There are certain WhatsApp messages, which may crash the app after receiving them. This can have unpleasant consequences for some users. There’s only one thing you can do.
Beware of this WhatsApp message
A WhatsApp message with a malicious string of characters can render the messenger unusable. It crashes the app every time you try to open it.
The only solution is: You delete WhatsApp from your phone and then reinstall Messenger. However, this could pose a problem for some users. Because if you have not created a backup of the chat history, you will lose the WhatsApp messages. If you attach great importance to this, you should make sure that there is always a current backup.
you can do that
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent a WhatsApp message from being sent to you with the special characters. But at least you can take precautions: Make sure that you only allow invitations to groups of your own contacts. That way you at least know that you only end up in groups with your contacts.
This is how you set it up:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right.
- Select “Settings” and then “Account”.
- Tap on “Privacy”.
- Scroll down to “Groups” and select it.
- Select “My Contacts” when asked “Who can add me to groups”.
- Tap Done.
Now only your contacts can add you to groups. That minimizes the possibility of receiving a WhatsApp message with the special character string.
Source: t-online, own research