WhatsApp says "Incorrect date and time" and won't let me log in. What should I do?

WhatsApp says Incorrect date and time and won't let me log in. What should I do - briefly?

If WhatsApp displays an "Incorrect date and time" message and prevents you from logging in, ensure that the date and time settings on your device are accurate and synchronized with your network provider. This simple adjustment should resolve the issue and allow you to log in successfully.

WhatsApp says Incorrect date and time and won't let me log in. What should I do - in detail?

If WhatsApp displays the message "Incorrect date and time" and prevents you from logging in, it indicates a mismatch between your device's date and time settings and WhatsApp's servers. This issue can often be resolved by following these detailed steps:

1. Check Device Settings:

   • Ensure that your device's date and time are accurate and match the current date and time in your location.
   • On Android devices, go to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Date & Time', and ensure the correct settings are selected.
   • On iOS devices, navigate to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Date & Time', and verify that the automatic setting is enabled or manually set the correct date and time.

2. Enable Automatic Date and Time:

   • It is generally recommended to enable the automatic date and time feature on your device to ensure it always reflects the accurate current time.
   • This option can usually be found under the same settings menu as mentioned above.

3. Restart Your Device:

   • After ensuring that the date and time are correct, restart your device. A simple reboot can often resolve minor glitches and synchronize your device with the network again.

4. Check Network Connection:

   • Ensure that your device is connected to a stable internet connection, either via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
   • Sometimes, switching between different networks (e.g., from Wi-Fi to mobile data) can help resolve synchronization issues.

5. Update WhatsApp and Device Software:

   • Make sure that both your WhatsApp application and your device's operating system are up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
   • To update WhatsApp, go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check for updates.
   • For device software updates, navigate to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Advanced' > 'System Update' on Android devices or 'Settings' > 'General' > 'Software Update' on iOS devices.

6. Clear WhatsApp Cache (Android only):

   • If you are using an Android device, clearing the cache of the WhatsApp application can sometimes resolve issues related to date and time synchronization.
   • Go to 'Settings' > 'Apps' > 'WhatsApp', then tap on 'Storage & Cache', and select 'Clear Cache'.

7. Reinstall WhatsApp:

   • As a last resort, if none of the above steps work, consider uninstalling and then reinstalling WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
   • Note that uninstalling WhatsApp will result in the loss of your message history unless you have previously backed up your chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to resolve the "Incorrect date and time" issue on WhatsApp and successfully log in.