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WhatsApp Not Working on Mac – Try 10 Effective Fixes [Updated]

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    As one of the leading messaging apps, WhatsApp provides an interactive experience on each platform. This messaging application is particularly popular because of its end-to-end encryption security services and conversational features. That is why it’s frustrating to see “WhatsApp not working on Mac” issues.

    Throughout this article, we will go through the various reasons why this problem occurs and look for comprehensive solutions. To keep your data secure and protected, we will look at an effective backup tool, iToolab WatsGo, which will safely back up your data.

    Part 1: Why is WhatsApp Not Working on Mac?

    We briefly explained that WhatsApp can experience a slight issue while connecting to the Mac. Therefore, we will look at some of the reasons why we experienced the “WhatsApp app on Mac not working” problem.

    1. Unstable Internet Connectivity: One of the most common causes is an unstable internet connection, as it leads to an unactualized syncing process by the application with the Mac.
    2. Old Software: When the app version or the macOS is outdated, this can lead to the problem of “WhatsApp not working on Mac.”
    3. Firewall Blocking: Various security software, firewalls, or others can sometimes block the app’s connection and prevent it from syncing.
    4. App-Specific Glitches: Random bugs or glitches can cause problems, like app crashes or not loading.

    Part 2: Top 10 Ways to Fix WhatsApp on Mac Not Working Issue

    Considering the above reasons why your app is not working on Mac helps us understand the root causes. That’s why we have gathered the following solutions to address the “WhatsApp not working on Mac” issue.

    1. Install Official WhatsApp

    Step 1 Head to any browser app on your MacBook and search for the original WhatsApp website. Now, click the “Download” button at the top right corner and wait for the app installation process.

    tap download to install official app

    Step 2 Once installed, launch the app from the “Finder” folder and connect it to your device by following the given instructions.

    launch the app

    2. Check Your Mac Network

    Instructions: Go to the Mac “Settings” app and access the “Wi-Fi” tab from the left panel. Now, look for any internet connectivity issue to resolve why your messaging app isn’t opening on Mac.

    check internet connection

    3. Re-install the App

    Step 1 In the “Finder” app, head to the “Applications” tab and search for “WhatsApp.” Following that, right-click it to open the bottom-up menu and hit the “Move to Bin” option to delete it.

    move to bin from applications

    Step 2 Navigate to the “Apple Store” app and press the “Install” icon to reinstall the app on your laptop to resolve the issue.

    reinstall whatsapp from app store

    4. Inspect Mac Storage Space

    Step 1 Reach the “General” tab from the “Settings” app and use the “Storage” option to access the storage space.

    locate storage from general settings

    Step 2 From the “Storage” screen, see if your storage is running low or not. When facing an issue with space, delete some of the less-used apps to resolve the issue.

    ensure optimal storage

    5. Restart Your Mac

    Instructions: Press the “Apple” icon at the top left corner of the screen and open the drop-down menu. In the menu, click the “Restart” option to shut down and restart your laptop to resolve any system issue.

    hit restart after apple icon

    6. Update System and App

    Step 1 To access the system updates, press the “App” icon at the top left corner and choose the “System Settings” option from the menu.

    locate system settings option

    Step 2 Afterward, in the “Software Updates” settings from the “General” tab, select any of the two available options: “Automatic” or “Beta Updates.” You can also click the “Upgrade Now” button if the macOS update is available on the screen.

    click upgrade now button

    Step 3 When the system is updated, find WhatsApp in the “Apple Store” app and click the “UPDATE” button to fix the “WhatsApp on Mac not working” problem.

    use update button whatsapp

    7. Link WhatsApp for Mac Again

    Step 1 First, open the messaging app on your iPhone device and go to the “Settings” tab from the bottom toolbar. Now, tap the “Linked devices” option and hit the “Link device” option to access the “Scan QR Code” screen on the next screen.

    continue to tap link device

    Step 2 Following that, open the app’s QR code screen on your Mac and scan it with your phone to reconnect the phone to the Mac.

    scan qr code on mac

    8. Force Quit WhatsApp

    Instructions: From the opened desktop messaging app on your screen, click the “Apple” icon and select the “Force Quit WhatsApp” option. This will instantly shut the app and, in return, resolve the syncing or connectivity issue.

    force quit whatsapp

    9. Try to Use WhatsApp Web

    Instructions: Search the messaging app name on any of the browsers and open the web version. Once that’s open, link your phone to the WhatsApp Web using a QR code scanner.

    log into whatsapp web

    10. Contact WhatsApp Support

    When everything is lost, and you are unable to resolve the “WhatsApp video call on Mac not working” problem, simply contact the WhatsApp help center. You can ask their supportive team about the problems you are facing on the app.

    They will provide comprehensive steps and guidance on how to resolve the issue. Moreover, their services have answers to every issue, such as chats, voice calls, connectivity, and any other problem.

    contact apple support

    Extra Tip: Save and Back Up Your WhatsApp Data

    When you are trying different methods to resolve the “WhatsApp not working on Mac” issue, it might compromise your WhatsApp data. To keep your data safe, you can try iToolab WatsGo software, which is a one-click solution for your Android and iOS devices. It is designed as a specialized software that easily manages your messaging app data, files, and chats.

    As this software doesn’t rely on iCloud and Google Drive, it is especially useful for those who want to bypass the limitations of cloud storage. Also, by saving backups locally, users can retain full control over their data and can manage it whenever they want. Moreover, the backup process of this tool is straightforward and intuitive, even if they are not tech-savvy.

    iToolab WatsGo

    • Export 4000 videos, images, documents, and other data to a PC.
    • Preview the backup data after the process is completed.
    • Display all backup history from its previous list.
    • Can download and restore data from Google Drive to iPhone.

    The following are the easy-to-follow steps that will guide you on how users can enlighten themselves on how to back up their entire data safely:

    Step 1 Install the Backup Software and Access the WhatsApp Backup

    First, download and install the software on your Mac or PC and head to its main interface. Now, in the “WhatsApp” tab, click the “WhatsApp Backup” option to head to the next screen.

    proceed with whatsapp backup

    Step 2 Connect Your Phone Device and Initiate Backup

    Afterward, connect your mobile devices to your laptop and choose the phone under the “Please select the device you need to back up” section. Next, hit the “Backup” button to start the data backup process.

    choose model and backup button

    Step 3 View Backup List After Process Completion

    Upon hitting “Backup,” if you are using an iPhone, the process will get started without any extra steps. However, Android users must follow the on-screen instructions and enable end-to-end encryption to complete the backup process.

    follow instructions if using android

    Conclusion

    In the end, we learned that due to viruses, outdated software, and internet connection, users can experience the “WhatsApp not working on Mac” issue. Therefore, we looked at the 10 best solutions that can help resolve this issue and address any reason your WhatsApp is facing issues on your Mac. These comprehensive solutions guide you with easy-to-follow steps that you can try while reading.

    Other than that, while trying such solutions, ensure that your messaging app data stays safe and backed up on your computer. So, we introduced you to iToolab WatsGo, which seamlessly backs up thousands of files and multimedia safely in seconds.

    Home > WhatsApp Tips > WhatsApp Not Working on Mac – Try 10 Effective Fixes [Updated]
    Specializing in the tech field, proficient in iOS and Android. Through in-depth writing, she analyzes the latest tech trends, offering practical solutions.

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