WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms with various features. However, even it is not without problems. Recently, we noticed that WhatsApp does not show contact names even after adding them to your contacts. Instead, you only see the contact number. If you are also facing this problem, keep reading.
There can be many reasons why a contact name is not showing up in WhatsApp. This could include incorrect settings, outdated contacts, or technical glitches. In this article, we will look at all the potential reasons and how you can fix the problem. Let’s start with the former.
- 1 Why does WhatsApp show numbers but not names
- 2 How to fix contact name not showing on WhatsApp
- 3 FAQ about WhatsApp Contacts not showing names
- 4 Sort those glitches
Why does WhatsApp show numbers but not names
There are several possible reasons why a contact name is not showing up in WhatsApp. These include:
- Contacts are not saved: Make sure the contacts are saved on your smartphone.
- Permission revoked: Check if you have granted permission.
- Contact who deleted their WhatsApp account: If a contact deleted their WhatsApp account, their name may not show up in your WhatsApp contact list.
- Outdated WhatsApp version: There may be some problems with the current WhatsApp version on your smartphone. Update to the latest version for a stable and bug-free experience.
How to fix contact name not showing on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily communication. However, if WhatsApp contacts don’t show names, that will affect the app experience. Hence, here are some fixes to solve the problem.
1. Check if Whatsapp is down
Like any online service, WhatsApp sometimes encounters server-side errors. This could be the reason why WhatsApp is not showing contact names. Here’s how you can confirm that:
Step 1: Visit Downdetector official website from the link below.
Step 2: Now, you can see if WhatsApp is down or not.
If Downdetector points to recent reports of similar issues, the problem may be in the WhatsApp servers. In such cases, it is best to wait until the problem is fixed or use any other WhatsApp alternatives.
However, if you see “User reports say there are no current issues at Whatsapp”, it’s probably an issue you can fix. Read along to check out other fixes.
2. Refresh WhatsApp Contacts
WhatsApp allows you to refresh your contacts to check for any new contacts added to your phone. Therefore, if WhatsApp is not showing you the contact name, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Chat’ icon at the bottom and tap the three dots in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select Refresh.
WhatsApp will now initiate a refresh, retrieving any newly saved contact names from your device’s address book. Wait for the refresh to complete, as it may take a few minutes, depending on the number of contacts and the speed of your device. Once the refresh is finished, your WhatsApp contacts will be updated with the newly saved contact name.
If that doesn’t work, you can delete and re-add the contacts and then repeat the steps to refresh again. You can see the following instructions to delete and re-add contacts to WhatsApp:
- Bulk delete contacts on iOS and Android
- Add contacts to WhatsApp on Android and iPhone
3. Update WhatsApp
WhatsApp always pushes updates from time to time to address reported issues. This can also fix WhatsApp showing number but not name if any error. You can use the links below to see if WhatsApp is updated to the latest version on your smartphone. Otherwise, tap Update to do so.
4. Make sure the Sim card is working
If you save your contacts on your SIM card, that might be the reason why WhatsApp doesn’t show contact names. This can mainly happen if you recently dropped your phone, changed the SIM card or due to other negligence that could have displaced the SIM card in its slot.
To resolve this issue, make sure that the SIM card is properly placed and discoverable. Double check that your contacts are still saved on the SIM card. If the SIM card is working properly, open WhatsApp and refresh the contacts to see if the problem is fixed.
5. Check WhatsApp permissions
If you haven’t given WhatsApp enough permissions, you won’t see the contact name on WhatsApp.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > select ‘See all X apps.’
Note: On iPhone, go to Settings, scroll down and select WhatsApp, then skip to step 3.
Step 2: Select Whatsapp and then press Permissions.
Step 3: Tap ‘Contacts’ and select Allow on Android device. On iPhone, turn on Contacts, if not already.
Repeat the same for the following:
- Read call history
- Get device information
- Send SMS
However, keep in mind that the option name and location may vary for different Android OEMs. You can use the search function to open the Apps page, and after opening WhatsApp, look for options with similar names.
6. Check WhatsApp Sync
WhatsApp will not display contact names if you have turned off automatic contact synchronization. Here’s how you can check and re-enable it:
On Android
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
Step 2: Tap on ‘Passwords and accounts’.
Step 3: Select WhatsApp and tap Sync Account.
You can also enable ‘Auto-sync app data’ so that all app data will sync automatically.
Check app permissions on iOS
Step 1: Open the Settings app > tap Privacy and select Contacts.
SStep 2: Turn on WhatsApp.
7. Clear cache on Android
Cache files that accumulate over time can cause problems like contact names not showing up in WhatsApp. Therefore, it is best to delete them from time to time.
If you are an iOS user, move on to the next method as there is no option to clear cache on iPhone.
Also Read: What Happens When You Clear WhatsApp Cache
Step 1: Open Settings > tap Apps and select ‘See all X apps.’
Step 2: Select Whatsapp and then tap on ‘Storage and cache’.
Step 3: Select Clear cache.
8. Uninstall and reinstall Whatsapp
Sometimes, giving things a fresh start is the best thing to do. So first uninstall WhatsApp then reinstall the app from the links below. This will clear any app file related errors and fix the problem of WhatsApp not showing contact names.
9. Contact WhatsApp Support
If you still cannot fix WhatsApp showing a number instead of a contact name, you can contact WhatsApp for support. This is the way:
On smartphone
Step 1: Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
Tip: On iPhone, you can tap the Settings icon from the bottom left corner.
Step 2: Select Help and touch Contact Us.
Step 3: Explain the problem and tap Next.
Tip: You can also select ‘include device info’. This will make it easier for WhatsApp to find the problem.
Step 4: See the help section to see if the problem is covered. Tap “Send my question to WhatsApp Support” to confirm.
You will receive a confirmation message from WhatsApp regarding the issue. You can also detail the problems you are having there.
Use WhatsApp support site
You can also contact WhatsApp via its official support page using a desktop or mobile browser. This is the way:
Step 1: Access WhatsApp support from the link below.
Step 2: Fill in the information and click Next Step.
Step 3: Select the issue mentioned on the help page and select Submit Question to confirm.
You will be taken to a confirmation screen. WhatsApp will contact you at the email address provided.
FAQ about WhatsApp Contacts not showing names
1. How do I know if someone is checking me on WhatsApp?
You can see who viewed your WhatsApp Status to know who might have checked your profile. There isn’t any direct way to confirm if someone is checking your profile.
2. Can WhatsApp see my contacts?
WhatsApp uses your smartphone’s contact data to display names, but not on its servers.
Sort those glitches
WhatsApp is a great platform to communicate with people. We hope that this guide was helpful in solving WhatsApp not showing contact name error. If you still have questions, let us know in the comments section below.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
