WhatsApp’s latest beta version, 2.24.24.5, has left many users frustrated as it brings a severe error that turns the screen green upon opening a chat. This problem, which also includes frequent force-close events, has made the popular messaging app nearly unusable for beta testers.
The issue, reported over the weekend, appears to be limited to this specific beta version. Users who experience it describe a green screen blocking chat access and sudden crashes that close the app, preventing them from sending or receiving messages.
New WhatsApp green screen bug is making the app unusable https://t.co/iIMaEIqh5v
— USMAN YUSUF™ (@ussmo) November 11, 2024
A Temporary Solution: Rolling Back to a Previous Version
Currently, the only consistent fix for those impacted is to return to an earlier beta version, 2.24.24.4, which doesn’t have this problem. However, rolling back isn’t straightforward. WhatsApp’s betas are now distributed as app bundles, which complicates the uninstall and reinstall process. Users attempting this rollback may need to follow these steps:
- Back up chat history – Before uninstalling, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to save conversations to cloud storage.
- Uninstall the current version – Locate WhatsApp in the device’s app settings and uninstall it completely.
- Download an older version – Trusted APK sources like APKMirror offer older WhatsApp beta versions, but users may need a tool like APKMirror Installer to handle app bundles.
- Reinstall and restore backup – After reinstalling, open WhatsApp to restore the saved chat history.
While technical, these steps can restore WhatsApp functionality.
Expected Fixes Ahead
Reports of this issue have spread widely on social media, with users tagging WhatsApp’s official accounts for attention. Given the high volume of feedback, the app’s developers are likely aware and may release a fix in the next update. Users affected by the green screen and force-close issues could see a resolution within days as developers work to restore the app.
Until then, beta users may want to avoid updating or consider temporarily switching to the stable version of WhatsApp if they rely heavily on the app’s day-to-day functionality.
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