Why do SMS messages arrive in WhatsApp only when you open the application - briefly?
The primary reason why SMS messages appear in WhatsApp only after opening the app is due to the way WhatsApp handles notifications and message delivery. When the app is closed or running in the background, it doesn't actively check for new messages, thereby delaying their appearance until you open the application.
Why do SMS messages arrive in WhatsApp only when you open the application - in detail?
The arrival of SMS messages in WhatsApp only upon opening the application is a result of the integration between these two communication platforms, facilitated by the Android operating system. This functionality, known as "SMS Connect," was introduced to enhance user experience by allowing seamless interaction between traditional text messaging and modern messaging apps like WhatsApp.
When you receive an SMS message on your Android device, it is first processed by the built-in Messaging app. Simultaneously, if you have enabled SMS Connect in WhatsApp, the system establishes a secure link between the Messaging app and WhatsApp. This connection enables the transfer of SMS messages from the native messaging platform to WhatsApp.
However, for security and efficiency reasons, this transfer is not performed in real-time but rather upon user action. Specifically, when you open WhatsApp, the application checks for any new SMS messages that have been received since your last interaction with the app. Once detected, these messages are fetched from the Messaging app and displayed within WhatsApp.
This approach has several advantages:
- Energy Efficiency: Real-time synchronization would consume more battery power. By delaying the transfer until you open WhatsApp, the system optimizes energy usage.
- Security: Transferring messages only when needed reduces the risk of interception or unauthorized access to your SMS data.
- User Control: You maintain control over when and how your SMS messages are integrated into WhatsApp, ensuring a more personalized experience.
In summary, the delayed arrival of SMS messages in WhatsApp is a deliberate design choice aimed at balancing user convenience with system efficiency and security.