It looks like WhatsApp is down. Millions of users have been trying to send messages on the app, but rather than being sent, people are simply seeing a clock icon next to their messages.
As of the morning of Tuesday, October 25, WhatsApp seems incapable of sending apps, although people can still log in and see previously sent messages.
We’ve fired up this live blog to bring you all the latest developments, while we – and hopefully the WhatsApp team at Meta – try to figure out what’s happening.
Welcome to our WhatsApp is down live blog. After seeing numerous reports about WhatsApp being down, I’ve tried sending a message myself, and sure enough, it won’t send – instead I’m getting a clock icon next to the message, which suggests the WhatsApp servers are failing.
Very frustrating.
According to the Downdetector website, there’s been a spike in people reporting issues with WhatsApp since around 9am BST (4am ET, 1am PT) on Tuesday October 25.
The most common issue is sending messages, which is the problem I’ve been experiencing, as well as other members of the TechRadar team.
I’ve had a check of the official WhatsApp Twitter account, but so far it has not posted anything regarding the problem, but WhatsApp is trending in the United Kingdom, so this is clearly a widespread issue.
At least the memes are enjoyable.
Whatsapp Down pic.twitter.com/7EFWe3fjvGOctober 25, 2022
We have now got a comment from WhatsApp’s parent company Meta, which said (as per Reuters): “We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble sending messages and we’re working to restore WhatsApp for everyone as quickly as possible.”
Here’s what we’re seeing when using the web version of WhatsApp in a browser. As you can see, we can’t connect to WhatsApp’s servers, and messages aren’t sending.
Video calls via WhatsApp are also down. I’ve just tried it, and after a few seconds, the call ends, and a message says that the video call failed and that I should check my internet connection. Thanks WhatsApp.
Here’s the error message I’m getting when trying to make a video call. Definitely seems to be a server issue on WhatsApp’s side.
The above image shows the current state of the mobile WhatsApp app, with messages just sitting there waiting to be sent.
If you’ve noticed the same, then don’t worry – it’s not you, there’s something wrong with WhatsApp.
I do worry that when this issue is resolved, there are going to be a HUGE amount of messages suddenly sent around the world. That could cause additional strain on WhatsApp’s servers.
There’s around two billion WhatsApp users around the world who use the app on a monthly basis.
As of right now, it appears none of them can send WhatsApp messages.