A warning has been issued to WhatsApp users about a link that can cause the app to crash and restart repeatedly. The link in question, “wa.me/settings,” typically directs users to the WhatsApp settings page. However, when sent in a chat, either individually or in a group, it causes the app to crash. The reason for this is unclear, but after restarting the app it appears to function normally unless the user attempts to open the chat containing the link again.
This issue appears to only affect Android phones, with iOS and desktop versions of WhatsApp remaining unaffected. Android users experiencing this problem may need to use the desktop version of WhatsApp to delete the message containing the problematic link.
This can be done by downloading WhatsApp for desktop on a Windows PC and linking it to their account using a QR code and their smartphone. Alternatively, they can request that their chat partner delete the message, although this may only be effective if their partner is not using an Android device.
The bug was discovered by Twitter user @pandyaMayur11 and reported by Android Authority.
‘Don’t send this message to anyone chat otherwise it will crash WhatsApp (happened only in Android),’ said @pandyaMayur11 in a tweet.
‘If already send it than [sic] use WhatsApp web or desktop application to delete this.’
Another user said on Twitter that ‘childish people’ on WhatsApp were sending the URL to group chats to deliberately cause problems for their fellow users on Android devices.
WhatsApp is currently developing a feature that will allow users to create a username and communicate without the need for a phone number. This feature is expected to be included in a future update of the app.
In addition, WhatsApp has announced that users can now link their account to up to five devices, including four additional phones. By scanning QR codes with their primary phone, users can connect these extra devices to their WhatsApp account. This is useful for individuals who use separate phones for work and personal use but want access to all their chats within a single WhatsApp account.
Originally launched in 2009 as a way to send text messages over the internet, WhatsApp was initially closely tied to a phone number. However, it is now possible to link multiple non-phone devices, such as PCs and tablets, to an account.
In 2021, WhatsApp enabled users to connect up to four additional non-phone devices to their account. By 2022, this feature was available globally and WhatsApp also introduced the ability to use the same account on multiple phones.
WhatsApp developers are also working on introducing animated emojis to the platform. Independent experts from WABetaInfo shared a GIF of the new “Face with Party Horn and Party Hat” emoji spinning and blowing a party horn. Some Twitter users have accused WhatsApp of copying this feature from its competitor Telegram, which already has animated emojis.