If WhatsApp messages arrive but nothing appears on your lock screen, the issue is usually tied to notification permissions or battery restrictions rather than the app itself. In most cases, one setting has quietly changed after a system update, power-saving adjustment, or privacy tweak.
Start with the quick check below. Many people solve it in under a minute.
Make Sure Lock Screen Notifications Are Allowed
Android can hide notifications on the lock screen even while they still arrive normally.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Notifications or Lock Screen (name varies by brand).
- Tap Lock screen notifications.
- Select Show conversations or Show all notifications.
If this option is set to “Don’t show,” WhatsApp alerts will stay silent until you unlock the phone.
Check WhatsApp Notification Permissions
Sometimes notifications remain enabled globally but disabled for a specific app.
- Open Settings → Apps.
- Find and tap WhatsApp.
- Select Notifications.
- Turn on Allow notifications.
- Open notification categories like Message notifications and ensure they are enabled.
Also confirm that “Silent” is not selected unless that’s intentional.
Disable Battery Restrictions for WhatsApp
This is one of the most common causes. Android may delay or suppress lock screen alerts when background activity is limited.
- Go to Settings → Apps → WhatsApp.
- Tap Battery.
- Select Unrestricted or Allow background usage.
On Samsung devices, look for Background usage limits. Remove WhatsApp from the sleeping apps list if it appears there.
Turn Off Do Not Disturb or Focus Modes
Do Not Disturb can allow sounds while hiding lock screen previews, which makes it seem like notifications are missing.
- Open Settings → Sound & vibration.
- Tap Do Not Disturb.
- Disable it temporarily or allow WhatsApp under exceptions.
Allow Notification Content to Show
Some phones hide message details for privacy.
- Go to Settings → Notifications.
- Find Sensitive notifications or Hide content.
- Enable showing notification content on the lock screen.
If previews are hidden, you may only see icons — or nothing at all depending on manufacturer settings.
Restart the Phone After Changes
Android occasionally keeps old notification behavior cached. A simple restart refreshes background services and often restores normal delivery immediately.
A Practical Tip
If the problem started right after a system update, open WhatsApp once after rebooting and leave it running for a few seconds. Android sometimes delays notification registration until the app is reopened.
Once lock screen visibility, permissions, and battery settings are aligned, WhatsApp notifications should begin appearing normally again without further adjustment.