Why Are My WhatsApp Messages Not Delivering to One Person?
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, allowing instant communication across the globe. However, it can be frustrating when your messages fail to deliver to a specific contact.
If you notice a single grey tick instead of two, it means your message has been sent but not received. This can happen due to several reasons, such as poor internet connectivity, privacy settings, or even being blocked.
Many users face this issue at some point, leading to confusion about what might be causing it. Could it be a technical issue, or has the recipient deliberately restricted communication?
Understanding the root cause is crucial to finding the right solution. In this blog, we will explore the possible reasons behind undelivered WhatsApp messages and how you can troubleshoot the issue.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of why this happens and how to fix it effectively.
What Does It Mean When a WhatsApp Message Is Not Delivered?
WhatsApp uses message status indicators to help users understand whether their messages have been successfully sent, delivered, or read.
A single grey tick means the message has left your device but has not yet reached the recipient.
A double grey tick signifies that the message has been delivered to the recipient’s device. When the ticks turn blue, it indicates that the recipient has read the message unless they have turned off read receipts.
If your message remains stuck on a single grey tick, it could mean that the recipient’s phone is turned off, they have no internet access, or they have blocked you.
In some cases, server issues or technical glitches may also delay delivery. Understanding these indicators helps users determine whether the issue is temporary or requires further troubleshooting.
If your messages consistently fail to deliver, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause and find an appropriate solution.
Why Are My WhatsApp Messages Not Delivering to One Person?
If your WhatsApp messages aren’t delivering to a specific contact, the issue could stem from various factors related to network connectivity, app settings, or recipient-side problems.
Below are the common reasons why this might be happening and how to resolve them.
1. Internet or Network Issues
If your message shows a single gray tick, it means it was sent but hasn’t reached the recipient.
This usually happens when their phone is switched off, they are out of coverage, or their internet connection is weak.
If you see a spinning circle instead, the issue might be with your own connection, so try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
2. You May Be Blocked
If all your messages to the recipient remain on a single gray tick for a long time, they might have blocked you.
Other signs include not being able to see their profile picture, last seen, or status updates. To confirm, try calling them on WhatsApp, if the call doesn’t connect, blocking is a likely reason.
3. WhatsApp Server Issues
Sometimes, WhatsApp servers experience outages that prevent messages from being delivered.
This issue can affect all your contacts, not just one, so try sending messages to other people. If messages aren’t going through to anyone, check online if WhatsApp is down.
4. Outdated WhatsApp Version
Using an old version of WhatsApp can lead to glitches that affect message delivery.
Both you and the recipient should update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Regular updates ensure smooth performance and fix potential bugs.
5. Recipient Has Disabled Notifications
If the recipient has turned off WhatsApp notifications, they may not open the app immediately. This can delay the delivery of messages even if their internet is working fine.
In such cases, the message will only be delivered when they manually open WhatsApp.
By identifying the cause, whether it’s connectivity, app updates, or blocking you can determine the best solution to ensure your messages go through.
Could the Recipient Have Blocked You on WhatsApp?
One of the most common reasons why messages are not delivered to one specific person is that they may have blocked you.
When a user blocks someone on WhatsApp, all messages sent to them remain on a single grey tick and are never delivered.
There are several signs that indicate you might have been blocked. If you can no longer see the recipient’s profile picture, last seen, or status updates, it is possible they have blocked you.
Additionally, if your calls to them fail to connect or always ring without an answer, this may be another sign.
WhatsApp does not notify users when they have been blocked, so the only way to confirm is by attempting to message them from another account or contacting them through a different platform.
If your messages are successfully delivered from another account, it is likely that you have been blocked.
Does WhatsApp Have Server Issues That Affect Message Delivery?
WhatsApp relies on its servers to process and deliver messages efficiently. If there is a server outage, messages may not be sent, and users might experience delays.
In such cases, even a strong internet connection will not resolve the issue.
To check if WhatsApp is experiencing server issues, you can visit Downdetector or check WhatsApp’s official social media accounts for updates.
If an outage is confirmed, the only solution is to wait until the issue is resolved. During a server outage, all users will experience message delivery problems, not just communication with a single contact.
If you suspect a server issue but others are able to use WhatsApp normally, then the problem likely lies with your connection or the recipient’s settings.
How Can Privacy Settings Prevent Messages from Being Delivered?
WhatsApp offers various privacy settings that allow users to control who can contact them.
If your messages are not delivering, the recipient’s privacy settings may be preventing your messages from reaching them.
Privacy settings that may affect message delivery
- Last seen and online status restrictions: If the recipient has hidden their last seen and online status from you, they may have also restricted message delivery.
- Message privacy settings: WhatsApp allows users to choose who can send them messages. If the recipient has adjusted their settings to restrict unknown numbers, your messages may not be delivered.
- Group restrictions: If the recipient has restricted who can add them to groups, this may also impact message delivery.
To check if privacy settings are causing the issue, try messaging the recipient from a different WhatsApp account.
If the message is delivered from another account but not yours, the recipient’s privacy settings may be preventing your messages from being received.
How to Fix WhatsApp Messages Not Delivering to One Person?
If your WhatsApp messages are not delivering to a specific contact while working fine with others, there could be several underlying reasons. Here are some potential causes and how they may affect message delivery:
1. The Recipient’s Phone is Offline
- One of the most common reasons for undelivered messages is that the recipient’s phone is either turned off or disconnected from the internet.
- If they are in an area with no network coverage, on airplane mode, or their Wi-Fi or mobile data is switched off, WhatsApp cannot deliver the message.
- Once their device reconnects to the internet, your message will be delivered automatically.
2. You Have Been Blocked
- If your messages to one particular person consistently show only a single grey tick (sent but not delivered), it is likely that they have blocked you.
- Additional indicators include not being able to see their profile picture updates, online status, or “Last Seen” timestamp.
- You can confirm this by trying to place a WhatsApp call to them. If the call does not go through, you are probably blocked.
3. Recipient’s WhatsApp is Uninstalled or Disabled
- If the person has uninstalled WhatsApp or deactivated their account, any messages you send will remain undelivered indefinitely.
- This often happens when someone switches to another messaging platform or is temporarily taking a break from WhatsApp.
- If they reinstall WhatsApp and log back in with the same number, your messages may get delivered.
4. Phone Number is Incorrect or Deactivated
- If the person has changed their phone number but has not informed you, your messages could be sent to an inactive or incorrect number.
- Additionally, if their SIM card is deactivated or their phone service is suspended, messages will not be received until they restore their service.
5. WhatsApp Server Issues
- While rare, server outages on WhatsApp can sometimes cause message delivery failures.
- This issue is temporary and usually gets resolved within a few hours.
- You can check WhatsApp’s official Twitter page or website to see if there is a widespread outage affecting message delivery.
By identifying the exact cause from the above possibilities, you can determine why your WhatsApp messages are not being delivered to one person and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue.
When Should You Contact WhatsApp Support?
If you have tried all possible solutions and your WhatsApp messages are still not delivering, you may need to contact WhatsApp Support for further assistance.
Some scenarios where support may be necessary include cases where your messages are failing to deliver to multiple contacts, indicating a broader issue rather than just one person.
If WhatsApp is not working despite a strong internet connection, there may be a technical issue with your app or account.
Additionally, if you suspect a technical issue with your account, such as messages disappearing or being unable to send messages even after reinstalling the app, it is best to report the problem to WhatsApp.
To contact WhatsApp Support, go to WhatsApp Settings → Help → Contact Us, describe the issue in detail, and wait for a response.
WhatsApp will typically investigate the problem and provide guidance on how to fix it. If the issue is related to WhatsApp server downtime, you may need to wait for it to be resolved.
Conclusion
When WhatsApp messages do not deliver to one person, it is usually due to internet issues, privacy settings, or being blocked.
A single grey tick indicates that the message has been sent but not received, which may be due to the recipient’s phone being offline or settings preventing delivery.
By troubleshooting factors like internet connectivity, app updates, and account restrictions, you can usually resolve the issue.
However, if the problem persists, it may be best to contact WhatsApp Support for further assistance.
Keeping WhatsApp updated and ensuring a stable internet connection can help prevent such issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does WhatsApp keep undelivered messages?
WhatsApp stores undelivered messages for up to 30 days. If the recipient does not come online within this period, the message is permanently deleted.
Can a message fail due to full phone storage?
Yes, if the recipient’s phone storage is full, WhatsApp may fail to receive new messages. Clearing space can help restore message delivery.
Does muting someone on WhatsApp affect message delivery?
No, muting only stops notifications but does not prevent message delivery. Your messages will still be sent and received as usual.
Can a VPN or firewall block WhatsApp messages?
Yes, some VPNs or firewalls may interfere with WhatsApp’s connection. Disabling them or adjusting settings can resolve message delivery issues.
What happens if someone deletes their WhatsApp account?
If a contact deletes their WhatsApp account, their profile disappears. Any messages sent to them will remain undelivered and won’t be received.
Why do my messages take too long to deliver?
Slow internet, background restrictions, or a recipient’s offline status can delay message delivery. Checking your connection and settings can help fix the issue.
Can background app restrictions stop WhatsApp from receiving messages?
Yes, battery-saving or background restrictions may prevent WhatsApp from running. Adjusting settings to allow WhatsApp to operate in the background can help.
