How to reset WhatsApp settings and fix common errors

When WhatsApp is starting to malfunction And if it stops notifying you of messages, calls, or simply behaves strangely, the normal thing to think is that The application has broken and that it needs to be deleted. But often the problem lies in the options and permissions from the mobile phone itself or from WhatsApp, and it can be fixed by restoring certain settings without losing your chats.

In this article you will see, in a very detailed and easy-to-understand way, How to reset WhatsApp settings On Android, we'll explain which system settings might be blocking notifications, background activity, or internet access. We'll go step-by-step, with practical tips and tricks to get your messages coming through again, even if you're not a tech expert.

What does resetting WhatsApp settings really mean?

When we talk about reset WhatsApp settingsWe don't always mean deleting the app or removing all the data. In most cases, the goal is to restore the app to its normal state. notification settings, permissions and operation that may have been misconfigured due to error, a system update, or other interfering applications.

Within Android there is a section for reset application preferencesThis affects all apps (including WhatsApp) and restores things like denied permissions, disabled apps, and default applications to their default state. This is usually enough for WhatsApp to return to stable behavior.

They can also be adjusted manually WhatsApp's own parametersSound, pop-up notifications, priority, data usage, etc. The key is to check these basic points first before resorting to more drastic solutions like uninstalling the app or formatting the phone, which is usually unnecessary.

If what's failing you are mainly the message or call notificationsResetting and fine-tuning these settings is almost always the fastest way to get WhatsApp back to normal without losing your conversations or files.

Basic steps before touching the advanced settings

Before you go crazy fiddling with menus and settings, it's a good idea to do some very simple tests that, although they may seem obvious, They solve many WhatsApp problems. without complicating things. More than once the problem was something as simple as a pending restart or a partially activated power-saving mode.

The first step is Turn the phone off completelyPress and hold the power button, select the power off option, and wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back on. This brief reset closes background processes that might be blocking WhatsApp notifications or causing connection issues.

Next, it is recommended connect the mobile phone to the chargerMany devices activate power-saving modes when the battery is low, restricting background activity of apps like WhatsApp. Plugging it in ensures the system doesn't limit data traffic or close the app when you're not using it.

While your phone is charging, it's a good idea to check that the WiFi or mobile data connection is stableOn some models, the Wi-Fi connection goes to sleep when the screen turns off to save power, which means messages won't arrive until you turn your phone back on and open the app. If you notice messages arriving suddenly when you open WhatsApp, this is very likely the problem.

Finally, check if you have any software installed. task manager or optimization app (The typical apps that promise to clean memory or save battery). Many of them aggressively close background processes and end up "killing" WhatsApp, thus cutting off notifications. In these cases, the best thing to do is uninstall them or, at the very least, exclude WhatsApp from their optimization lists.

Reset WhatsApp preferences from Android settings

If the basic steps don't solve anything, the next move is to play the application preferences from system settingsThis process does not delete your WhatsApp chats or files; it simply restores several parameters that may have become misconfigured to their normal settings.

On most Android phones, the process is very similar: go into Settings> ApplicationsWithin that list, you'll see all the apps installed on your phone. But what we're interested in now isn't opening WhatsApp specifically, but rather using the general option to reset preferences, which affects all applications.

Normally, in the three-dot menu (or in an advanced options section) you will see something similar to “Reset preferences” or “Reset app preferences”. When you tap it, the system will warn you that several things will be reset, but without deleting personal data or conversations.

This reset usually does the following: reactivate disabled applicationsThis includes restoring background data usage, reinstating default apps for certain actions, and reinstating permissions that had been denied en masse. All of these actions can directly impact WhatsApp's functionality.

After implementing this change, it's a good idea restart the phone again For the settings to take full effect, once your phone restarts, check if WhatsApp notifications are working normally again and if the app is running smoothly in the background.

Configure power and battery settings to prevent WhatsApp from interrupting.

One of the most common reasons why WhatsApp stops notifying you of messages is the battery savingModern mobile phones are very aggressive in closing processes to stay powered on for longer periods, and often they eliminate real-time notifications.

To avoid that, connect your phone to a stable power source (plug in or use an external battery) while you're testing. This way, the system won't have an excuse to activate restrictions. Then, go to Settings and locate the Battery, Power Saving, or similar section, which is usually clearly visible.

Within that menu, check if there are options like “Application optimization”“Background power management” or “Protected apps”. Ideally, exclude WhatsApp in any way that limits its activity when the screen is off, so you can continue receiving messages even when you're not holding your phone.

In some models, there is a specific setting that determines whether the WiFi may enter sleep mode When the device is inactive, if you have it set to disconnect when the screen turns off, WhatsApp will be without internet until you unlock your phone, meaning notifications will arrive late or all at once.

If you usually use mobile data instead of WiFi, make sure WhatsApp has permission to use data in the backgroundThis setting usually appears within App info > Data usage, and if it is disabled it can cause connection drops when you lock your phone or when the system tries to save power.

Check task managers and apps that are closing WhatsApp

In addition to the official system settings, there are many third-party applications that promise “Clean RAM, speed up your phone, or save battery”While some may be useful in specific cases, the truth is that in everyday life they tend to cause more problems than benefits, especially with messaging apps like WhatsApp.

These applications often work by automatically closing background processes. This means that They shut down WhatsApp without you even noticing. when the screen turns off or when they think you haven't used it for a long time, preventing you from receiving real-time messages.

If you have noticed that after installing a tool of this type WhatsApp notifications have stopped coming inThe most sensible thing to do is uninstall it. Go to Settings > Apps, locate the task manager or cleaner, and tap Uninstall. Don't worry, your phone will work just as well, or even better, without those kinds of apps.

In some cases, these applications allow you to create a list of exceptions or exclusionswhere you can add programs that should never be closed. If you don't want to delete them, at least make sure to include WhatsApp in that protected list so it doesn't force-quit.

Once you have removed or properly configured these administrators, it is recommended restart your phone and check, for a few hours, if WhatsApp notifications become instant again and if the app remains active in the background as it should.

Check WhatsApp's internal settings

In addition to system settings, there are many options within the WhatsApp application itself that can affect the notification behavior, the sounds, pop-up windows and other details that make it seem like the app "doesn't work" when in reality they are just simple settings.

Open WhatsApp and go to the three-dot menu (top right). Enter “Settings” and then “Notifications”You'll see that there are different sections for individual messages, groups, and calls. Make sure notifications are enabled in all sections and that you don't have your ringtone or vibration turned off if you want to be notified of everything.

It's also important to check if you have the option enabled. “High priority notifications”This feature causes some notifications to appear at the top of the screen. If you tend to miss messages, you might want to keep this feature enabled to ensure WhatsApp alerts you when something new arrives.

Another point to check is that you haven't accidentally muted, specific chats or groupsIn each conversation, tapping on the contact or group name will show you if mute is enabled for a certain period. If you miss what's being said in a group chat but hear it in others, individual mute might be the culprit.

Since you're already in the settings, take the opportunity to review the Data and Storage Usage options and how free memoryMake sure WhatsApp has permission to download messages and files using both mobile data and Wi-Fi, according to your preferences, and that there are no overly aggressive restrictions that cut off content reception.

When is it worth reinstalling WhatsApp or performing a factory reset?

If after reviewing all the previous steps, adjusting the battery, reset app preferencesAfter removing task managers and checking internal settings, WhatsApp continues to fail; perhaps it's time to consider slightly more drastic solutions.

One option is reinstall the WhatsApp applicationBefore doing so, back up your chats from Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, choosing Google Drive or another available service. This way, when you reinstall the app, you'll be able to... restore your conversations and files without losing important information.

After uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp from the official store, the system recreates all the application files and resets any corrupted settingsSometimes, a corrupted internal file or a poorly applied update is responsible for strange behavior, and a clean installation solves the problem.

Another, much more radical, measure would be reset device settings You can reset the phone to factory settings or even perform a full format, but this should only be considered if the phone malfunctions with many other apps and not just WhatsApp. In most cases, the previous steps are more than enough to restore normal functionality.

Keep in mind that every step you take should consider the balance between convenience and the security of your data. Back up your data frequently It will allow you to make bolder decisions without fear of losing your conversations, so it is recommended to have automatic backup active at least once a week.

By following this entire process—from a basic restart to resetting preferences, including checking battery, Wi-Fi, and apps that are killing processes—you'll most likely get WhatsApp working like new again. timely notifications and no unusual behavioravoiding having to resort to extreme measures or unnecessarily changing your mobile phone.