7 Easy Ways to Fix Custom Stickers Not Showing on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has made significant advancements, allowing users to share status, create avatars, and use custom stickers. However, occasionally, when attempting to access these stickers, a blank space may appear instead. If you are encountering this problem, it is likely a glitch affecting a small number of users. Here are 8 methods to resolve the issue of custom stickers not appearing on WhatsApp.

Whether the issue started after the recent update or the stickers randomly stopped opening, we know how annoying it is. Especially when you have the perfect sticker for the occasion. So, let’s get to the fixes.

Restart an iPhone

Follow these steps to turn off your iPhone:

1. For iPhone SE 1st gen, 5s, 5c, and 5: Long-press the top button.

2. For iPhone 7, 8, SE 2nd gen and above: Long-press the side button.

3. For iPhone X and above: Long-press the power and either of the volume buttons at the same time.

To complete the process, drag the ‘slide to power off’ slider that appears on the screen.

Step 3: Once your device shuts down, press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Now, open WhatsApp again and check if your custom stickers are showing. If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

2. Check the Sticker Pack

Before troubleshooting, check if the sticker has been installed and added to your WhatsApp. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap on any chat.

Step 2: Tap on the emoji icon and select the stickers icon next to the GIF icon.

Step 4: Tap on the + icon at the bottom.

Step 5: Select MY STICKERS.

Check if your sticker pack appears on this list. If not, install the sticker pack to resolve the issue. You can also refer to our guides for creating custom WhatsApp sticker packs or using stickers from third-party apps.

3. Check Network Connection Settings

WhatsApp requires an internet connection to send and receive messages. If your custom stickers are not displaying correctly, check your network connection by playing a YouTube video on your phone.

If WhatsApp is not working on mobile data or Wi-Fi, here’s how to fix it. If your internet is okay, try the next solution.

This is available only for Android devices, so if you have an iPhone, you can skip this section. Device storage permission allows apps to store app-related data. This data can then be used for running the app.

So, if storage permission is not granted, your custom stickers won’t be downloaded and shown on WhatsApp. Here’s how you can fix that by checking and, if disabled, granting storage permission to WhatsApp.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps.

Step 2: Tap on WhatsApp.

Step 3: Tap on Permissions.

Step 4: Scroll down to Not allowed and tap on ‘Photos and videos’.

Step 5: Tap on Allow.

Step 6: Select Confirm.

Once done, repeat the steps to grant permission for all features not allowed.

Exclusive to iPhone, the background app refresh option updates your app’s data, even when not in use. This enables WhatsApp to keep your custom sticker packs up to date, resolving issues with packs not loading properly. Here’s how to enable it:

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on WhatsApp.

Step 2: Toggle on ‘Background App Refresh’.

Once completed, open WhatsApp and check if your stickers load properly.

App caches help in loading apps faster, but if the cache accumulates or is compromised, it can affect the app’s performance and prevent stickers from appearing. To avoid this, clear your WhatsApp cache. On an Android device, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Apps.

Step 3: Select WhatsApp.

Step 4: Go to Storage and clear cache.

Open WhatsApp again and check if your custom stickers are working properly.

If stickers don’t load properly, check if you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp. This ensures access to the latest features and necessary security patches and bug fixes. To do this, click on the link below and install any available updates.

If you’re still facing issues with loading or using custom WhatsApp stickers, uninstalling the app might be the solution. This will remove all app data and permissions and can also help if an update isn’t available. Simply reinstall WhatsApp on your device after uninstalling to check again. Make sure to back up your WhatsApp data before uninstalling the app.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on WhatsApp.

Step 3: Tap Uninstall, then confirm.

Step 4: Install the app again using the link provided.

Uninstall WhatsApp on iOS

Step 1: Long-press the WhatsApp icon and select Remove App from the menu options. Step 2: Tap on Delete App.

Step 3: Install the app using the link below. This will fix the issue of custom stickers not working properly. If you have any further queries, proceed to the next section.

1. Can I log in to other devices with the same WhatsApp number?

Yes, WhatsApp now allows you to use the app on multiple devices. Check out our article for more information on how to use the same WhatsApp account on two phones.

2. Can I rejoin a WhatsApp group after being removed?

Yes, you can rejoin a WhatsApp group by asking the admin to add you back or share the invite link.

3. What file format does WhatsApp support for stickers?

WhatsApp only supports PNG file format for stickers.

Sometimes, a single sticker is enough. Hopefully, this article helped you solve the issue of custom stickers not showing in WhatsApp. So, go crazy and express yourself, one sticker at a time. You might also want to learn how to use WhatsApp offline without the internet.

Read Next

Ankita Sharma is a passionate writer who specializes in technology, particularly Android, Apple, and Windows devices. Originally a script and copywriter, Ankita’s curiosity led her to the digital world and she now enjoys simplifying tech content for others. When she’s not busy meeting deadlines and writing scripts, Ankita can be found watching shows on her laptop.