Contact names missing

Android
iOS
If numbers are shown instead of your contacts’ names or some contacts are missing, there are a few things you can do to check:

Reset your contacts

To reset the sync with WhatsApp and your phone’s contacts:
  1. Go to iPhone Settings > Privacy & Security.
  2. Tap Contacts.
  3. Make sure WhatsApp is turned on.
If WhatsApp is grayed out, make sure you don't have any restrictions in your phone's settings. Go to your iPhone Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Contacts and turn WhatsApp on.
If WhatsApp is still grayed out or missing, you might need to restore your phone. Visit the Apple Support website for more information.

Search your contacts

  1. Go to the Chats tab and scroll down.
    • Alternatively, go to the Calls tab and tap +.
  2. Type a contact name or phone number in the search bar.

Check your phone's permissions

To find phone contacts that are using WhatsApp, ensure permissions are turned on in your phone’s settings. You can use your phone's search feature to find your permissions settings. Contact your phone's manufacturer for specific instructions.
If you deny WhatsApp access to your phone's contacts, you can still:
  • Create contacts on WhatsApp that don’t sync to your phone.
  • Receive messages from other WhatsApp users and groups.
  • Change WhatsApp settings.

Missing international or Exchange contacts

If you still can’t see some of your contacts on WhatsApp, try the following:
  • For international contacts, make sure you've added the correct phone number in full international format.
  • If the missing contacts are stored in an Exchange account, your account administrator might not be allowing WhatsApp or other apps to access your contacts. Try copying your Exchange contacts into your phone’s address book or iCloud, or ask your IT administrator to make WhatsApp a managed app in your iPhone.
Note: Exchange accounts are likely to be work accounts.

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