The popular WhatsApp messaging app has stopped working on some Huawei smartphones used by Russian users, according to a report from Business FM.
Users who rely on unofficial WhatsApp clients are facing problems. Since the official version is not available in the AppGallery store, many Russians have turned to unofficial versions. When launched, these third party clients now show an error prompting users to switch to the original app. The error cannot be dismissed, and the program closes immediately with a dialog box.
One Russian woman who encountered the issue told Business FM that Meta, which is labeled extremist and banned in Russia, began disabling unofficial WhatsApp clients on March 8. Before the block, the app she used had warned for two weeks that she needed to transition to the official version.
A dissatisfied user said downloading the official version is not possible because AppGallery does not support Google services.
Another user reported that the problem could be resolved by installing WhatsApp from an APK file, as recommended by an acquaintance. There is no guarantee how long this workaround will stay unblocked.
Experts suggest that the long term remedy is to switch from a Huawei device to another Android phone.
There have been reports from Telegram channels claiming large sums of money are being spent on advertising by Yandex. These reports add to the broader discussion about mobile app access and platform controls in the region.
The situation highlights how app ecosystems and service availability can directly affect user experience on devices that rely on alternate app stores and services. Observers note that the disruption is not only technical but also tied to broader policy and regional rules governing app distribution and platform compatibility. As users and analysts monitor developments, the focus remains on how vendors, app developers, and regulators navigate the balance between security, accessibility, and user choice.
Citations: Business FM reports and related tech commentary.