WhatsApp Keeps Crashing on iPhone XS After iOS 13 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

If WhatsApp suddenly crashes every time you open it or during use on your iPhone XS after installing iOS 13, you’re not alone. App crashes are one of the most common post-update bugs, especially when apps haven’t been updated to fully support the latest iOS version. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to troubleshoot and fix this issue. Here’s what you can do.

1. Force Close WhatsApp and Reopen It

Sometimes the app just needs a fresh start.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, then pause in the middle to open the app switcher
Swipe left or right to find WhatsApp
Swipe up on the app preview to close it
Relaunch WhatsApp and check if it still crashes

Also close other apps running in the background to avoid performance conflicts.

2. Restart Your iPhone XS

Glitches from iOS updates can cause temporary issues that a reboot can fix.

Soft reset:

Hold the Side button + Volume Up or Down until the power slider appears
Drag the slider to power off
After 30 seconds, press the Side button again to restart

If your device is frozen:

Press and release Volume Up
Press and release Volume Down
Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears

3. Reset Network Settings

If WhatsApp crashes due to connectivity errors, resetting your network settings might help.

Go to Settings > General > Reset
Tap Reset Network Settings
Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm

This resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular settings but does not erase personal data.

4. Update WhatsApp (and Other Apps)

After an iOS update, app developers usually release patches to fix bugs. Make sure WhatsApp is up to date.

Open App Store
Tap your profile icon at the top right
Scroll to Available Updates
Tap Update next to WhatsApp, or Update All if multiple apps need updating

Restart your phone afterward to refresh all system changes.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

If the issue is deep within the app files, a fresh install will likely resolve it.

Tap and hold the WhatsApp icon until it jiggles
Tap the X and confirm Delete
Restart your iPhone
Open App Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it
Sign back in with your credentials

📝 Tip: Make sure you’ve backed up your chats via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup before deleting the app.

Still Crashing? Try These Advanced Options

Check iOS updates in Settings > General > Software Update
Free up storage space under Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Reset all settings via Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings

Contact WhatsApp Support

If none of the steps above resolve the crashing issue, there may be a bug in the app itself. You can report it directly to WhatsApp Support or wait for a new patch to roll out.