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WhatsApp users are warned not to send a link that crashes the app and forces users to keep restarting.
The offending URL – wa.me/settings – would normally direct users to the WhatsApp settings page.
But when the URL is sent in an individual or group chat, WhatsApp will crash and force users to reopen the app – though it’s not clear why.
When the app is restarted, it seems to work normally again unless users try to open the chat with the link.
The so-called ‘crash loop’ bug continues to affect Android users until the message containing the link is removed (file photo)
The annoying bug seems to be an issue for Android phones only, meaning iOS and desktop apps are not affected.
So all Android users experiencing it may need to use the desktop version of WhatsApp to delete the message with the URL.
WhatsApp for desktop can be easily downloaded for Windows PCs and linked to an account using a QR code and a smartphone.
alternative those affected can ask their chat partner(s) to delete the message, although they may only be able to do so if they are not using WhatsApp on Android.
The so-called ‘crash loop’ bug was spotted by Twitter user @pandyaMayur11 and reported by android authority.
“Don’t send this message to anyone who is chatting or WhatsApp will crash (only happened in Android),” @pandyaMayur11 said in a tweet.
‘If you send it at all [sic] use WhatsApp web or desktop application to remove this.’
Another user said on Twitter that “childish people” on WhatsApp sent the URL to group chats to deliberately cause trouble for their fellow users on Android devices.
One user said on Twitter that “childish people” on WhatsApp sent the URL to group chats to deliberately cause trouble for Android users.
MailOnline has reached out to Meta, Mark Zuckerberg’s company that owns and operates WhatsApp, for comment.
It follows news that WhatsApp may be developing the ability to set up a WhatsApp username, which will allow users to message people without a phone number.
According to leaker site, WABetaInfothe feature is currently under development and will be available in a future update of the app.
WhatsApp recently announced this users can get their WhatsApp account on up to four additional phones, or five in total.
WhatsApp users can link these four additional “companion” smartphones by scanning QR codes with their primary phone.
The feature caters to those who have a phone for work and a phone for personal use, but still want all their chats under one WhatsApp account – although some said mistrustful couples will try to log into their partner’s account.
WhatsApp, first released in 2009, is designed to send the equivalent of text messages, but over the internet.
For this reason, a WhatsApp account has always been closely linked to an individual telephone number, although it has recently become possible to link multiple non-telephone devices to an account.
The Meta app is developing the ability to set a WhatsApp username, according to leaker site WABetaInfo
In 2021, WhatsApp began allowing users to link up to four additional non-phone devices such as PCs and tablets to their account, independent of a telephone.
This means that a user can, for example, run their phone, two tablets and two PCs all with the same WhatsApp account.
This feature was rolled out globally in 2022, but WhatsApp took it a step further by introducing the ability to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple phones as well.
It follows news that WhatsApp developers are working on bringing animated emojis to the platform, according to independent experts WABetaInfo.
A GIF of the new emoji in action shows the “Face with Party Horn and Party Hat” emoji spinning while blowing a party horn.
One of WhatsApp’s main rivals, Telegram, already has animated emojis, leading to accusations from some users on Twitter that WhatsApp is “stealing” the idea.