Alex Ruben
How To Resolve WhatsApp “Only Admins Can Send Messages” Issue in Groups
So, if you’re stuck with the annoying “Only admins can send messages” message in a WhatsApp group, you’re not alone. This usually happens when the group permissions are configured to restrict message sending to only admins. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick toggle in settings, but other times you might need some extra steps to fix it, especially if you’re just a regular member. Here’s what to try.
Step 1: Change Group Settings as an Admin
If you’re the group admin, changing this is pretty straightforward. It helps because it directly tweaks the permission to let everyone chat again.
- Open WhatsApp.
- Select the problematic group chat.
- Tap on the group name at the top to open Group Info.
- Scroll down and hit Group Permissions. On Android, this is usually under the main info tab, or in the menu with three dots in upper right corner, then go to Group Settings and find Send Messages.
- Toggle the Send Messages switch to on. If it’s already enabled, turn it off briefly and then back on — sometimes a quick toggle resets the settings properly.
- Try sending a test message to see if things are fixed.
Note: On some setups, this toggle can fail to apply immediately. In those cases, a quick restart of the app or device sometimes makes the change stick.
Step 2: Contact the Group Admin
If you’re just a member, you probably can’t change the permissions yourself. Sorry. The fix then is to hit up an admin:
- Message an admin privately, asking if they can check the permissions.
- Tell them it’s the Send Messages option — they’ll find it in Group Info > Group Settings > Send Messages.
- When they toggle that to allow everyone, check if you can now send messages. Patience helps — sometimes it takes a couple of minutes for the changes to propagate.
Pro tip: On one setup it worked immediately, on another, only after a restart. Because of course, WhatsApp has to make it harder than necessary.
Step 3: Update WhatsApp
And don’t forget — outdated apps are cursed. If your WhatsApp’s version is stale, weird bugs pop up, including permission issues. So:
- Jump into your Google Play Store or App Store.
- Search for WhatsApp.
- If there’s an update waiting, tap Update — on some devices, this might be called Install if it’s the first time.
- Open the app again, go to that group, and see if chatting is back to normal.
Note: Sometimes, even after updating, permissions or settings get wonky. Reinstalling the app might help if all else fails, but I’d back up chats first — just in case.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
If it still acts up, it’s worth checking a few other things:
- Make sure your internet connection isn’t flaky — WhatsApp’s pretty sensitive to network issues.
- Try a quick device restart; sometimes all it needs is clearing the cache or resetting the app’s state.
- Check if WhatsApp servers are having downtime or issues — you can peek at their Twitter or status pages for that.
Conclusion
Most of the time, messing with the group permissions as an admin does the trick. If you’re a member, reaching out to the admin for help is the way to go. Keeping WhatsApp updated is always a smart move, since older versions tend to be buggy. If nothing else works, reinstalling might fix some deep-seated bugs. Good luck, and hope this gets things back to chatting without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I am not an admin and cannot contact one?
If no one’s around or you can’t get hold of an admin, messages to the admin in advance are really your only shot. Sometimes, just waiting for a couple of days helps if permission changes are made later.
Can I still participate in the group if I can’t send messages?
Sure. You can still read everything and reply via private chats if needed. Not ideal, but it’s better than nothing while the permissions get sorted out.
What should I do if the problem persists after following the steps?
If Reinstalling is on the table, back up your chats first (Settings > Chats > Chat Backup). It’s a bit of a hassle, but sometimes it’s the only way to clear weird bugs. Also, keep an eye on WhatsApp’s social channels or support line if this seems like a broader issue.