A recent WhatsApp update has caused quite a stir among its beta testers. The new version, 2.25.5.8, was supposed to bring some improvements, but it’s been a rocky ride so far. Since its installation, many users have been experiencing issues with downloading or viewing pictures and videos from chats. To make matters worse, voice messages can’t be listened to, and some users, like the X account of Hob, have taken to social media to report these problems.
Meta was quick to release a new update, version 2.25.5.16, which was supposed to fix the bug. While it did resolve the media download issue, it introduced new problems – stickers, GIFs, and emojis can no longer be sent. Wabetanfo even tweeted about it, highlighting the frustration of many users.
What should users do?
If you’re using the WhatsApp beta version on your Android device, you might want to hold off on updating or switch to the live version of WhatsApp. Google has a support page that explains how to leave an app, which might come in handy in this situation. Alternatively, you can reset WhatsApp to an older version, but be sure to back up your chats and contacts first. You can find older versions on websites like APK Mirror, but be cautious when downloading from third-party sources.
For now, it seems like the only other option is to wait for another update, which Meta will hopefully release soon. At least the problem is known to the developers, and they’ve already shown that they can deliver a quick bug fix. In the meantime, you can explore other features of WhatsApp, like using it as a calculator or customizing your chat designs and colors.