Can a simple glitch prevent you from using WhatsApp? The truth is that yes. Also, it’s not something unique; We have seen it on other occasions, in other applications and also other online services. In this case, it is a denial of service bug that affects WhatsApp on Android phones. A person, in case of exploiting this bug, could prevent you from entering the application and being left without using this messaging program. We tell you how it works.
However, there is a solution in case you have this problem. Not all is lost, even if at first you find that you cannot open your WhatsApp on Android. You will not be able to answer messages, or do anything. And beware, it is something really easy to do, so be very careful when trying it.
This error prevents you from entering WhatsApp
You can see this error in the Twitter from DragonJAR – Computer Security. It is a Colombian company specialized in cybersecurity and hacking. They have discovered this bug that affects WhatsApp on Android. It simply consists of writing a message in a group and, automatically, WhatsApp is blocked for anyone who tries to access that group.
It basically means that you write that message and all the people in that group who have Android will suffer the blocking of the program. They will not be able to access to send messages, leave that group, etc. The message is exactly “wa.me/settings”. Something as simple as that. We say again: do not try it, since you are going to block the WhatsApp of the people in that group.
In addition, as they add in another comment on Twitter, there have been users who have also tried it in individual conversations. Although it seems that the error does not always occur, there are times when the application also crashes and, as in the case of groups, leaves you without access.
Solution to the problem
It is not something irreversible, since luckily there is an option to solve the problem. You will not be able to do it if you simply have an Android mobile where you have put that message or someone has done it, but through another device. You will be able to connect to WhatsApp Web or use the application on iOS.
In this case, what you have to do is delete the message that contains what is causing the problem. But of course, for this you will have to be an administrator of the group. Otherwise, you could not have the control to kick users and the problem will continue to be present for everyone who uses the app on Android.
When the message is removed, the problem is automatically fixed. Blocked people have access to the program again. They will be able to enter the group, send messages, read them, etc. If that message is sent to a group again, the problem reappears and the same process would have to be followed.
As you can see, this bug can cause WhatsApp to crash. Be careful when trying it and, in case you want to do it, do it in a safe environment, with devices that you can control and in groups in which you have your own numbers so as not to affect other people. You should always be careful with fake links on WhatsApp and now also with this type of bug.