From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

WhatsApp pushed a mandatory update July 23, 2026 to version 2.26.29.70

WhatsApp complains for about a week that it needs to be updated.
Finally, Whatsapp shuts down today, wanting to be updated.

I press update inside the WhatsApp GUI.
It fails to update. I keep trying. It keeps failing.
I give up.

I uninstall WhatsApp but it asks if I want to keep 890MB of data.
I check the box to keep the data.
It's gone.

I have no Google account on the phone.
Hence, the Google Play store can't be logged into.

No problem, I think. I tap the Aurora icon
I search for WhatsApp and press the Install button.
It won't install version 2.26.29.70.
I keep tapping the Install box. It keeps failing.
I give up.

I point a desktop web browser to https://www.whatsapp.com/android
I click on "Download WhatsApp directly"

https://scontent.whatsapp.net/v/t61.25591-34/10000000_2456217974892921_2855212635676982708_n.apk/WhatsApp.apk
Name: WhatsApp.apk
Size: 138691679 bytes (132 MiB)
SHA256: 0C0AEDB9A99151F1F9569A6FB6F26BA25D3E7571CC61188CE781DF7E3A2057F4

On the desktop I connect to ADB over WiFi.

adb install "C\pathto\WhatsApp.apk"

Performing Streamed Install
Success

Back on Android, I look in the "New/Updated" section.
There it is. I move it to the dock.
I tap. It works. All my old data is still there.

I feel sorry for people who don't know how to use a phone.
--
On Usenet old men discuss problems they've solved over the decades.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-07-24 04:33, Maria Sophia wrote:

WhatsApp pushed a mandatory update July 23, 2026 to version 2.26.29.70

WhatsApp complains for about a week that it needs to be updated.
Finally, Whatsapp shuts down today, wanting to be updated.

I press update inside the WhatsApp GUI.
It fails to update. I keep trying. It keeps failing.
I give up.

I uninstall WhatsApp but it asks if I want to keep 890MB of data.
I check the box to keep the data.
It's gone.

I have no Google account on the phone.
Hence, the Google Play store can't be logged into.

No problem, I think. I tap the Aurora icon
I search for WhatsApp and press the Install button.
It won't install version 2.26.29.70.
I keep tapping the Install box. It keeps failing.
I give up.

I point a desktop web browser to https://www.whatsapp.com/android
I click on "Download WhatsApp directly"

https://scontent.whatsapp.net/v/t61.25591-34/10000000_2456217974892921_2855212635676982708_n.apk/WhatsApp.apk
Name: WhatsApp.apk
Size: 138691679 bytes (132 MiB)
SHA256: 0C0AEDB9A99151F1F9569A6FB6F26BA25D3E7571CC61188CE781DF7E3A2057F4

On the desktop I connect to ADB over WiFi.
c:\> adb install "C\pathto\WhatsApp.apk"
Performing Streamed Install
Success

Back on Android, I look in the "New/Updated" section.
There it is. I move it to the dock.
I tap. It works. All my old data is still there.

I feel sorry for people who don't know how to use a phone.

Why?

For normal people the update just happens without us even noticing
something happened.

Now don't you start, I know why you did all this.
--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E. R. wrote:

I feel sorry for people who don't know how to use a phone.

Why?

For normal people the update just happens without us even noticing
something happened.

Now don't you start, I know why you did all this.

The only reason I use Whatsapp anyway, is for hiqh quality media of the grandkids and great grandkids, although I'm aware RCS does that now too.

In my case, I never do what a marketing organization asks me to do.
Well, unless I have to. In this case, WhatsApp stopped working.

I never disagree with a logically sensible viewpoint, so I will easily
accept my phone is, um, er... shall we say not exactly stock Android.

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?


--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-07-24 19:30, Maria Sophia wrote:

Carlos E. R. wrote:

I feel sorry for people who don't know how to use a phone.

Why?

For normal people the update just happens without us even noticing
something happened.

Now don't you start, I know why you did all this.

The only reason I use Whatsapp anyway, is for hiqh quality media of the grandkids and great grandkids, although I'm aware RCS does that now too.

In my case, I never do what a marketing organization asks me to do.
Well, unless I have to. In this case, WhatsApp stopped working.

I never disagree with a logically sensible viewpoint, so I will easily
accept my phone is, um, er... shall we say not exactly stock Android.

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?

No. It just happens. Google Play does it. You can disable automatic
updates and do them when you choose to.
--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 19:30, Maria Sophia wrote:

[...]

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?

No. It just happens. Google Play does it. You can disable automatic
updates and do them when you choose to.

Well, it turns out WhatsApp is a special case. In the 'Play Store'
app, I have 'Enable auto update' turned off for all my apps, so also for WhatsApp. But lately, I noticed that WhatsApp no longer warns/asks for
updates.

This thread made me look into WhatsApp updating and I noticed there is
a setting *in* WhatsApp about updating, which I think was not there
before:

WhatsApp -> three vertical dots in upper right -> Settings -> App
updates -> App updates -> Auto-update WhatsApp -> is turned on.

I obviously did not turn this on, so despite what I told in the Play
Store app, WhatsApp still Auto-updates itself.

N.B. On the same page, there's a Notifications -> 'WhatsApp update available'/'Get notified when updates are available' switch, which is
also turned on, but I did not get any update notifications recently.
So I think that if the update switch is turned on, WhatsApp just updates
and does not bother to notify, even if the notifications switch is
turned on.

N.B.2. I still have Version 2.26.27.85, not 2.26.29.70 which 'Arlen' mentioned. Wonder why he was forced to update and I am not updates while 'Auto-update WhatsApp' is turned on.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-07-24 22:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 19:30, Maria Sophia wrote:

[...]

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?

No. It just happens. Google Play does it. You can disable automatic
updates and do them when you choose to.

Well, it turns out WhatsApp is a special case. In the 'Play Store'
app, I have 'Enable auto update' turned off for all my apps, so also for WhatsApp. But lately, I noticed that WhatsApp no longer warns/asks for updates.

This thread made me look into WhatsApp updating and I noticed there is
a setting *in* WhatsApp about updating, which I think was not there
before:

WhatsApp -> three vertical dots in upper right -> Settings -> App
updates -> App updates -> Auto-update WhatsApp -> is turned on.

I don't have "Settings -> App updates"

I obviously did not turn this on, so despite what I told in the Play
Store app, WhatsApp still Auto-updates itself.

N.B. On the same page, there's a Notifications -> 'WhatsApp update available'/'Get notified when updates are available' switch, which is
also turned on, but I did not get any update notifications recently.

I don't have this either.

So I think that if the update switch is turned on, WhatsApp just updates
and does not bother to notify, even if the notifications switch is
turned on.

N.B.2. I still have Version 2.26.27.85, not 2.26.29.70 which 'Arlen' mentioned. Wonder why he was forced to update and I am not updates while 'Auto-update WhatsApp' is turned on.

I have 2.26.28.77

I looked in Play Store and have 9 updates pending, but none of which are WhatsApp. I understand that Google pushes updates not at the same time
to every body, but maybe has a load distribution algorithm, or maybe
just delays updates to see if first adopters report problems.
--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E. R. wrote:

Wonder why he was forced to update and I am not updates while

'Auto-update WhatsApp' is turned on.

I have 2.26.28.77

I looked in Play Store and have 9 updates pending, but none of which are WhatsApp. I understand that Google pushes updates not at the same time
to every body, but maybe has a load distribution algorithm, or maybe
just delays updates to see if first adopters report problems.

This is all interesting information. As you know, I can't update via the
Play Store nor do I have Aurora set to update, so it has to be manual.

Yet, WhatsApp periodically says it needs to be updated, and I always let
the time run out, until WhatsApp literally stops working until I update.

Usually I can't update over the existing WhatsApp so I uninstall first.
Then it usually installs from Aurora, but this time that failed for me.

Dunno if it matters, but almost certainly the Google Play version is a
split installer whereas the WhatsApp web page version seems to be not.

My version was from the WhatsApp web site, which "may" or may not be the
Google Play store version. Looking, it says "Updated on Jul 22, 2026"

It also says "Version: Varies with device" on the USA download page.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp&hl=en-US

There is a "Download" button on the top right of the main web page:
https://www.whatsapp.com/

Where that button seems to be "smart" as it figures out the platform. https://get.microsoft.com/installer/download/9NKSQGP7F2NH?cid=website_cta_psi

Looking up how WhatsAPp updates, it does have a special beta mechanism, but
I don't know when/if that special beta mechanism is turned on (nor how).
WhatsApp uses Meta App Installer, which is a background system
that delivers updates independently of Google Play.

Also, it turns out, from looking it up, that WhatsApp seems to have a
built-in timed killswitch which is a forced-update lockout mechanism.

It's not an update mechanism. It's a compatibility enforcement mechanism. Instead of silently updating, WhatsApp simply blocks itself.
It warns you until time runs out, or until you update manually.

Apparently it's not well documented but apparently it shows up in the news
from time to time. This is said to show WhatsApp already has a server-controlled kill-switch mechanism for compliance, but it's confusing
to me so take that statement with a grain of salt. https://organiser.org/2026/02/28/342171/bharat/indias-sim-binding-mandate-how-the-dot-is-forcing-messaging-apps-to-link-services-strictly-to-active-sim-cards/

Next time WhatsApp stops working because my installed version hits
WhatsApp's server-side expiration cutoff, I'll snap a screenshot.
--
NB: I find it interesting the Gogle Play page says
"No data shared with third parties"
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 22:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 19:30, Maria Sophia wrote:

[...]

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?

No. It just happens. Google Play does it. You can disable automatic
updates and do them when you choose to.

Well, it turns out WhatsApp is a special case. In the 'Play Store'
app, I have 'Enable auto update' turned off for all my apps, so also for WhatsApp. But lately, I noticed that WhatsApp no longer warns/asks for updates.

This thread made me look into WhatsApp updating and I noticed there is
a setting *in* WhatsApp about updating, which I think was not there
before:

WhatsApp -> three vertical dots in upper right -> Settings -> App updates -> App updates -> Auto-update WhatsApp -> is turned on.

I don't have "Settings -> App updates"

I obviously did not turn this on, so despite what I told in the Play Store app, WhatsApp still Auto-updates itself.

N.B. On the same page, there's a Notifications -> 'WhatsApp update available'/'Get notified when updates are available' switch, which is
also turned on, but I did not get any update notifications recently.

I don't have this either.

So I think that if the update switch is turned on, WhatsApp just updates and does not bother to notify, even if the notifications switch is
turned on.

N.B.2. I still have Version 2.26.27.85, not 2.26.29.70 which 'Arlen' mentioned. Wonder why he was forced to update and I am not updates while 'Auto-update WhatsApp' is turned on.

I have 2.26.28.77

Somewhat strange that you have a newer version, but not these settings
in WhatsApp. The Play Store app says that my WhatsApp was updated 2 days
ago, so this 'Auto-update WhatsApp' setting is working for me.

Coming to think of it, it could be that because you have set
auto-update in the Play Store app, WhatsApp doesn't bother to show the
'App updates' settings, because auto-update is already on in the Play
Store app.

I looked in Play Store and have 9 updates pending, but none of which are WhatsApp. I understand that Google pushes updates not at the same time
to every body, but maybe has a load distribution algorithm, or maybe
just delays updates to see if first adopters report problems.

If my 'Coming to think of it,...' thought is correct, it does all make
sense after all.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: comp.mobile.android

On 2026-07-25 12:00, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 22:18, Frank Slootweg wrote:

Carlos E. R. <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

On 2026-07-24 19:30, Maria Sophia wrote:

[...]

So I don't even know why WhatsApp failed to update on my device.
I'm curious. When others use WhatsApp, does it ask to update?

No. It just happens. Google Play does it. You can disable automatic
updates and do them when you choose to.

Well, it turns out WhatsApp is a special case. In the 'Play Store'
app, I have 'Enable auto update' turned off for all my apps, so also for >>> WhatsApp. But lately, I noticed that WhatsApp no longer warns/asks for
updates.

This thread made me look into WhatsApp updating and I noticed there is >>> a setting *in* WhatsApp about updating, which I think was not there
before:

WhatsApp -> three vertical dots in upper right -> Settings -> App
updates -> App updates -> Auto-update WhatsApp -> is turned on.

I don't have "Settings -> App updates"

I obviously did not turn this on, so despite what I told in the Play >>> Store app, WhatsApp still Auto-updates itself.

N.B. On the same page, there's a Notifications -> 'WhatsApp update
available'/'Get notified when updates are available' switch, which is
also turned on, but I did not get any update notifications recently.

I don't have this either.

So I think that if the update switch is turned on, WhatsApp just updates >>> and does not bother to notify, even if the notifications switch is
turned on.

N.B.2. I still have Version 2.26.27.85, not 2.26.29.70 which 'Arlen' >>> mentioned. Wonder why he was forced to update and I am not updates while >>> 'Auto-update WhatsApp' is turned on.

I have 2.26.28.77

Somewhat strange that you have a newer version, but not these settings
in WhatsApp. The Play Store app says that my WhatsApp was updated 2 days
ago, so this 'Auto-update WhatsApp' setting is working for me.

Coming to think of it, it could be that because you have set
auto-update in the Play Store app, WhatsApp doesn't bother to show the
'App updates' settings, because auto-update is already on in the Play
Store app.

Could be.

I looked in Play Store and have 9 updates pending, but none of which are
WhatsApp. I understand that Google pushes updates not at the same time
to every body, but maybe has a load distribution algorithm, or maybe
just delays updates to see if first adopters report problems.

If my 'Coming to think of it,...' thought is correct, it does all make sense after all.

--
Cheers,
Carlos E.R.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2