Experiencing a black or white screen on WhatsApp soon after it was installed on your iPhone? Whether it is all-white or all-black, the said glitch can be so frustrating that it may even cut you off from your messages altogether. We have put together a very detailed and also updated guide on how you can troubleshoot the issue of the WhatsApp blank screen on iPhone with solutions that are highly effective. Carefully and methodically execute the following steps to ensure your WhatsApp will work seamlessly as it did before.
Check if Your Device is Compatible with the OS and Its Version Is Well
You should check whether your current phone model and the software version are compatible with the messaging app to make sure that it runs without any problems:
- ✅ Only the iPhones that are version 7 or higher are supported.
- ✅ At least the iOS should be version 15.1 or higher to enable you to use WhatsApp.
To find out your iOS version, do the following:
- Tap on the gear icon that represents Settings to get inside
- Scroll down and tap on General > About
- At the very end, you will see what your software version is.
If your iPhone does not meet the requirements then in this case either update it or use WhatsApp Web by following the given steps.
Resort to WhatsApp Business as an Interim Solution
It is commonly found by the users who have reinstalled it, and after facing the screen problem, that switching to WhatsApp Business is the easiest way. It is much more like the usual WhatsApp but it also has the option of you using it personally or not.
How to Switch:
- Export Chats: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Press down on the icon > Remove App > Delete App.
- Get WhatsApp Business: Install from the App Store.
- Import Backup: At the time of setup, use the same phone number and click on “Restore Chat History.”
Force WhatsApp to Stop and Start It Again
- Drag the screen up from the home button (or press the home button twice for older devices).
- Do the same with WhatsApp—drag the app up to close it.
- From the launch screen, simply open WhatsApp again.
Just doing this small step might resolve a startup problem.
Reboot Your iPhone
Rebooting helps in addressing system glitches that may occur temporarily.
- For iPhone X and later: Keep pressing Power and Volume Down until the power slider shows up.
- For iPhone 6/7/8: Just the power button.
Once the restart is done, you can reopen WhatsApp.
Delete and Reinstall WhatsApp Properly
In one scenario, the cause of a black screen is the installation that did not complete successfully. The procedure we provide below is an easy way to reinstall securely:
- Back up all data.
- Erase WhatsApp from your device.
- Restart iPhone so that the cache is deleted.
- Install WhatsApp again from the App Store.
- Retrieve chats when asked.
Reset Network Settings
Using WhatsApp may depend on a stable internet connection. Incorrectly configured network settings may result in the app not starting up successfully.
How to Reset:
- Enter Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings
Note: This action will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations.
Disable Background App Refresh
This feature may pit against app health now and then.
Steps:
- Visit Settings > General > Background App Refresh
- Toggle it to Off or Wi-Fi only
Check for WhatsApp Server Outages
Sometimes, the fault may be due to a defect in WhatsApp’s service. To see if there is a global service outage, drop by your corner of the world.
Ensure the Internet Connection is Stable
Firstly, please check if the device has not only Wi-Fi but also good network coverage or a strong mobile signal. An app might have gotten stuck during the startup because of a slow and inconsistent cable.
If you turn on and off the Airplane Mode, it will reset the network module that is the potential cause of the issue.
Call WhatsApp Support for Advanced Assistance
When no other method works to solve the issue, call WhatsApp Support directly. Here’s how you can do it:
- In the app: Settings > Help > Contact Us
- Alternatively, go to https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/
Accompany your problem by providing the necessary screenshots and giving a full description of the problem.
Summary
It is probable that the blank WhatsApp screen issue on iPhone is caused by compatibility issues, poor network connection, and a corrupted installation. If all the above methods are followed correctly, the chances of restoring WhatsApp functionality are extremely high. Although Meta is yet to officially roll out their solutions, switching to WhatsApp Business is a highly recommended and effective temporary solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – WhatsApp Blank Screen on iPhone
❓ Why is my WhatsApp display gone on my iPhone?
It is normal that this issue appears after you reinstall the app. The reason can be various.
Incompatibility of the iPhone model (for example, iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus)
An iOS version that is no longer supported (below iOS 15.1)
Install process problems
Slow Internet
Interference with background apps
❓ Which iPhones are not being supported by WhatsApp anymore?
There is a list of iPhones that will not have WhatsApp support from 2025:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
The reason these devices are no longer compatible is that they are not able to run the latest iOS and later updates.
❓ Will the replacing of WhatsApp with WhatsApp Business delete the blank screen?
Yes, if changing to WhatsApp Business was the measure taken by most users, then the probability is high that you too can be part of the lucky group. To be more specific, WhatsApp Business is a good alternative to the standard version, and on top of that, it is able to back up and restore chats.
❓ Can I still have back my chats once I get a new WhatsApp Business?
Yes, you can with no problem. Take precautions to back up the chats on your old WhatsApp account before removing it:
Navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now
During the installation of WhatsApp Business, provide the same phone number, and then recover the backup when prompted.
❓ Could the problem be solved by simply reinstalling WhatsApp?
Most likely, a clean install can do the trick and all the bugs and other malfunctions will disappear. It is necessary to always keep a copy of what you delete.