Contact names missing
Android
iOS
Android
iOS
If numbers are shown instead of your contacts’ names or some contacts are missing, there are a few things to check:
Note:
- You can only create, sync and find new contacts on your primary device.
- If you have more than one contacts account on the same device, ensure the contact is deleted from all the accounts.
Reset your contacts
To reset the sync with WhatsApp and your phone's contacts:
- Open your phone's Settings, then tap Passwords and accounts > WhatsApp.
- Tap Remove account > Remove account.
- Open WhatsApp
- Start a new chat, then tap > Refresh.
Note: Tapping Remove account might generate a notification saying that your WhatsApp messages, contacts, and other data will be deleted from your phone. But this is not the case.
Search your contacts
- Go to the Chats or Calls tab and tap the search bar.
- Type a contact's name or phone number.
Check your phone's permissions
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 permissions to access to your phone's contacts, you can still:
- Receive messages from other WhatsApp users and groups.
- Change WhatsApp settings.
You won't be able to:
- See any contact names and will only see phone numbers.
- Start new Groups or Broadcast Lists.
Check 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 ask your IT administrator to make WhatsApp a managed app in your phone.
Note: Exchange accounts are likely to be work accounts.
