this.
Method 2 – Restart WhatsApp or Your Phone
Temporary glitches in the app or your phone’s system may cause a message in WhatsApp not delivered issue. Restarting helps refresh the connection.
Force close WhatsApp and reopen it.
If that doesn’t work, restart your phone to clear background processes.
This simple action often fixes hidden bugs. For example, some users report that messages on WhatsApp are not delivering in group chats until they restart their devices.
Method 3 – Update WhatsApp to the Latest Version
If you’re running an outdated version, WhatsApp may fail to send or deliver messages correctly. Developers frequently release updates to patch issues like WhatsApp message not delivered errors.
Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
Search WhatsApp and tap Update if available.
An outdated app can also prevent delivery of voice notes, images, or videos—leading to users asking, “Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering but calls work?” Updating usually solves this.
Method 4 – Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android) or Reinstall the App (iPhone)
Corrupted cache files can cause glitches where messages on WhatsApp are not delivering, even if everything else seems fine.
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear Cache.
On iPhone: Reinstall WhatsApp, which clears residual files.
⚠️ Warning: Reinstalling WhatsApp can lead to message loss if you don’t have a backup. That’s where Gbyte Recovery for iPhone comes in. If your WhatsApp messages disappear after reinstalling, you can use Gbyte Recovery to restore deleted WhatsApp chats directly from your Apple ID—without needing a USB cable or iTunes.
Method 5 – Check If You’re Blocked by the Recipient
Sometimes the reason a message on WhatsApp is not delivered is that the recipient has blocked you. Signs include:
Only one gray tick on all messages.
No updates to their profile picture or last seen.
Calls to that contact do not ring.
While it can be frustrating, at least you’ll know it’s not a technical issue. Many users search “Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering to one person?”—and the answer is usually blocking.
Method 6 – Verify WhatsApp Server Status
Occasionally, the problem isn’t you or the recipient—it’s WhatsApp itself. Server outages can cause messages in WhatsApp not delivered to anyone.
Check websites like Downdetector.
Search “WhatsApp down” on Twitter for live updates.
When servers are down, messages on WhatsApp stop delivering worldwide, so patience is the only fix.
Method 7 – Free Up Storage Space on Your Device
If your phone’s storage is nearly full, WhatsApp may struggle to send or deliver messages, photos, and videos. This often results in the WhatsApp message not delivered error.
Delete unused apps or files.
Move large videos to cloud storage.
Clear old WhatsApp media from chats.
A healthy amount of free space ensures WhatsApp functions smoothly and prevents issues where messages in WhatsApp are not delivering due to system restrictions.
Advanced Methods If Messages on WhatsApp Are Still Not Delivering
Method 8 – Reset Network Settings
If messages on WhatsApp are still not delivering after trying basic methods, your network configuration may be corrupted. Resetting it can help.
On iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
On Android: Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.
This often fixes hidden connectivity problems that cause WhatsApp message not delivered errors.
Method 9 – Reinstall WhatsApp and Restore Backup
If all else fails, reinstall WhatsApp entirely. This clears corrupted installations that may stop delivery.
Backup chats first.
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Reinstall from App Store or Google Play.
Restore your backup during setup.
⚠️ If you forget to back up, don’t worry. Gbyte Recovery can retrieve deleted or missing WhatsApp chats directly from your Apple ID—even if no recent backup exists. This is especially useful when you reinstall WhatsApp and discover important messages missing.
Method 10 – Switch Between Mobile Data and Wi-Fi
Sometimes messages on WhatsApp not delivering happens only on one type of connection. Try switching:
If Wi-Fi is unstable, switch to mobile data.
If mobile data is slow, connect to a strong Wi-Fi.
This helps in cases where users ask, “Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering on Wi-Fi but deliver on mobile data?”
Method 11 – Contact WhatsApp Support
If none of the above methods solve the WhatsApp message not delivered issue, reach out to WhatsApp Support directly:
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us.
Explain the issue in detail (include whether messages are stuck at one gray tick or two gray ticks).
They can provide guidance or confirm if the problem lies with your account.
FAQs About WhatsApp Message Not Delivered
Why are my WhatsApp messages not delivering to one person? Likely because the recipient has blocked you or their phone is offline.
Does one gray tick mean I’m blocked? Not always—it could mean the person is offline. But if it lasts for days, blocking is possible.
Can WhatsApp messages fail due to app bugs? Yes, outdated versions or corrupted installations can cause messages on WhatsApp not delivering.
What’s the difference between “message on WhatsApp not delivered” and “not seen”?
Not delivered = message hasn’t reached the device.
Not seen = delivered but unread.
If I reinstall WhatsApp, how do I recover lost messages? If backups don’t work, you can use Gbyte Recovery to restore deleted WhatsApp chats directly.
Conclusion
A WhatsApp message not delivered can be caused by anything from poor internet to being blocked. Fortunately, most issues are easy to solve—restart the app, update WhatsApp, or check server status.
But if reinstalling or resetting WhatsApp risks losing your valuable chats, don’t panic. Gbyte Recovery gives you a quick and safe way to bring back deleted WhatsApp messages, ensuring you never lose important conversations.
