Before you call WhatsApp support

This tutorial explains why WhatsApp messages show the message “Waiting for this message” and provides four ways to identify the content behind the error.

Before you start troubleshooting, check if your internet connection is working properly. Visit a webpage or check if you can send WhatsApp messages to your contacts. Switch to a Wi-Fi connection if your mobile or cellular data connection is slow. If your Wi-Fi connection is the problem, contact your internet service provider or use mobile data.

WhatsApp encrypts messages you send and receive so that third parties can’t remotely monitor your conversations. It’s one of the many features that make WhatsApp secure. A disruption in the message encryption process causes WhatsApp to hide text behind a placeholder message saying “Waiting for this message. This may take a while.”