WhatsApp is denied to read contacts. How to fix this error?

WhatsApp is denied to read contacts. How to fix this error - briefly?

If WhatsApp cannot access your contacts, the issue likely stems from the app's permissions settings. To resolve this, navigate to your device's Settings, find WhatsApp in the list of apps, and ensure that the "Contacts" permission is enabled.

WhatsApp is denied to read contacts. How to fix this error - in detail?

If you're encountering an issue where WhatsApp is unable to access your contacts, it's likely due to a permissions problem on your device. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and resolve this error in detail:

  1. Check App Permissions:

    • Go to your device's settings.
    • Navigate to the "Apps" or "Applications" section.
    • Find WhatsApp in the list of installed apps and tap on it.
    • Look for the "Permissions" option. If available, tap on it.
    • Ensure that the "Contacts" permission is enabled. If not, toggle it on.
  2. Restart Your Device:

    • Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve minor glitches and permissions issues.
    • Hold down the power button until the option to turn off or restart appears, then select "Restart."
  3. Clear WhatsApp Cache and Data:

    • In the App settings of WhatsApp, look for the "Storage" option.
    • Tap on it and you will see options to clear the cache and data.
    • First, try clearing the cache. If that doesn’t work, proceed to clear the data. Note that clearing data will delete your chat history, so consider backing up your chats before doing this.
  4. Update WhatsApp:

    • Ensure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
    • Go to the Google Play Store or App Store and search for WhatsApp.
    • If an update is available, tap on "Update" to install the latest version.
  5. Check Contact Sync Settings:

    • Go to your device's settings.
    • Navigate to the "Accounts" section.
    • Find and select the account you use for contacts syncing (e.g., Google).
    • Ensure that the "Contacts" option is checked or enabled.
  6. Re-grant Permissions After App Update:

    • Sometimes, after updating an app, permissions need to be re-granted.
    • Go back to your device's settings and navigate to the WhatsApp app.
    • Ensure that all necessary permissions, especially those related to contacts, are enabled.
  7. Check for System Updates:

    • Occasionally, system updates can resolve app-related issues.
    • Go to your device’s settings, then to "System" or "About phone."
    • Check for any available system updates and install them if necessary.
  8. Reinstall WhatsApp:

    • As a last resort, you might need to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
    • First, back up your chats using the in-app backup feature.
    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
    • Restart your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.
    • During the setup process, make sure to grant all necessary permissions, including access to contacts.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue where WhatsApp is denied access to read your contacts.