How to Fix Venmo Not Working Issue (Android and iPhone)

Venmo will refuse to process your payments or log in because of an outdated application. Update the application and perform a quick restart to get it working again. 

In this guide, we will help you get Venmo to get working again, whether you’re having connectivity problems or problems with your payments. 

1. Update Venmo to the Latest Build

The first thing you should do is make sure that the application is updated to the latest build. We’ve seen Venmo developers patch application bugs and push an App Store update. 

1. Launch the App Store or Google Play Store and search for Venmo.
2. Update the application if there is a newer version available.

   

3. Once updated, restart the phone, and upon restart, check if Venmo is working.

2. Update your Device’s OS

Since Venmo is a financial company, having an outdated operating system that is missing security protocols can hinder you from using the service. If the application was a game or some other utility, it wouldn’t have been a problem but when dealing with financials, companies have strict security protocols. 

For Android, you can navigate to Settings > Software Update > Download & Install the update if you have any available. 

1. Open your iPhone Settings. 
2. Navigate to General > Software Update > Download & Install if the update is available.
3. Restart your device after the update and check if Venmo is working properly.

3. Re-log using your Mobile Number

We’ve seen Venmo having issues with its authentication modules. According to our analysis, it might be that the security token isn’t getting refreshed with the current login method you are using. 

A simple solution is to re-log into the application using an alternative method like your mobile number. New tokens will be stored in your device and you will be able to pass the authentication layer.

1. Launch the Venmo app and tap on the three vertical ellipses in the top left.

   

2. Now, in the menu shown, select Settings and tap on Sign Out of Venmo.

   

    
3. Now restart your device and launch Venmo again. 
    
4. Use your authenticated mobile number to log in instead. You might be asked to verify through an OTP. 

If the same problem is happening in your browser, you can try logging in through your phone number. The same steps apply. 

4. Edit Your Banking Details

If you have incorrect banking details, Venmo will not be able to transfer or make payments. A simple solution to rule out issues in payment details is to re-add the payment method and see if this does the trick. 

1. Launch the Venmo app
2. Tap on the three vertical ellipses in the top left.
3. Open Settings >  Payment Methods > your Bank account. 

   

4. Scroll down and tap on Remove Bank.

   

5. Now close the Venmo app and restart your phone.
6. After the restart, click on Add button and enter your banking details. 
7. Once entered, try initiating a transfer and see if this fixes the problem. 

If the issue persists, check if you can add another bank account. If this works, it means there is some problem with the account you are trying to link. Double-check if the information you are trying to enter is correct. 

5. Disable the VPN

Venmo requires your physical presence in the USA. If you are using a VPN, Venmo servers will actively refuse your connection requests. Disabling the VPN on your device will resolve the issue. This includes corporate networks. 

For iPhone

1. Navigate to Settings > General > VPN.

   

2. Disable VPN and restart your iPhone. Check if Venmo is working properly. 

   

For Android

1. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > VPN. 

   

2. Tap on Disconnect for the VPN in use. In the case, you are using an app such as Hotspot Shield, disable VPN through that app. 

   

3. Once done, restart your phone and check if the Venmo app is operating properly. 

   

6. Change the Region to the USA

It is mandatory for a person to be in the USA to use Venmo and if your device’s region is not set to the USA despite you being there, then that could cause connection or transfer problems. Here, changing the device’s region will solve the problem. 

1. Open your Settings. 
2. Navigate to General > Language & Region > Region > Select United States.

   

3. You will be prompted to restart your device when the setting is changed. 
4. After the restart, launch Venmo & see if the issue is resolved. 

7. Change Network or Network Type

Venmo refuses to communicate over some network types. Especially networks that are public or corporate WiFi networks that have their own Firewalls or VPNs. Here, you can try changing up your network and see if this does the trick. 

1. If the problem is occurring on a particular network type such as Wi-Fi, switch to the other data network such as Cellular data (or vice versa), and see if the problem is solved. 
2. If that doesn’t work, disconnect the phone from the network and restart your phone.
3. Upon restart, use a hotspot from another device that is using a different network than yours. 

   

4. Launch Venmo and check if it is operating normally.

8. Reinstall the Venmo App

If none of the above methods worked, you can move ahead and reinstall Venmo from scratch. You will need to log into it again and complete the 2FA but this will help resolve issues if they are stemming from the application’s installation. 

1. Press and hold Venmo’s application until it starts wiggling. 
2. Select Remove app.

   

3. Restart your device. Navigate to the App store and install a fresh copy.

   

4. Log in using your credentials and see if it’s working fine. 

9. Try Venmo on Another Device

If the above method also didn’t work, try using Venmo with the same account on another device. This will rule out issues with your device. 

Try using the mobile application if you are having problems with the browser version and vice versa. We’ve also seen users having ‘instant transfers’ delayed up to 2 days if they initiate the request through a browser as compared to the mobile application. 

You can also forget your current device from the website if you are having problems with it. 

1. Navigate to Settings > Security > Remembered devices > Select the mobile device > Remove. 
2. Restart your device and complete the log-in process again. You will be asked to verify the 2FA as well. 

Tips

• Contact Venmo support if you are still having problems. 
• The maximum limit of an ‘instant transfer’ is 3 days. The exact time can vary from case to case. 
• A bank account added through a routing number can also increase the instant transfer time.