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WhatsApp Contacts Not Updating? Here’s How to Refresh Your List

Quick Tips
  • Open WhatsApp settings on your phone and go to permissions. Ensure contact permission is enabled.
  • Open the WhatsApp Android app > compose button > kebab menu > Refresh.
  • Go to WhatsApp > Compose > New contact > add the contact details > Save.

Fix 1: Ensure Contacts Permission Is Enabled for WhatsApp

If you accidentally deny WhatsApp contacts permission, the app can’t access your phone’s contacts. Follow the steps below to enable contact permission on WhatsApp for iPhone and Android.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings > scroll to WhatsApp > enable the Contacts toggle.

On Android

Step 1: Long-tap on WhatsApp > tap the i icon > select Permissions.

Step 2: Tap on Contacts > select Allow from the following menu.

Fix 2: Manually Refresh Contacts in WhatsApp on Android

WhatsApp for Android lets you refresh contacts from the app manually. Unfortunately, the same isn’t available on WhatsApp for iOS. To do it, follow the below steps.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on Android > tap the compose button.

Step 2: Select the kebab menu at the top right > tap Refresh.

Also Read: How to fix WhatsApp not showing contacts

Fix 3: Add a New Contact From WhatsApp

You can directly add a new contact from the WhatsApp mobile app and send messages. This can help ensure that newly added contacts are always visible on WhatsApp. So, follow the below steps to add contacts via WhatsApp on iPhone and Android.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open WhatsApp > tap the compose menu at the top right.

Step 2: Select New Contact > enter the relevant details > tap on Save.

On Android

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp > select the Compose button > tap New contact.

Step 2: Fill in relevant fields > select Save.

More Fixes You Can Try

  • Again add the recipient: If a contact has been saved with a wrong name or number, they might not appear in WhatsApp. To fix this, try saving the contact again via a QR code on WhatsApp or directly to your phone’s memory. Then, look them up on WhatsApp.
  • Ask the person to send a message first: You can ask the recipient to send you a message first on WhatsApp. Once you receive the message, start conversations with the contact and add them to WhatsApp accordingly.
  • Update WhatsApp: App bugs can cause certain issues when using the app in general. So, if you’ve been facing issues with contacts for a while, check and ensure the WhatsApp app is up to date.

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Last updated on 30 August, 2024

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