Older Google Pixel phones have a green video glitch on WhatsApp

Update 02/12/24: A user has suggested the following workaround that solved the problem for them and one other person:

1. Go to your Camera settings.

2. Under Video settings, change the format in which videos are saved.

3. Set the FPS to AUTO instead of a specific value. Hope this helps someone!

Notably, this tip might not work for everyone, which is normal with unofficial solutions. Meanwhile, keep sharing feedback with the WhatsApp team to help diagnose and fix the problem asap.

Original article follows:

Sharing funny pet videos or that epic fail compilation with your friends on WhatsApp has become second nature. But for some Google Pixel users, this daily ritual has turned into a green nightmare. Owners of older Pixel models, specifically the Pixel 3 and 4 series, are reporting a bizarre problem: videos and GIFs sent via WhatsApp appear as a bright, distorted green screen. The audio remains intact, but the visuals are a mess.

The reports are widespread, yet oddly selective. The problem seems to be exclusive to older Pixel models, like the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 4a. Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9 and Pixel Fold users, as well as non-Pixel device owners, appear unaffected, suggesting this issue has a particular fondness for the elderly among Pixels. It’s also specific to WhatsApp. Videos sent via other platforms — such as Facebook Messenger — seem to work fine.

Interestingly, Pixel phones that have long stopped receiving updates (like the Pixel 3, which was last updated years ago, and the Pixel 4, last updated in 2022) are the primary victims. Even the Pixel 4a, which received its final updates as recently as late 2023, has joined the green glitch party.

Here’s a screenshot of the glitch:

Some Pixel owners note that this issue is limited to videos recorded directly on their devices. Forwarding a received video or sending a clip from a PC via WhatsApp Web works without a hitch.

Aging software may be the culprit here. The older Pixels are running outdated Android versions, which may no longer play nice with WhatsApp’s latest video compression methods. However, other devices running similarly old Android versions haven’t reported this issue, which adds to the mystery.

WhatsApp, which recently introduced features like message drafts and voice message transcripts, seems to have stumbled here. The app likely needs to tweak its compression algorithm to better support these older Pixels.

This isn’t the first time Pixel phones have hit a rough patch. Issues like casting limitations, Android update incompatibilities, and now this WhatsApp video bug seem to paint a picture of devices struggling to keep up with modern software. Pixels have long been praised for their camera prowess, so this video-sharing glitch hits right at the heart of their identity.

For now, Pixel owners can try a few workarounds:

• Send via PC: Transfer the video to a computer and send it through WhatsApp Web.
• Use other apps: If sharing via WhatsApp isn’t critical, other messaging apps like Telegram might be a better option.
• Wait for an update: This could be a WhatsApp-specific issue, so keeping the app updated may eventually resolve the glitch.

While this issue remains unresolved, it’s a reminder of how quickly software can leave older devices behind. For Pixel fans, this could be the beginning of a bittersweet farewell to their trusty devices as they consider an upgrade.

In addition to the green glitch affecting videos on older Pixel phones, some users running WhatsApp beta version 2.24.24.5 are now reporting a new twist: opening a chat turns the entire screen green before the app force closes. This variation of the bug highlights a broader issue with WhatsApp’s latest rollout, making it a frustrating experience for those affected.

As always, if this green-screen glitch has left you seeing red, you’re not alone — let’s hope a fix is on the horizon.

NOTE: The article has been updated to include the green screen issue affecting WhatsApp beta v2.24.24.5.