Since my FP4 was reset to original factory settings, Whatsapp notifications have been silent. All my other apps are fine, but Whatsapp notifications are button-only. I’ve checked all settings, turned off vibrate, ‘Do not disturb’ is off, sounds are at maximum. There is a faint sound if I get a Whatsapp message during a live conversation. Are there any other hidden settings I’m not aware of which could cause only Whatsapp to be silent? Many thanks for all and any ideas. Pat
Hi Pat, welcome to our user forum.
Three things you might try: 1) WhatsApp notification settings, 2) Notification volume settings, and 3) App notification settings.
WhatsApp Notification settings
I assume you’ve confirmed the WhatsApp Notification settings, but just in case …. Go to WhatsApp/ three dots/ Settings/ Notifications) where you’ll find the settings for Messages, Groups, and Calls. You can set Notification Tone separately for each category. Pick one, and tap Notification Tone: you should see a list of tones, with the bullet next to the selected tone highlighted. Click the adjacent tone, and you should hear it, then the original tone, and you should hear that. If you do, then you know WhatsApp is is playing the tones successfully, and the problem lies elsewhere - probably with the Notification Volume setting. Nevertheless, I’d check the tone for all three.
Notification volume settings
If you’ve upgraded to A15 then there are now 5 separate volume sliders. One quick way to access these is (with the phone unlocked) press either the up or down volume key, then the three dots below the volume slider. Check that the slider for Notifications is set appropriately. (Sorry, I can’t recall the slider details for A13 and older).
I guess if this does not fix the problem them you might try reinstalling WhatsApp, but if you’ve just done a factory reset (would be interested to know why) then you’ve probably just reinstalled WhatsApp.
App notification settings
The other thing to check is the Notification settings for WhatsApp in phone settings. From the Home screen go to Settings/ Notifications/ App Notifications/ WhatsApp and check all notifications are turned on (at this stage). Once you’ve assured yourself that you’re getting the WhatsApp notification sounds that you want you can fine tune the settings in the Settings app and in WhatsApp itself.
Hope this helps.
1 Like
Hi Julian
Thank you SO MUCH for your email. You are obviously VERY knowledgeable, and I really appreciate your taking the time to write such a helpful, detailed email.
I went through each point in detail, following it to the letter - it was so helpful that everything was exactly where you said it was! I had done it all before, but I did everything again exactly as you suggested. And learned what the 3 dots under the volume slider mean! - very handy.
But sadly it’s made no difference at all. WhatsApp is playing the notification tones just fine, as in your first para: the volume settings are good: and the phone settings are correct. But the WhatsApp notifications remain silent.
It MUST be something that Fairphone technical did when I returned it to them for mending, when they had to reset it to the original settings. I had dropped it into a full watering can - only for a second, and it seemed fine, but about 3 weeks later I couldn’t turn it on. Cost me a fair bit to put it right but, as the fault was entirely mine, I really couldn’t grumble! All WhatsApp notifications were fine before then, so there must be some hidden setting that is no longer how it was.
So I think I’m going to have to take my chances with Fairphone Customer Services and see if they have any ideas.
Thank you very much for taking so much time to reply. I really like the Forum and always learn something from it, but your response was well and truly going the extra mile.
Thank you, Julian.
Regards
Pat
1 Like
Hi Pat,
Glad my post was helpful, sorry it didn’t solve your problem. Perhaps another forum member will have some ideas. Yes, back to Customer Services, I’m afraid. I wish you success!
Best wishes,
Julian!