How to Fix WhatsApp Not Working on Mac?

I have been trying to access WhatsApp on my Mac for over a day now. Every time I try to open the app, it just crashes and shuts down. How can I fix this error? - Nicholas Rich.

WhatsApp is one of the leading messaging platforms available for Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS devices. This interactive and easy-to-use platform provides the benefit of end-to-end encryption security measures for conversations. Since you can access it from different devices, you can also use WhatsApp from your Mac.

Sometimes, WhatsApp may not work on your Mac device. This can be a very annoying circumstance as you won't be able to send or receive messages using a Mac, especially when you don't have access to WhatsApp on your phone. If you're struggling with this issue, know that it is a temporary problem that can be fixed using a variety of methods. This blog will guide you on how to fix WhatsApp not working on Mac and secure your data by taking a backup.

Part 1: Why WhatsApp Not Working on Mac: Common Reasons

WhatsApp may fail working on your Mac device for a variety of reasons. It is essential to understand the cause of WhatsApp not working on Mac so that you can take the proper steps to fix it.

Some of the common reasons why WhatsApp may not be working efficiently on your Mac device are as follows:

• Unstable internet connection: A lagging and slow internet connection will prevent you from using WhatsApp on your Mac device. It will create problems in syncing, thereby making it difficult for you to access your chats.
• Outdated version: You cannot use WhatsApp in outdated macOS versions. For WhatsApp to work efficiently on your device, you will need to have the latest version of WhatsApp and macOS.
• App glitches: Slow internet or server glitches can prevent the software from running correctly. WhatsApp may be prone to glitches and bugs, which can often lead to software crashes.
• Firewall blocking: Always keep an eye out for firewall blocking. There are different security software and firewalls that may prevent you from accessing WhatsApp. Sometimes, it can also lead to syncing errors, making the software inaccessible.

Part 2: Is WhatsApp No Longer Available on Mac? How Do I Get WhatsApp to Work on My Mac?

Yes, WhatsApp is available on Mac. You need to download WhatsApp from the Mac App Store or Apple Store on your device for it to function smoothly. If WhatsApp is not working on your Mac, it is advisable to update the macOS and the app.

Initially, you can uninstall and reinstall the app on your device to get it working. This is the most basic thing to do. If WhatsApp doesn't function even after this, then you'll have to adopt the methods given below to fix WhatsApp not working on Mac.

Part 3: How To Fix WhatsApp Not Working On Mac Issue

The reason why WhatsApp is not working on your Mac device is a wide range of issues, ranging from the internet to hardware and more. It is advisable first to find out the cause and then fix it.

Here are some of the top fixes for WhatsApp not working on Mac issue:

Fix 1: Verify Your Internet Connection is Stable

An unstable internet connection may be one of the reasons why WhatsApp hasn't been able to work on Mac devices. If the app is not working on your device, check the web version of WhatsApp. The first thing you must do in this case is check the WiFi or broadband connection.

Turn off the WiFi and then turn it on again. From the menu bar, visit System Settings and then choose WiFi. Turn it off, wait for a few seconds and then turn it on again. If it doesn't work, you can also restart your device to fix this connectivity issue. If the internet is not stable, connect with your provider and ask them to help you fix it. Due to poor internet connection you can also face the WhatsApp camera not working on Mac.

Fix 2: Make Sure Your Mac Has Enough Storage Space

If there isn't enough space in your Mac, WhatsApp won't function properly. The storage space issues will interfere with the functioning of the apps installed, WhatsApp being one of them. If the storage space issue is severe, sometimes WhatsApp will even fail to open on your Mac device. Therefore, check if there is enough space in your Mac device. Owing to storage space issues, you will face WhatsApp video call on Mac not working.

You can follow the steps given below to check if your Mac device has enough storage space to fix WhatsApp not launching on Mac issue:

Step 1: Open Settings and then navigate to the General tab. Now, click on the Storage option to check information about the device's storage space.

Step 2: In the Storage screen, you will be notified if the space is running low or not. If the storage space is running severely low, delete some of the unused or less-used apps.

Deleting or removing less-used or unused apps can free up space on your device. After that, you can restart your device and see if any free space is available.

Fix 3: Check for Updates to Both macOS and WhatsApp

If both WhatsApp and macOS aren't updated to the latest version, WhatsApp may cease to function on your device. Due to the outdated version, you will also face the WhatsApp video call on Mac not working issue. Therefore, you should check WhatsApp and macOS for updates and then update it to the latest version.

You can update macOS following the steps given below:

Step 1: Click on the Apple icon available on the top left corner of the screen. A menu will appear. Choose the System Settings option from the given menu.

Step 2: Visit the General Tab and then open the Software Updates section. You have the flexibility to choose between Beta or Automatic Updates options. If the Update is available, click on the Upgrade Now option. You will be able to see if the update is available on the macOS screen.

You can update WhatsApp directly from the Apple Store on your Mac. Below are the steps that you will have to follow to update WhatsApp on your Mac device:

Step 1: Open the Apple Store on your Mac.

Step 2: In the search box, type WhatsApp and open the first option.

Step 3: The WhatsApp screen will be available; click on the Update button. This should fix your WhatsApp not working on Mac issues.

Fix 4: Clear Safari's Cache and Cookies if Using WhatsApp Web

If you encounter the problem of WhatsApp web not working on Safari browser, you will have to clear the cache and then start using it again. Through this, you will also have to remove the browser history. It is essential to follow the safety guidelines and clear the cache and cookies on Safari when using WhatsApp Web.

You may follow the steps given below to clear Safari Cache and Cookies to use WhatsApp Web:

Step 1: Launch Safari on your Mac device. Navigate to the Settings option from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Visit the Advanced tab under settings and then untick the box next to the Show Develop menu in the menu bar available at the bottom.

Step 3: Under the Advanced Settings options, now choose the box to check the Develop menu bar. Press the Empty Caches option.

The caches will be emptied from the browser. Close the tab and then open it. Now, you will have to log into your WhatsApp account using the browser version. Your WhatsApp account should be working fine.

Fix 5: Disable Content Blockers

Disabling content blockers on your Mac device for WhatsApp will allow you to browse through the web-based version seamlessly. The content blockers can interfere with WhatsApp's web version, preventing it from functioning and sometimes opening. This method will work for you if you use the web version of WhatsApp.

Follow the steps given below to disable content blockers on Mac so that WhatsApp can work efficiently on your device:

Step 1: Open Safari on your Mac and then open WhatsApp web since you want to disable the content blockers for this platform.

Step 2: As soon as WhatsApp web opens, right-click on the URL in the address bar. Then, select Settings for web.whatsapp.com.

Step 3: From the available options in the menu, uncheck the box next to "Enable Content Blockers." This will disable any kind of content blockers hampering WhatsApp.

Step 4: Refresh the webpage, and now content blockers should be disabled. Therefore, you can use WhatsApp Web properly on your Mac device.

Fix 6: Link WhatsApp for Mac Again

A major reason why WhatsApp may not be able to work on your device is because it got disconnected. Therefore, you will come across the WhatsApp camera not working on Mac. As a result, you will not be able to use WhatsApp to make video calls. In this case, you will have to link WhatsApp again to your device. The Mac Client must be connected to the phone number. The phone number will be used as ID for the WhatsApp device sign-in.

You will have to follow the steps given below to re-link WhatsApp on Mac:

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your Mac device. Then, open WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Step 2: Now, open Settings and then tap on Linked Devices. From all the available options, select Link a Device option.

Step 3: The QR code will be available on your Mac WhatsApp screen. Scan the QR code using your iPhone camera. Wait for a few seconds; WhatsApp will be re-linked. Then, you can access your WhatsApp chats on your Mac device.

Part 4: Easily Backup WhatsApp Data on Mac: Use MobileTrans

Before you fix WhatsApp not working on Mac issues, you must ensure that you back up all the data. Therefore, you can use Wondershare MobileTrans to back up all your WhatsApp data seamlessly. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices and lets you transfer the data to Windows Mac, or any other destination computer.

Wondershare MobileTrans can help back up different types of WhatsApp data like chats, media, audio, and files. If you want to save your WhatsApp data on a Mac for a while before updating your device, you can definitely rely on MobileTrans.

The key features that make MobileTrans the perfect choice for WhatsApp backup are as follows:

• MobileTrans can seamlessly recover the data without overwriting it.
• The software has a high success rate of data backup. Therefore, you can quickly recover WhatsApp data.
• MobileTrans plays an essential role in backing up all kinds of WhatsApp data, such as messages, audio, video, and images.
• You can back up WhatsApp data without the requirement for iCloud.

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Considering the benefits and unique features that MobileTrans has to offer, you can use it for backup. You will have to download and install MobileTrans in your system. Then, you must connect your phone using a working USB cable for the software to read.

You can follow the steps given below to begin the WhatsApp data backup process on Mac using MobileTrans:

Step 1: Launch Wondershare MobileTrans on your device. Head to the Backup & Restore tab.

Step 2: Since you have to back up data from WhatsApp, choose WhatsApp from the variety of options.

Step 3: MobileTrans will initiate the backup process. During the backup process, you must ensure that your phone is connected to the system. The backup process is going to take a few minutes.

Step 4: The progress of the backup will be shown to you on your screen. Once that is completed, you will be notified on the screen.

After the backup is taken, disconnect your device and then check if the data has been successfully backed up to the destination computer.

Part 5: WhatsApp Web Not Working on Safari? Use These Tips

WhatsApp Web is one of the most convenient methods for using the software on your Mac device. You will have to log in to WhatsApp Web using the Safari browser if you don't want to use the app version.

Some of the few things to try if WhatsApp Web isn't working on Safari are as follows:

• You must refresh your website browser after clearing the browser cache and cookies.
• Always check that you have a strong internet connection. Sometimes, WhatsApp Web may not open on Safari because of a slow or unstable internet connection.
• Install the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone.
• Log out from WhatsApp Web in Safari. Refresh the browser and then log in again.
• Clear the caches and browser cookies in Safari to use WhatsApp.
• Update your Safari browser and then try opening WhatsApp again.

Conclusion

A lot of people use WhatsApp on their Mac devices, considering the benefits it offers. However, if you're struggling with WhatsApp not working on a Mac device, try the troubleshooting and fixing methods mentioned in the sections above. Make sure that you back up WhatsApp data on a Mac using MobileTrans before initiating any of the troubleshooting methods, as there is a risk of data loss.

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