Ask Different (Apple)
Q&A for power users of Apple hardware and software
Latest Questions
0
votes
2
answers
29
views
Switch off voice input for Whatsapp on iPhone
Is there a way to switch off voice input for Whatsapp on iPhone? I have switched off Siri but Whatsapp still allows voice input. A friend has created voice chats accidentally because she presses the microphone accidentally.
Is there a way to switch off voice input for Whatsapp on iPhone? I have switched off Siri but Whatsapp still allows voice input. A friend has created voice chats accidentally because she presses the microphone accidentally.
user10186832
(101 rep)
Jul 30, 2025, 07:00 PM
• Last activity: Jul 30, 2025, 08:34 PM
4
votes
1
answers
4042
views
Is there a way to sync WhatsApp profile photos with Contacts Photos?
I would like to know if there is a way to automatically sync the profile pics that people set in their WhatsApp profile to the contacts photos in my Contacts app on OS X (Big Sur).
I would like to know if there is a way to automatically sync the profile pics that people set in their WhatsApp profile to the contacts photos in my Contacts app on OS X (Big Sur).
csaborio
(85 rep)
Feb 16, 2021, 09:49 PM
• Last activity: Jul 17, 2025, 12:08 AM
0
votes
3
answers
11760
views
Finding chat history for Whatsapp for Mac
I am trying to recover chats from WhatsApp on Mac, due to a problem with my iCloud backup. I have Time Machine backups and I am trying to find where WhatsApp stores my chats in my Library. I have looked at a previous question ([Deleting WhatsApp chat history from work Mac][1]), but this was before W...
I am trying to recover chats from WhatsApp on Mac, due to a problem with my iCloud backup. I have Time Machine backups and I am trying to find where WhatsApp stores my chats in my Library. I have looked at a previous question (Deleting WhatsApp chat history from work Mac ), but this was before WhatsApp no longer required a continuous internet connection.
* Is it possible to extract my chat history from my Time Machine backup, i.e. does WhatsApp exclude chat history from Time Machine backups?
* For future reference, where can I find the WhatsApp chat history, if possible, in my Library on my Mac?
Lewis T.
(3 rep)
Jul 6, 2023, 01:21 PM
• Last activity: Jul 13, 2025, 10:40 AM
2
votes
2
answers
2608
views
Whatsapp calls are actually calling the phone number
I have Verizon as Carrier. With my iPhone, sometimes I want to call my mother in Italy, on her Whatsapp account. So I open the Whatsapp app, go to the last chat thread with my mother and tap the top-right icon with the phone. Sometimes, though, the call is performed using my U.S. Verizon number rath...
I have Verizon as Carrier.
With my iPhone, sometimes I want to call my mother in Italy, on her Whatsapp account.
So I open the Whatsapp app, go to the last chat thread with my mother and tap the top-right icon with the phone.
Sometimes, though, the call is performed using my U.S. Verizon number rather than my WhatsApp account and therefore Verizon has already charged me a few times for international calls!!
How can I make sure to perform the call using Whatsapp rather than the normal phone?
Cristiano Ghersi
(121 rep)
Aug 22, 2022, 05:56 AM
• Last activity: Jul 7, 2025, 08:09 PM
0
votes
2
answers
126
views
Dark mode issues in iPhone 6s running iOS 13.6.1
Until yesterday, the Dark Mode on my iPhone was fine. But, I don’t know what happened to it just now. I’m talking about using it on WhatsApp and Settings app (only minor change in settings app). An earlier look at sent messages and you will see a bit darker shade of green. [
Now the green color has a white shade in it too!
I even contacted Apple support but they weren’t able to suggest the solution and told me to reset the device!
I did it but it's still the same.
Any suggestions to get the original dark coloring back?
Now the green color has a white shade in it too!
I even contacted Apple support but they weren’t able to suggest the solution and told me to reset the device!
I did it but it's still the same.
Any suggestions to get the original dark coloring back?
Manan
(313 rep)
Aug 23, 2020, 08:33 PM
• Last activity: Jul 3, 2025, 11:03 PM
1
votes
1
answers
342
views
Does WhatsApp start to upload every chat from the beginning, every time it starts a backup?
WhatsApp completed a backup today, it showed total size as 3.54 GB. Then, I pressed start backup again; it started showing "Uploading X MB of 3.54 GB". Does this mean it is uploading 3.54 GB of data again? I thought it would only upload new messages which had come after the previous backup. Does Wha...
WhatsApp completed a backup today, it showed total size as 3.54 GB. Then, I pressed start backup again; it started showing "Uploading X MB of 3.54 GB". Does this mean it is uploading 3.54 GB of data again?
I thought it would only upload new messages which had come after the previous backup.
Does WhatsApp start to upload every chat from the beginning every time it starts a backup?
![Screenshot taken on iPhone of WhatsApp backing up ]
(Click image to open full size)
(Click image to open full size)
Sensebe
(111 rep)
Jun 11, 2023, 06:17 AM
• Last activity: Jul 2, 2025, 02:08 PM
2
votes
1
answers
608
views
WhatsApp Chat Transfer from Google Drive to iPhone?
My wife just got a brand new iPhone. I am just wondering, how do I transfer WhatsApp chat history from Google Drive to iCloud or directly to the iPhone. I have backed up everything to Google Drive. Just need to know how to get it on to the iPhone. I googled a bit and there are some tools out there....
My wife just got a brand new iPhone. I am just wondering, how do I transfer WhatsApp chat history from Google Drive to iCloud or directly to the iPhone. I have backed up everything to Google Drive. Just need to know how to get it on to the iPhone. I googled a bit and there are some tools out there. But all of them are Mac or Windows software. All my laptops at home are Linux (Ubuntu, Arch, Suse and Mint).
hell_storm2004
(121 rep)
Dec 19, 2020, 05:42 PM
• Last activity: Jun 28, 2025, 11:08 PM
0
votes
0
answers
22
views
After updating WhatsApp disappears
I have macOS Sonoma. WhatsApp notified me that it needed updating, but when I click update, the app closes and doesn't open afterwards. I have tried again and again and even after restarting the issue remains the same. I've been having the same sort of issue with Chrome, where I deleted it, but the...
I have macOS Sonoma. WhatsApp notified me that it needed updating, but when I click update, the app closes and doesn't open afterwards. I have tried again and again and even after restarting the issue remains the same.
I've been having the same sort of issue with Chrome, where I deleted it, but the old settings remain. Is it a Mac problem that both have a common issue of not updating?
localhost
(343 rep)
Jun 3, 2025, 07:53 AM
• Last activity: Jun 3, 2025, 08:46 AM
1
votes
2
answers
224
views
How to WhatsApp full resolution photos from iPhone to Android
On Android, I can choose to attach a "document" and then browse the image or video files and select the one I need. On iPhone, it seems to work the same way except that I don't seem to see the full file system of the device, and I cannot browse to the image location. Is there a way, without using a...
On Android, I can choose to attach a "document" and then browse the image or video files and select the one I need. On iPhone, it seems to work the same way except that I don't seem to see the full file system of the device, and I cannot browse to the image location. Is there a way, without using a Mac?
As a side note, Telegram is happy to allow attaching a file from the Gallery.
texnic
(369 rep)
Dec 11, 2022, 04:32 PM
• Last activity: May 30, 2025, 12:03 AM
0
votes
0
answers
23
views
Message delivery failure on iOS
Starting from yesterday, I’ve been unable to receive messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram unless the app is open and in the foreground. This isn’t a notification problem, because when someone sends me a message on WhatsApp, they only see a single grey checkmark until I open the app—only then...
Starting from yesterday, I’ve been unable to receive messages on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram unless the app is open and in the foreground. This isn’t a notification problem, because when someone sends me a message on WhatsApp, they only see a single grey checkmark until I open the app—only then does it switch to two green checkmarks.
My settings are as follows:
- Do Not Disturb is turned off
- Background App Refresh is turned on (both globally and for each app)
- I’m not in Power Saving Mode
I’m using an iPhone 13 pro, iOS 18.3.2, restarted at least 3 times today. This issue occurs whether I’m on mobile data or Wi-Fi, but my internet connection is otherwise working fine (I can still browse the web without problems).
razcor
(101 rep)
Mar 26, 2025, 07:22 PM
0
votes
0
answers
80
views
Why aren't WhatsApp wa.me links for iPhone able to open WhatsApp into a chat right away through a link?
Opening this link: - https://wa.me/0417326826?text=Nyt%20kaivattaisiin%20katsomoon%20lis%C3%A4%C3%A4%20juotavaa%20%F0%9F%98%8A%0ATilaukseni%3A%0AIstumapaikkani%3A%0APenkkirivi%3A Results in Safari / iPhone saying the link couldn't be opened and the user newer ends up in WhatsApp. I tried contacting...
Opening this link:
- https://wa.me/0417326826?text=Nyt%20kaivattaisiin%20katsomoon%20lis%C3%A4%C3%A4%20juotavaa%20%F0%9F%98%8A%0ATilaukseni%3A%0AIstumapaikkani%3A%0APenkkirivi%3A
Results in Safari / iPhone saying the link couldn't be opened and the user newer ends up in WhatsApp.
I tried contacting Meta about this, but the support was propmtly ended with "we don't deal with messaging issues in support".
Has anyone handled and used wa.me links on iPhone to success?
--------
Steps to reproduce:
Tried opening this link on iPhone and it results in an error and do not end up in WhatsApp chat:
- https://wa.me/0417326826?text=Nyt%20kaivattaisiin%20katsomoon%20lis%C3%A4%C3%A4%20juotavaa%20%F0%9F%98%8A%0ATilaukseni%3A%0AIstumapaikkani%3A%0APenkkirivi%3A
Miikka
(1 rep)
Mar 18, 2025, 07:47 AM
• Last activity: Mar 18, 2025, 07:48 AM
2
votes
0
answers
448
views
WhatsApp desktop application will stop working on macOS Big Sur
A friend of mine received the following alert a couple of days ago: [![enter image description here][1]][1] However, according to WhatsApp website: [![enter image description here][2]][2] So, apparently macOS 11 (BigSur) is supported. Could someone shed light on this conflicting information ? [1]: h...
A friend of mine received the following alert a couple of days ago:
However, according to WhatsApp website:
So, apparently macOS 11 (BigSur) is supported. Could someone shed light on this conflicting information ?
However, according to WhatsApp website:
So, apparently macOS 11 (BigSur) is supported. Could someone shed light on this conflicting information ?
F. Zer
(121 rep)
Mar 11, 2025, 06:00 PM
0
votes
0
answers
39
views
How to get at WhatsApp raw media files? Old phone, app won't let me
In short: I moved from iPhone to Android a few months ago, and now I fear I've lost audio and photo files in the WhatsApp installation on my old iPhone. I have an iPhone that is old and no longer my primary phone. When I tried to move WhatsApp to my new phone (Android) it copied over text messages,...
In short: I moved from iPhone to Android a few months ago, and now I fear I've lost audio and photo files in the WhatsApp installation on my old iPhone.
I have an iPhone that is old and no longer my primary phone. When I tried to move WhatsApp to my new phone (Android) it copied over text messages, but not audio messages and photos in chats. For a while I could open WhatsApp on my old iPhone and see these old chats with their media, even though I was not getting new messages in that instance of WhatsApp. So I thought they were safe - at least saved. Now it has decided to lock me out of my own data. When I open the app on iPhone it says I have to link new phone, when I do, it doesn't show the old chat histories with the media.
I thought it did this once before, and I feared it deleted my media, but then I saw them again (months ago, can't remember how). Is there a way to get at the raw files so I can copy out some photos and audio messages?
When I connect my iPhone to my MacBook, it shows in the Finder sidebar. I click there and there is a tab for "Files", but WhatsApp is not listed among the apps.
Rob N
(1750 rep)
Mar 3, 2025, 07:29 AM
0
votes
0
answers
4349
views
How can I find WhatsApp backup data stored in iCloud?
Following instructions from previous questions have not helped (more below). I have lost access to my previous phone. I don't have access to any iOS device. I'm trying to recover any WhatsApp message data I might have backed up on iCloud. In my Mac, when I go on Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage...
Following instructions from previous questions have not helped (more below).
I have lost access to my previous phone. I don't have access to any iOS device. I'm trying to recover any WhatsApp message data I might have backed up on iCloud.
In my Mac, when I go on
Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage...
and select WhatsApp, I get this, which says I have 2GB in my iCloud Storage:
In order to locate those 2GB, I disabled Mac Storage Optimization, went into "Library/Mobile Data" via terminal and searched up for WhatsApp files using:
cd ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/
find *whatsapp*
The only three results were:
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp/.DS_Store
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp/Documents
Navigating into those via terminal, ls -a returns nothing besides what's above.
I would have just concluded that dumb me turned off backup at some point to save storage, but then why does it say in settings that there is a 2 GB backup attributed to WhatsApp? Could it be somewhere else?
Most of the instructions I've followed come from this thread:
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/365950/accessing-whatsapp-icloud-backup
However, most go from the find terminal command finding actually .tar files and such, which wasn't my case.
In order to locate those 2GB, I disabled Mac Storage Optimization, went into "Library/Mobile Data" via terminal and searched up for WhatsApp files using:
cd ~/Library/Mobile\ Documents/
find *whatsapp*
The only three results were:
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp/.DS_Store
57T9237FN3~net~whatsapp~WhatsApp/Documents
Navigating into those via terminal, ls -a returns nothing besides what's above.
I would have just concluded that dumb me turned off backup at some point to save storage, but then why does it say in settings that there is a 2 GB backup attributed to WhatsApp? Could it be somewhere else?
Most of the instructions I've followed come from this thread:
https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/365950/accessing-whatsapp-icloud-backup
However, most go from the find terminal command finding actually .tar files and such, which wasn't my case.
hananoana
(1 rep)
Nov 17, 2022, 04:58 AM
• Last activity: Jan 19, 2025, 02:45 PM
29
votes
6
answers
74788
views
Using WhatsApp iOS app without granting it access to contacts
I have avoided WhatsApp so far because I don't want to grant it/facebook permission to offload my contacts from my device into their cloud. However, this becomes a bit hard to sustain, so I was wondering whether I could perhaps be "passively" contacted on WhatsApp (instead of "actively" sending send...
I have avoided WhatsApp so far because I don't want to grant it/facebook permission to offload my contacts from my device into their cloud. However, this becomes a bit hard to sustain, so I was wondering whether I could perhaps be "passively" contacted on WhatsApp (instead of "actively" sending sending own messages) without such requirement.
So I have now installed the app, without granting it permission to access my contacts. I was hoping that friends who already use the service and who have my phone number in their list of iOS contacts could now send me messages. However, this does not seem to be the case. Apparently, I do not show up among their "WhatsApp contacts".
So my question is this: do both parties participating in a WhatsApp chat have to grant their apps access to their (full list of) contacts, or is there a way to participate in a more "private" way like I intended?
Drux
(1421 rep)
Jun 23, 2018, 08:42 AM
• Last activity: Nov 18, 2024, 11:00 PM
0
votes
0
answers
38
views
I restore backup from itunes, whatsapp is on original space 12gb (chat history) i login it deletes all chats and space go down to 0?
I have an issue. I’m trying to resolve for over a week now. I lost my phone and I have a backup from iTunes when I restore from this backup and I cannot restore my WhatsApp chat history. What happens is I restore the back up I log into WhatsApp it deletes all the chat history and the WhatsApp size g...
I have an issue. I’m trying to resolve for over a week now. I lost my phone and I have a backup from iTunes when I restore from this backup and I cannot restore my WhatsApp chat history. What happens is I restore the back up I log into WhatsApp it deletes all the chat history and the WhatsApp size goes from the original space which was 13 GB to almost 500 MB and I find no chats when I login.
This deletion happens once i log in otherwise it appears in the old storage 13 gb
Hady Reda
(1 rep)
Oct 21, 2024, 12:03 AM
2
votes
3
answers
7187
views
Attempting to send video on WhatsApp causes crash
I've tried a bunch of different things but whenever I try to send a video on WhatsApp the app crashes. It works fine in cydia safe mode though. PS: I jailbroke the phone Are there fixes to prevent this crash?
I've tried a bunch of different things but whenever I try to send a video on WhatsApp the app crashes. It works fine in cydia safe mode though.
PS: I jailbroke the phone
Are there fixes to prevent this crash?
user84918
Jul 13, 2014, 11:34 AM
• Last activity: Oct 13, 2024, 08:35 AM
0
votes
1
answers
856
views
How can I insert a video from the Photos app into a WhatsApp chat on MacOS?
I want to insert a video from the Photos app into a WhatsApp chat on my MacBook. I tried copy and paste, but that pastes only a still frame from the video. In contrast to the iPhone, the Photos share sheet on MacOS doesn't support WhatsApp, and there are no other options on the share sheet that look...
I want to insert a video from the Photos app into a WhatsApp chat on my MacBook. I tried copy and paste, but that pastes only a still frame from the video. In contrast to the iPhone, the Photos share sheet on MacOS doesn't support WhatsApp, and there are no other options on the share sheet that look applicable:
("Edit Extensions..." does not offer a way to share to WhatsApp.)
I want to insert the video directly into the chat (as I can on my iPhone), not a link to the video. Is there a way to do this on my Mac?
("Edit Extensions..." does not offer a way to share to WhatsApp.)
I want to insert the video directly into the chat (as I can on my iPhone), not a link to the video. Is there a way to do this on my Mac?
KnowItAllWannabe
(475 rep)
Mar 31, 2024, 06:55 PM
• Last activity: Oct 8, 2024, 08:16 PM
8
votes
4
answers
24724
views
How can I run two instances of WhatsApp on a Mac?
I have two phone numbers for two purposes and I would like to run two native WhatsApp clients in parallel on my Mac. I don't want to use the browser (or two browser windows) since I prefer the native Mac OS apps. How can I do that?
I have two phone numbers for two purposes and I would like to run two native WhatsApp clients in parallel on my Mac.
I don't want to use the browser (or two browser windows) since I prefer the native Mac OS apps.
How can I do that?
Nimo
(629 rep)
Jun 2, 2020, 11:02 AM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2024, 09:06 PM
11
votes
1
answers
15220
views
How to reduce WhatsApp Desktop App RAM Usage?
My problem is with WhatsApp itself. I know that modern browsing is RAM intensive (specially webapps built with Electron), but we close and open tabs all the time, which compensates for the RAM usage. But, for instance, my WhatsApp Desktop App (a glorified browser tab) is open **ALL** the time since...
My problem is with WhatsApp itself. I know that modern browsing is RAM intensive (specially webapps built with Electron), but we close and open tabs all the time, which compensates for the RAM usage. But, for instance, my WhatsApp Desktop App (a glorified browser tab) is open **ALL** the time since it is a major work and personal tool for my digital life, and sacrificing 1GB of RAM for a communication application seems like overkill to me.
It consumes around 600MB to 1GB depending on its usage.
WhatsApp Renderer GPU is the most RAM intensive task.
I created an Automator App that runs this terminal command (I saw it here ):
open /Applications/WhatsApp.app/ --args --disable-gpu
But it stills open WhatsApp with the GPU renderer.
I would like to ask what could I do to force WhatsApp to be less RAM intensive or how to I stop making it use my GPU (since the terminal command above did not work).
RA828
(253 rep)
Jul 2, 2020, 07:54 PM
• Last activity: Oct 3, 2024, 04:43 AM
Showing page 1 of 20 total questions