In this era, WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps worldwide. However, users often encounter annoying error messages, like the “Waiting for this message. This may take a while.” This error disrupts communication & leaves users confused. Thus, if you are one such user and have currently been stuck with this warning message, don’t fret. Let’s explore what causes waiting for this message which may take a while in WhatsApp error, and how you can fix it in no time.
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Why Is WhatsApp Saying “Waiting for This Message, This May Take a While”?
Various reasons can contribute to this error message. Understanding them helps in fixing the problem effectively.
- Either the sender or you have to reinstall & open WhatsApp again.
- Using an older version of WhatsApp.
- The sender doesn’t open the chat in WhatsApp.
- Glitches in the WhatsApp app itself.
- Due to the end-to-end encryption feature.
- Corrupted cache app data.
- Sometimes syncing can fail when you use WhatsApp desktop or the web version.
After knowing the common factors behind WhatsApp waiting for this message this may take a while from unknown number, now it’s time to solve it with the best fixes.
How to Fix the Error Waiting for This Message This May Take a While in WhatsApp?
Follow these quick methods to deal with this situation.
Way 1- Check Your Internet Connection
The very first solution you can try is to check your network connection. Switch to a stronger mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Apart from that, try enabling and disabling airplane mode. A fast and steady connection speeds up message decryption.
Way 2- Restart Your Android Device
A simple restart can clear the cache & temporary glitches. Reboot your smartphone & check if the error disappears after WhatsApp reconnects.
For restarting your device:
- Press & hold a Power button for some time.
- Next, tap on the Reboot/Restart.
Way 3- Fix Waiting for This Message This May Take a While in WhatsApp by Updating the App
When your WhatsApp is outdated then you may also face this error. All you need to do is update the WhatsApp app to the latest one. This will fix all the bugs and also improve its performance.
Follow the steps below to update the app:
- Open Google Play Store> click on the 3 lines
- Next, click on My Apps & games>> search WhatsApp Messenger.
- Finally, click on UPDATE.
Way 4- Ask the Sender to Go Online
Another method to fix the waiting for this message this may take a while in WhatsApp error is to tell the sender to open WhatsApp while connected to a strong internet.
This will help you to establish a secure connection between both devices, allowing message delivery and decryption.
Way 5- Clear the WhatsApp App Cache
If you have been using your WhatsApp for such a long time and you haven’t cleared your app cache yet, it could be the reason behind this error.
Therefore, consider clearing the app cache by following these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your phone >> tap on Apps/App Management.
- After that, go to App List and find & tap on WhatsApp.
- Finally, tap on Storage>> choose Clear Cache & Clear Data.
Also Read: Fixes for WhatsApp Videos Not Playing on Android!
Way 6- Wait for Syncing to Complete
In case if the sender has newly installed the WhatsApp application, then you might have to wait. As soon as their encryption keys sync again, the message should appear normally.
Way 7- Reinstall the WhatsApp App
Last but not least, even after trying the above tricks, if the error persists, then backup your chats and reinstall the app.
Here are the steps to be followed:
- Launch WhatsApp >> tap on the 3 dots menu >> Settings.
- Next, tap on the Chats option > Chat Backup > Backup.
- Then, uninstall the WhatsApp app and reinstall it.
- Open the app >> tap Continue & log in to your WhatsApp account.
- Once WhatsApp locates a backup, simply tap on the Restore.
- Now, wait for messages to restore.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The message from an unknown number may claim to come from a friend, colleague, family member, or business but it’s not safe to assume this.
When an unknown person texts you on WhatsApp, you have to stop the conversation, update your privacy and security settings, and block & report.
It might be possible that you are getting SMS or sales texts from spammers. Moreover, if you own a new number, then you can also receive both robocalls and robotexts. What Happens If I Get a WhatsApp Message from an Unknown Number?
What to Do When an Unknown Person Text You on WhatsApp?
Why Am I Getting Messages from Unknown Numbers?
Bottom Line
The “waiting for this message this may take a while in WhatsApp” error can be annoying. Luckily, it is usually easy to solve. With the solutions specified above, you can fix this error & regain control of your WhatsApp experience quickly.
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References:
James Leak is a technology expert and lives in New York. Previously, he was working on Symbian OS and was trying to solve many issues related to it. From childhood, he was very much interested in technology field and loves to write blogs related to Android and other OS. So he maintained that and currently, James is working for androiddata-recovery.com where he contribute several articles about errors/issues or data loss situation related to Android. He keeps daily updates on news or rumors or what is happening in this new technology world. Apart from blogging, he loves to travel, play games and reading books.