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.

iphone 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  • If your WhatsApp version is outdated.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.

grant-access-to-contacts-whatsapp

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.

show-all-contacts-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. 

update-whatsapp-iphone

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.     

restart iphone x

  • 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.

restart iPhone8

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.

force-close-running-apps-iphone

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 15 and iPhone 13/12/11/Xs/Xs Max/Xr/X/8/7/6.

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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.  

Choose the mode to fix iOS

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.

DFU mode under Standard mode

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.

download firmware package

Step 4: After the download, click Start to Fix. D-Back will verify the firmware and start fixing your iPhone.

finished fixing iOS system

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Tip: Remember to Save WhatsApp 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 save your WhatsApp data beforehand. You can use either iTunes or iCloud to create your backup.

However, if you want flexibility, you will be better off using iMyFone ChatsBack. Unlike iCloud and iTunes, ChatsBack allows you to choose some of the WhatsApp data to save and can also recover to your iPhone when needed. iTransor does not overwrite the old backup 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.