Earlier only some users reported that their WhatsApp was facing some kind of issue around the first week of January, but the problem seems to have spread to more users from the midnight of 13 January. Many users of the chat app have taken to social media platforms to express their frustration.
The users claim that WhatsApp is asking them to update the app to continue using the service. The option to update the app comes after opening the app and the message that they see on their screen says 'This version of WhatsApp became obsolete 0n 13 Jan, 2018. Please go to the Google Play Store and download the latest version.' But, according to users, even after going to the Google Play Store, they are not able to download the latest version of the app, as there are no updates available. The app also claims that the user is on a beta testing program and offers the user an option to leave the program.
Tapping the opt-out button doesn't do anything, according to various users on Twitter. The problem seems to exist mostly for Xiaomi smartphone users as those who are complaining appear to be using Xiaomi devices. Some claim that the app is not working even after re-installing it. But one cannot be absolutely sure if it is only in Xiaomi phones or other phones as well.
According to a report on Techook.com WhatsApp has acknowledged the problem faced by its users and said that the problem is being fixed. WhatsApp has issued a statement which read, "It was a problem with how our app is distributed, which is not under our control”.
The Facebook owned app had also suffered a global outage on New Year's eve and the service was restored only after a few hours later.
