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“So, I recently got a girl's phone number. And every time I send her a message, I always get one check mark even when she is online, and it takes a while to get two check marks finally.”

Many users get confused when they see a single tick on this chat app, but it is not visible on their chat screen. This small symbol often raises significant questions, especially when waiting for a response or trying to convey something urgent. In typical cases, one tick means your message was sent but not delivered. Thus, when you see just one tick and the person is active, it seems like something is wrong.

You might start thinking they are ignoring or blocking your messages, which can lead to frustration and doubt. There are several reasons behind this issue, including a poor internet connection or a minor bug. Therefore, this article will help you understand the causes and fixes for WhatsApp's single tick but online confusion. You will also discover a pro tip that enables you to track someone's activity in this situation.

In this article
    1. Receivers' Unstable Internet Connection
    2. They Are Too Busy to See Messages
    3. Having a Modified WhatsApp Version
    4. Facing Server/Technical Issues
    1. Fix 1. Restart the WhatsApp App
    2. Fix 2. Send Messages to Other Contacts
    3. Fix 3. Use a Different Device or WhatsApp Web
    4. Fix 4. Wait and Observe
    1. Key Features
    2. Track Someone's Activity When You Still Observe WhatsApp Single Tick but Online

Part 1. Understanding WhatsApp Tick System: Read Receipt Feature

This texting platform uses a simple tick system to show what's happening with the messages you send. These minor check marks appear next to your message and tell you whether it was sent, delivered, or read. One gray tick means your message was sent but hasn't been delivered yet. Additionally, two gray ticks indicate that the message was delivered to the other person's phone or linked device.

overview on read receipt feature

Whenever the two ticks turn blue, it means your message has been read or viewed. Sometimes, users may notice that WhatsApp shows one tick but the person is online, which can be confusing. In most cases, it means the message has not yet reached their phone or device.

Part 2. [Possible Reasons] Why Is There a WhatsApp Single Tick but Online?

As explored, seeing one tick on WhatsApp but online can be puzzling for many users. Below are simple reasons that explain why this happens so you can understand what's going on without guessing anything:

1. Receivers' Unstable Internet Connection

The common reason why WhatsApp messages appear as one tick but the user is online is an unstable internet connection on the receiver's side. Even if they appear online, their phone might not be appropriately connected to the internet. This means your message was sent but has still not been delivered. Once their internet connection is restored, the message is usually delivered, and you'll see the second tick next to it.

receiver unstable internet connection

2. They Are Too Busy to See Messages

Sometimes, WhatsApp's single tick but online also appears simply because the receiver is busy. They might have opened the chatting app but haven't had time to check your message. This usually occurs when someone is multitasking or using other apps. Additionally, if they receive too many messages, yours might be missed or ignored for a while, resulting in only one tick being shown.

too busy to see message

3. Having a Modified WhatsApp Version

Another reason for WhatsApp's one tick but online is that the person might be using a modified app version. Apps like GB WhatsApp let users hide their delivery or read status. Even if they are online, your message may not show as delivered. These unofficial apps offer extra privacy settings that change how messages appear.

modified whatsapp version

4. Facing Server/Technical Issues

Apart from the above reasons, one tick on WhatsApp but the user is online may occur due to server or technical problems. The platform's servers may face slowdowns or brief outages, which delay message delivery. Even if the person is online, your message may not be delivered immediately. In most cases, it fixes itself after some time once the connection or server returns to normal.

Part 3. How to Fix the "WhatsApp Single Tick but Online" Issue

Upon understanding the reasons behind this problem or confusion, there are various ways you can utilize to resolve it. Therefore, the following section gives you the four best methods to clear the "WhatsApp message one tick but online” confusion:

Fix 1. Restart the WhatsApp App

When you see a single tick on WhatsApp but the app is online on your iPhone or Android device, start the app. In this process, close the app entirely and wait a few seconds before reopening it. This simple step can resolve any minor issues and refresh the connection. Hence, follow the instructions below to learn how you can restart the app effortlessly:

Instructions: When the app is launched and displayed on your phone's screen, swipe up from the bottom to access the “App Drawer” screen. Afterward, swipe up again on the app to close it and then reopen it after a few moments.

restart whatsapp app

Fix 2. Send Messages to Other Contacts

Another method to resolve the WhatsApp one-tick confusion online is to send a message to another contact. This helps you determine if the issue is specific to one person or a problem with WhatsApp itself. If the message to others shows two ticks, then the problem is likely on the first contact's side. Upon doing this, they may have network issues or have changed their privacy settings.

Fix 3. Use a Different Device or WhatsApp Web

Apart from the above solution, you can opt for a different device or use a platform's web version to check this issue. Sometimes, your current device may have bugs or connection issues that result in the "one tick on WhatsApp but online” dilemma. In this situation, switching devices can refresh your session and help deliver the message correctly.

use different device to verify

Fix 4. Wait and Observe

It is also possible that the WhatsApp message takes one tick, but online occurs is just a short delay. Sometimes, the other person is busy or facing some connection problems. In such cases, the message will show one tick even when they are online. Thus, waiting for a few moments can be helpful as the messages may get delivered soon.

Pro Tip. Still Observing a Single Tick on WhatsApp but Online? Track Their Activity Now!

If the above solutions didn't resolve the WhatsApp single tick issue but the online issue persists, it might be time to dig deeper. The person may be using an app's privacy settings or even blocking you. In this situation, you should track their WhatsApp online activity to avoid any confusion. One great tool for this is WeLastseen Online, which allows you to monitor WhatsApp activity in real time.

With the help of this robust real-time activity tracker, you can track up to three numbers simultaneously, making spying more effortless. Upon starting the monitoring, you receive alerts as soon as a person logs in or out of WhatsApp, so you're constantly updated. Even if the person blocks you or hides their last seen status, WeLastseen can still detect and show their online activity.

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Track WhatsApp contacts' last seen status.
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Get instant online and offline notifications of them.
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Analyze their WhatsApp daily usage.
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Compare chat probabilities of two contacts.
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Key Features

  1. Calendar-Based History View: You can choose a specific date, week, or month from the calendar to review detailed activity during that time range.
  2. Custom Alert: This feature allows you to set up alerts for specific times or days when you want to be notified about someone's WhatsApp activity.
  3. Detailed Activity Report: Users receive a comprehensive record of the contact's online and offline activity, allowing you to understand their daily messaging habits and behavior.
Pros
  • You can access the tool from any smartphone or computer, offering complete flexibility from any internet-connected device.
  • The tool works in the background all day and night, so you never miss any online activity of your tracked contact.
Cons
  • Users must have a stable internet connection to start the online tracking process.

Track Someone's Activity When You Still Observe WhatsApp Single Tick but Online

Upon learning the top-rated features, adhere to the following steps to learn how to track someone's WhatsApp activity using this tool:

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Track WhatsApp Last seen data

Step 1. Run WeLastseen Online to Track Someone's Activity

After navigating to your preferred browser on your phone, access the "WeLastseen Online" tool and create an account. After that, enter the target contact's info on the screen that appears and tap the "Track Now" button.

continue with track now button

Step 2. Link WhatsApp to WeLastseen Online to Start Tracking

Once you see a new display, hit the “Link WhatsApp” button to connect your texting app to the tool. Here, scan the QR code displayed on the tool's screen and follow the on-screen instructions.

press link whatsapp button

Step 3. View the Online/Offline Activity of Your Added Person

As the chatting app is connected to the tracker, WeLastseen immediately starts monitoring the added person's activity. Alongside that, the tool shows you the detailed activity times of the individuals you tracked on the main display.

monitor activity on the screen

Conclusion

In summary, seeing WhatsApp's single tick online can be confusing for many users. This article has explored several reasons and solutions to resolve this dilemma. While simple fixes may work, some cases ultimately require more in-depth tracking. That's where WeLastseen Online helps you keep you updated on someone's online activity, even if messages don't show as delivered.

Mutsapper-square
Track WhatsApp Last seen data

FAQs

  • Q1. What does a single tick mean on WhatsApp?
    A single tick means your message has been sent from your phone but hasn't yet reached the receiver's device. This is usually caused by poor internet on their side or if their phone is switched off or out of coverage. Additionally, it doesn't mean you're blocked unless it remains that way for an extended period and across multiple attempts.
  • Q2. How can I tell if someone is online or not on WhatsApp?
    When you're unsure about someone's live online activity, you can opt for tools like WeLastseen Online to confirm. This dedicated platform allows you to monitor whether they're online or appear to be so due to a display issue. Moreover, it gives alerts and time logs that help verify their online status, even if they're blocked or ignored.
  • Q3. Is it safe to use WhatsApp tracking tools?
    Tracking tools like WeLastseen Online don't require access to someone's account, so they are generally safe to use. They only observe online activity patterns without needing passwords or sensitive information. Alongside that, you should never use them to violate someone's privacy or trust.
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