Trying to send WhatsApp message using siri fails with "it looks like Jo Bloggs doesnt have whatsapp messages enabled"

ISSUE

I am trying to be able to send WhatsApp messages using siri (i need it working for when i am using CarPlay)

When I say "Siri, send whatsapp message to Jo Bloggs", Siri responds with "it looks like Jo Bloggs doesn't have whatsapp messages enabled".

Contacts App

When I open the Contacts app and go to Jo Bloggs, I do not see a line with "WhatsApp". Whereas on my husbands iPhone (where siri can send whatsapp messages) he does have a line showing "WhatsApp" in a contacts details.

Is this the cause of the issue?

WhatsApp Settings

I do NOT have TouchID or FaceID turned on in WhatsApp. I know with either of these settings on Siri can not send whatsapp messages.

I can confirm WhatsApp shows all my contacts which are on my phone, therefore implying the apps are synced.

Settings -> Privacy -> Contacts -> Whatsapp IS enabled

Settings -> WhatsApp -> Contacts IS enabled

Settings -> Contacts -> Siri & Search -> All options are turned on

Settings -> Contacts -> i do not see any option here for whatsapp

I have tried

• uninstalling whatsapp and reinstalling
• turning off/on my phone