WhatsApp notifications delayed on a Pixel? Settings to check

howtosimply.com/guides/whatsapp-notifications-delayed-on-a-google-pixel-settings-to-check/ · Checked October 2026 · Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77

4 of 4 steps with real screenshots · 2 official sources below

Device

Android

Shown on

Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77

App

WhatsApp

Real screenshots

4 of 4 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

2 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Open WhatsApp's App info and tap App battery usage

   Settings, Apps, WhatsApp. Ours said 31 % use since last full charge.

   Done

2. 

   Turn on Allow background usage

   Its note says: Enable for real-time updates, disable to save battery. On Android 17 there is no Unrestricted label here.

   Done

3. 

   Check All WhatsApp notifications

   Back in App info, tap Notifications. The top switch must be on.

   Done

4. 

   Check Background data

   Back in App info, tap Mobile data usage. Background data must be on. Ours also had Unrestricted mobile data usage, for when Data Saver is on, switched off.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Choices instead of a switch? Google's Pixel help describes tapping Allow background usage and then choosing under it, such as Optimized. On our Android 17 it was a single switch, with no Unrestricted label. Source: Keep Adaptive Battery & battery optimization on
• Adaptive Battery on? Google says Adaptive Battery may delay notifications to extend battery life. It is in Settings, Battery, Battery Saver, Adaptive Battery. Source: Keep Adaptive Battery & battery optimization on

If this does not work

• Messages only arrive when you open WhatsApp? WhatsApp calls that a push notification issue: check notification permission, background data and battery settings. Source: Can't see or hear notifications
• Still late? WhatsApp suggests turning off Do Not Disturb, updating WhatsApp and restarting the phone. Source: Can't see or hear notifications
• Background data already on? WhatsApp suggests turning it off and on again. Source: Can't see or hear notifications

About this guide

WhatsApp says late notifications are usually push notification problems: notification permission, background data or battery limits.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17 and WhatsApp 2.26.41.77, in Dark mode, taken on 25 October 2026. All three were on and we changed nothing; these are the settings to check, not a staged fault.

Good to know

To change the sound itself, see change or mute WhatsApp notification sounds.

In short: App info: App battery usage on, Notifications on, Mobile data usage: Background data on.

📷 See real photos from the Pixel 10a in our Camera Lab, next to 10 other phones.