WhatsApp group is a convenient way to communicate with multiple people simultaneously, but it often stops showing some contact names, leaving you frustrated with whom you would want to send messages.
Below, we’ll explore why your WhatsApp group only shows the phone numbers of your contacts and what steps you can take to resolve this frustrating issue.
Why are contact names not showing in the WhatsApp group?
- Group contacts are not synced on the app or saved on the phone.
- The profile name of the group member is not set.
- Software bugs in the app code or corrupt WhatsApp cache.
- Outdated WhatsApp or phone software.
- Restricted contact permission for WhatsApp.
How do I get a WhatsApp group to show names?
Add Group Members To Your Contacts
Android:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Open the group and tap its name to go to info.
- Go to the “Participants” section.
- Tap the phone number of a group member.
- Tap “Add to Contacts.”
- Enter the name of the group member.
- Tap “Save.”
iPhone:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Open the group and note down the member’s phone number.
- Go back to the main screen on WhatsApp.
- Tap “Chats.”
- Tap the “Pencil” icon.
- Select “New Contact.”
- Enter the phone number and name.
- Tap “Save.”
Now, open the group again and see if the app shows the names under participant details.
Ask Group Member To Set Profile Name
Android:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Tap the three dots.
- Select “Settings.”
- Tap your Profile.
- Tap “Name.”
- Enter the profile name.
- Tap “Save.”
iPhone:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Choose “Settings.”
- Tap on your profile.
- Tap the given field right below your profile picture.
- Enter your profile name.
- Tap “Done.”
Once the group members set their profile names, open the group info, go to the “Participants” section, and verify the fix.
Refresh WhatsApp Contacts
When your saved phone contacts are not fully synced on WhatsApp, the app won’t pick them up and will only show you their contact numbers in the group.
To prevent this, refresh the contacts on WhatsApp by following the steps given below:
Android:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Tap the “Chat” icon.
- Tap the three dots.
- Select “Refresh.”
iPhone:
- Open “WhatsApp.”
- Go to “Chats.”
- Pull down the chat list to refresh the contacts on WhatsApp.
After doing this, open the group in the app and see if it shows the contact names now.
Check WhatsApp Contacts Permission
Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Privacy” or “Privacy and Security.”
- Tap “Permission Manager.”
- Select “Contacts.”
- Tap “WhatsApp.”
- Select “Allow.”
iPhone:
- Open “Settings.”
- Tap “Privacy & Security.”
- Tap “Contacts.”
- Toggle on “WhatsApp.”
After that, open a WhatsApp group, check the details of the group participants, and see if the problem persists.
Clear WhatsApp Cache
Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Select “Apps.”
- Tap “All Apps.”
- Tap “WhatsApp.”
- Choose “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.”
- Select “Clear Data.”
- Tap “OK.”
iPhone:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “General.”
- Select “iPhone Storage.”
- Tap “WhatsApp.”
- Select “Offload App.”
- Choose “Offload App.”
Update WhatsApp
Android:
- Launch “Play Store.”
- Tap your Profile icon.
- Go to “Manage Apps and Devices” > “Updates Available.”
- Select “WhatsApp.”
- Select “Update.”
iPhone:
- Open “App Store.”
- Tap the Profile icon.
- Go to “Available Updates.”
- Head to “WhatsApp.”
- Select “Update.”
Update Mobile Phone Firmware
Android:
- Open “Settings.”
- Select“System Updates” / “Software Updates.”
- Select “Download and Install.”
- Tap “Install Now” to update your phone to the latest version.
iPhone:
- Open “Settings.”
- Go to “General” > “Software Updates.”
- Tap “Automatic Updates.”
- Toggle on “Download iOS Updates.”
- Do the same for “Install iOS Updates” to allow your iPhone to keep its firmware updated automatically.
Reinstall WhatsApp
Android:
- Tap and hold “WhatsApp.”
- Select “Uninstall.”
- Tap “OK.”
- Launch “Play Store.”
- Find “WhatsApp”
- Select “Install.”
iPhone:
- Hold down “WhatsApp.”
- Tap “Remove App.”
- Select “Delete App.”
- Select “Delete” to uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
- Open “App Store.”
- Search “WhatsApp.”
- Tap “GET.”
NOTE: Back up your chats and group history before reinstalling WhatsApp on your phone.
Conclusion
In this detailed guide, we’ve discussed several reasons why WhatsApp group is not showing names and explored 8 methods to troubleshoot this problem.
Hopefully, this guide has provided valuable insights into the matter, and you can now have more enjoyable group interactions on WhatsApp.
