As one of the most used communication applications, when WhatsApp has issues, it affects a lot of people. Actually the WhatsApp sync error is one of the most common problems that WhatsApp users experience. This issue is usually characterized by the WhatsApp displaying the phone numbers instead of the contacts’ names. Sometimes, WhatsApp may fail to display even the number itself. If you have hundreds of contacts on your WhatsApp contacts list, it can be hard to tell who you want to contact if the contact names are not available. If the numbers are unavailable, it is impossible to use WhatsApp.
If the WhatsApp sync is currently experiencing problems on your iPhone, it is possible to rectify the issue. This article will actually focus on showing you how to eliminate the WhatsApp sync error on iPhone. But first, we will show you why your contacts may not be appearing on WhatsApp.
Part 1: Situations You Might Encounter WhatsApp Sync Error
There are situations in which you may end up experiencing the WhatsApp sync error. These include:
- If the person you are contacting is not saved in your contact book.
- If your WhatsApp version is outdated.
- If your phone book is not viewable or visible.
- If you have denied WhatsApp permission to access your phonebook in the iPhone Settings.
- If the person you are trying to contact is not using WhatsApp.
- Not adding the phone number in full international format.
Part 2: How to Fix WhatsApp Sync Error on iPhone
Now that you know why WhatsApp sync is currently experiencing problems, we will show you how to fix these problems. Try using the solutions we have outlined below:
Solution 1: Check WhatsApp Permission Settings
If you have denied your iPhone access to other features of your iPhone, it may not have the ability to display your contact’s name. To change this, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Launch Settings, tap Apps and select WhatsApp.
Step 2: Make ensure that all the permissions are turned on.
Solution 2: Make All Accounts and Groups Visible
If some of your contacts are not appearing on WhatsApp, there is a chance that you could have added the contacts to a hidden group. To make the group visible, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Launch the Contacts app and tap on Groups on the top-left.
Step 2: In the Groups screen, click Show All Contacts. If this option is missing, click All iCloud option. This should allow you to view your contacts on WhatsApp.
Solution 3: Update WhatsApp on iPhone to the Latest Version
If your WhatsApp version is outdated, you may not have the ability to view your contacts or their names. To update the app, follow the simple steps we have outlined below:
Step 1: Launch the App Store and click Updates at the bottom of the iPhone screen.
Step 2: If a WhatsApp update is available, the application should appear on the list of applications. Tap UPDATE next to the WhatsApp.
Solution 4: Restart Your Device and WhatsApp
The reason your WhatsApp sync is currently experiencing problems could be that your device has a bug. The app itself could have a bug too. Restarting the device and the app could help fix the WhatsApp sync error. To restart both the iPhone and your WhatsApp, follow the steps below.
How to Restart the iPhone
- iPhone X
Step 1: Press and hold both the Side and the Volume Up or Down Buttons until you see a slider on the screen.
Step 2: Drag this slider to turn the iPhone off. After the device is off, press the Side button until an Apple logo appears.
- iPhone 8 and Earlier
Step 1: Press and hold the Side (or Top) button until you see a slider on your screen.
Step 2: Drag the iPhone slider to turn the iPhone off. Press the Side (or Top) button until you see an Apple logo.
How to Restart WhatsApp
Step 1: Double-tap the Home button. This will show you the most recently used applications.
Step 2: Swipe right or left to locate WhatsApp. Swipe the app preview up to close it.
Step 3: Press the Home button and tap the WhatsApp icon to launch it again.
Solution 5: Fix WhatsApp Sync Error on iPhone with Software
The above solutions should work to fix the WhatsApp sync error. However, there is no 100% guarantee that they will eliminate the issue. A better way to eliminate the error is to use a third-party tool called iMyFone D-Back. This tool will fix the WhatsApp issue without affecting your data if you use the standard mode. On top of fixing the iOS issues, iMyFone D-Back does have other features. These include:
- It will help you recover lost data from your iPhone and iTunes/iCloud backups.
- The tool will help you recover all types of data including multimedia data and third-party application data.
- The tool will work with all iOS versions and most iPhone devices, including iOS 11.4 and iOS 12 beta or iPhone Xs/Xs Max/Xr/X/8/7/6.
Step 1: Launch D-Back. Connect your iPhone to your computer and trust the computer. On the left-hand panel, click Fix iOS System and then Standard Mode.
Step 2: Put your device either in DFU or Recovery Mode. To enter the DFU Mode, just follow the onscreen instructions. If the device fails to enter the DFU Mode, put it into Recovery Mode by clicking the “put your device into Recovery Mode” link below the DFU Mode instructions. Follow the instructions that appear.
Step 3: On the next screen, confirm that the autodetected device model is the correct one. If it is not, choose the correct one manually. Tap Download to initiate the downloading of the device firmware.
Step 4: After the download, click Start to Fix. D-Back will verify the firmware and start fixing your iPhone.
Tip: Remember to Back Up before Fixing to Prevent Data Loss
During the fixing process, errors do happen and data losses occur. To keep this from happening to you, it is important that you back up your device beforehand. You can use either iTunes or iCloud to create your backup. However, if you want flexibility, you will be better off using iMyFone iTransor. Unlike iCloud and iTunes, iTransor allows you to back up and restore your device selectively. You can choose specific files to back up or you can back up everything. iTransor does not overwrite your iPhone data like iTunes and iCloud.
Conclusion
If your WhatsApp sync is currently experiencing problems, try fixing the issues with the solutions described above. Before fixing the WhatsApp sync error, remember to backup your iPhone to avoid data loss. We would like to hear from you.
