How to Fix WhatsApp Not Syncing Contacts on Android

If you are an avid WhatsApp user and have been facing issues in loading contacts in the app on your Android phone then there may be a few reasons behind it, let us explore these below:

How to Fix WhatsApp Not Syncing Contacts on AndroidMethod 1: Refresh WhatsApp ContactsMethod 2: Reset WhatsApp SyncMethod 3: Allow WhatsApp to Sync ContactsMethod 4: Clear WhatsApp CacheMethod 5: Update WhatsAppMethod 6: Remove WhatsApp AccountMethod 7: Reinstall WhatsApp

Bugs in the application are a known issue behind this problem. A new software version can also bring some changes in the permissions being granted to WhatsApp and therefore the issue of contacts not showing up. If WhatsApp contacts are not refreshed, you must do so to rule out this possibility. Also, an older or outdated version of WhatsApp can trigger this problem. In case you are blocking WhatsApp to access your contacts on your phone, it can be a reason too.

Depending upon the reason behind WhatsApp not showing contacts, you can try some different solutions to fix the issue one by one. So, let us begin with our very first method below:

Note: Smartphones don’t have the same Settings options, and they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer hence, ensure the correct settings before changing any. All the steps listed below have been performed on Vivo 1920 (the latest version).

Method 1: Refresh WhatsApp Contacts

WhatsApp contact disappeared from list can be easily resolved with a simple refresh of WhatsApp contacts. This method will help you to view WhatsApp contact names that were not visible earlier.

  1. Open the WhatsApp application on your Android phone.

  2. Next, tap on the SEND MESSAGE chat bubble below.

  3. Now, tap on the three dots icon at the top of the screen.

  4. In the list of options, tap on Refresh.

Method 2: Reset WhatsApp Sync

If a simple refresh did not help you out in resolving WhatsApp not syncing contacts Android, then you can try resetting WhatsApp sync on your phone. If you don’t know how look at the steps below to know how to reset it:

  1. First, launch the Settings application on your smartphone.

  2. Now, tap on Accounts & sync in Settings.

  3. Next, tap on WhatsApp from the options present.

  4. In it, make sure to select Contacts and then tap on Sync now.

Also Read: How to use WhatsApp without a Phone Number

Method 3: Allow WhatsApp to Sync Contacts

If WhatsApp not showing contact names has been suddenly encountered by you on your Android device, it can be due to restrictions on WhatsApp from accessing your device contacts. Therefore, you must make sure to allow WhatsApp to sync your contacts using the steps below:

  1. To start with, launch Settings of your Android and open Apps & permissions in it.

  2. Next, select App manager among other options.

  3. Locate WhatsApp from the list and tap on it.

  4. In the App info window, tap on Permissions.

  5. Next, tap on Contacts.

  6. Make sure to select Allow in the next window.

Method 4: Clear WhatsApp Cache

The next method to try in case WhatsApp contact disappeared from list issue persists is to clear your WhatsApp cache. The cache accumulated on your device can build up and hinders the functions of the app. Therefore, you must clear the WhatsApp cache to fix the issue.

  1. Open Settings of your device and select Apps & permissions in it.

  2. Next, open App manager in it and locate WhatsApp from the list of apps.

  3. Now, tap on Storage in the App info window.

  4. Finally, tap on Clear cache in it.

Also Read: How to Check if someone is Online on Whatsapp without going Online

Method 5: Update WhatsApp

Next, you can try updating the WhatsApp application on your device to rule out the possibility of an older version or an outdated app causing WhatsApp not picking up contacts. Updating an application also helps in enhancing the performance of the program.

  1. Open the Play Store application on your device.

  2. Now, tap on your profile icon at the top of the screen.

  3. Next, tap on Manage apps & device from the list.

  4. Now, tap on Updates available to check for pending updates.

  5. If an update for WhatsApp is available, tap on Update to install the latest version of the app.

Check if this solves WhatsApp not showing contact names issue.

Method 6: Remove WhatsApp Account

This is one of the last methods and an extreme one too as it involves removing your WhatsApp account to resolve WhatsApp not syncing contacts Android issue. Before attempting this method, you must back up all the data and chats in the application on your device using Google Drive or another suitable application. Once the backup is done, you can follow the steps below to remove your account:

  1. Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone and tap on the three dots present at the top.

  2. Now, tap on Settings from the menu.

  3. Next, tap on Account from the options available.

  4. Now, tap on Delete my account.

  5. In the next window, enter your phone number and tap on the DELETE MY ACCOUNT button.

You can make your account again on WhatsApp and see if you can sync your contacts now.

Also Read: Fix WhatsApp Status Not Showing on Android

Method 7: Reinstall WhatsApp

Finally, to resolve contacts not syncing to WhatsApp issue, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the application on your device. This is probably the last step that you would like to take and is also an effective one too. But before you attempt it, you must back up your WhatsApp data safely to your device to avoid losing it.

  1. To uninstall the app, launch Settings, and then Apps & permissions.

  2. Now, in the App manager, locate WhatsApp, and open it.

  3. Now, tap on Uninstall in the App info window.

  4. To continue the process, tap on OK.

  5. Now, open the Play Store and search WhatsApp in it.

  6. Finally, tap on Install to get the app again on your device.

Hence, these are the solutions to fix WhatsApp not showing contact names issue.

Also Read: How to Change Font Style in WhatsApp

Q1. Why are my SIM contacts not showing up in WhatsApp?

Ans. If your SIM contacts are not showing up in WhatsApp, it must be due to an older version of the application on your phone.

Q2. Why are my contacts not showing up in dual WhatsApp?

Ans. If you are facing issues in loading contacts in dual WhatsApp, you can try turning off the Use separate contact list option.

Q3. Why is my WhatsApp not able to load my contact list?

Ans. In case you are facing loading issues in regard to your contact list in WhatsApp, you must refresh contacts to make them appear in the app.

Q4. How can I sync my WhatsApp data?

Ans. You can sync your WhatsApp data with your device by opting for chat backup.

Q5. Where can I see my contacts in WhatsApp?

Ans. Contacts in WhatsApp are accessible via the Chats tab. You can open the new chat icon to check the list of contacts in the app.

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We hope that our informative doc on WhatsApp not syncing contacts Android was successful in guiding you well about the reasons that result in this issue and different ways to fix it. If so, let us know by leaving your comments down, you can also drop your queries or suggestions below.