A bug in WhatsApp is causing the receiver’s video feed to go completely black during video calls, and it appears to be hitting iPhone users across several device generations. Reports started surfacing around Sunday, March 22, with users on Reddit’s r/iphone, r/iPhone17Pro, and r/whatsapp all posting about the same problem within hours of each other.
The issue is not limited to one model either. Users with iPhones 13, 14, 15, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro Max have all reported it. One user, u/Disastrous-Cap8123 on r/iPhone17Pro, confirmed it was exclusive to WhatsApp, not FaceTime. That alone points a finger squarely at the app rather than iOS.
Reinstalling WhatsApp appears to work briefly. Multiple users, including u/Due_Bed_7994, who first posted about it on r/iphone, tried that fix and said it resolved things for a few hours before the black screen returned. u/Ok_Produce_2686 on r/iPhone17Pro followed up saying, “Update: it didn’t work.”
It’s not completely universal either. u/Sad-Ranger-2628 noted the bug seems tied to specific contacts, not every call. A Samsung Galaxy S24 user on r/whatsapp also reported the same black screen behavior, which suggests this may not be an iPhone-only problem and could be something on WhatsApp’s server or app side. But that was the only report I could find from an Android user.
FaceTime and other video calling apps like Instagram and Facebook Messenger appear to be working fine for those affected, which, for now, rules out a broader camera permission or iOS issue. One user in the thread, u/_Dee_1992, said they had just switched to Messenger as a workaround.
WhatsApp has not acknowledged the bug publicly. So it’s unclear when a fix might arrive. But I would suggest keeping an eye out for any updates on the App Store.
Featured image credit: u/Due_Bed_7994 / Reddit
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Dwayne Cubbins
1450 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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