WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging app used by users across the globe, is currently experiencing issues as users are unable to send or receive messages through the platform.
IGN sister site DownDetector noticed that around 2pm ET, users began reporting issues, with many unable to connect to the service. Shortly afterward, Meta's services status page was updated to reflect the issues, noting there are "Major Disruptions" with WhatsApp at the moment.
"We are currently experiencing an outage impacting service on Cloud API. This issue started at 04-03-2024 11:10 AM PST," Meta wrote on the WhatsApp status service page." Our engineering teams are investigating the issue. We will provide another update within 4 hours or sooner if additional information is available."
In a post on X/Twitter, the official WhatsApp account wrote a post acknowledging the issues people are currently experiencing with the app. It said it is "working on getting things back to 100% for everyone as quickly as possible."
We know some people are experiencing issues right now, we're working on getting things back to 100% for everyone as quickly as possible
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 3, 2024
WhatsApp launched 15 years ago as a messaging app that allows users to send text, voice, and video messages to users while also adding functionality to perform voice and video calls and share data such as images and documents. The app has retained its popularity partly because it offers end-to-end encryption and security when sending messages to other users. It allows users to easily communicate with users worldwide, which is ideal for those with loved ones living or visiting another country.
WhatsApp was acquired by Meta (then known as Facebook) in 2014 for $19.3 billion. A year later, it became the most popular messaging app, with the platform surpassing over 1 billion users in February 2017. In February 2020, it was revealed that it had over 2 billion users worldwide.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
