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WhatsApp Group Not Opening – Possible Reasons & 7 Fixes

WhatsApp Group Not Opening – Possible Reasons & 7 Fixes

Have you created or joined a WhatsApp group to communicate with others in one place, but it is not opening on your device?

To help you with this, we’ll explain the possible reasons for this strange problem and discuss some proven troubleshooting solutions to set things right.

Why can’t I open my WhatsApp group?

  • The WhatsApp group limit is exceeded.
  • Corrupt app cache or system files.
  • Outdated WhatsApp software.
  • Outdated device firmware. 
  • Bugs in the WhatsApp code.

How do I open a WhatsApp group chat?

Force Stop WhatsApp

Android:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap “Apps.”
  • Tap “All Apps.”
  • Choose WhatsApp.”
  • Tap “Force Stop.”

iPhone:

  • Swipe up on your iPhone / iPad home screen and stop in the middle to access the most recent apps. 
  • Find WhatsApp” by swiping right or left. 
  • Swipe up on the app preview to force close “WhatsApp.”

WhatsApp Desktop:

  • Press “Win+X.”
  • Click “Task Manager.”
  • Right-click “WhatsApp.”
  • Choose “End Task.”

Next, launch WhatsApp again and verify if this fixes the problem.

Check Total Number of Groups

You might have exceeded the WhatsApp group creation limit of 50 per account, so the app is not allowing you to open or create a new one. 

To rectify this, delete some WhatsApp groups or make someone else their admin and confirm if you succeed this time.

Clear WhatsApp Cache

Android: 

  • Open “Settings.” 
  • Go to “Apps.” 
  • Choose “All Apps.”
  • Choose “WhatsApp.” 
  • Select “Storage.” 
  • Select “Clear Cache.” 
  • Tap “Clear Data.”

iPhone: 

  • Open “Settings.” 
  • Select “General.”
  • Tap “iPhone Storage.”
  • Choose “WhatsApp.”
  • Tap “Offload App.” 
  • Tap “Offload App” again. 

After that, open WhatsApp, tap a group, and verify the fix. 

Update WhatsApp

Android:

  • Open “Play Store.”
  • Tap the Profile icon. 
  • Tap “Manage Apps and Devices.”
  • Choose “Updates Available.”
  • Tap “WhatsApp.”
  • Tap “Update.”

iPhone:

  • Open “App Store.”
  • Tap your Profile icon.
  • Head to “Available Updates.”
  • Scroll to “WhatsApp.”
  • Tap “Update.”

WhatsApp Desktop:

  • Open “Microsoft Store.”
  • Click “Library.”
  • Click “Get Updates” and wait for the store to update all apps, including WhatsApp Desktop

Update Device Firmware

Android

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap “System Updates” or “Software Updates.”
  • Tap “Download and Install.”
  • Select “Install Now” for the new update.

iPhone:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Tap “General.”
  • Tap “Software Updates.”
  • Select “Automatic Updates.”
  • Toggle on “Download iOS Updates” and “Install iOS Updates” to let the device automatically update its firmware. 

If you are using WhatsApp Desktop, update the operating system in the following way:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Select “Update and Security.”
  • Click “Check for Updates” and wait for Windows OS to search and install new updates.
  • Restart your PC, open WhatsApp to access groups, and that should do it!

Reinstall WhatsApp

Android:

  • Touch & hold “WhatsApp.”
  • Tap “Uninstall.”
  • Select “OK.”
  • Open “Play Store.”
  • Search for “WhatsApp”
  • Tap “Install.”

iPhone:

  • Tap & hold “WhatsApp.” 
  • Select “Remove App.”
  • Choose “Delete App” to remove WhatsApp from your phone.
  • Tap “Delete.” 
  • Launch “App Store.”
  • Find “WhatsApp.”
  • Choose “GET.”

WhatsApp Desktop:

  • Open “Settings.”
  • Select “Apps.”
  • Choose “WhatsApp” under “Apps & Features.”
  • Click “Uninstall.”
  • Choose “Uninstall” again. 
  • Open “Microsoft Store.”
  • Search for “WhatsApp.”
  • Click “Install.”

Once you install WhatsApp, recreate your account using your phone number and see if you can open groups this time. 

NOTE: Ensure to back up your history before reinstalling WhatsApp. Otherwise, the app will remove you from all the groups, delete all your messages, and create a fresh account. 

Use WhatsApp Web

  • Open a browser. 
  • Open WhatsApp Web.
  • Launch “WhatsApp” on phone.
  • Tap the three dots on Android or tap “Settings” on iPhone.
  • Tap “Linked Devices.”
  • Select “Link A Device.”
  • Use a Fingerprint, Face ID, or passcode to unlock. 
  • Now, use your phone to scan the QR code on the PC screen to connect to your WhatsApp account; hopefully, groups will open.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve discussed why WhatsApp group is not opening on your phone or the WhatsApp Desktop app. We’ve also shared some tried and tested methods to help you sort out this problem in no time. 

We’re sure that after trying these solutions, you can now join in the conversations on various WhatsApp groups and communicate with others without any hassle.

Author

  • Tauqeer Ahmed

    Tauqeer Ahmed is a technology expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He has a degree in Computer Science and specializes in network security and software troubleshooting. You can find out more about him at https://helpfixthat.com/tauqeer-ahmed/

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