WhatsApp "You need the official WhatsApp to log in".

indiangos

I don't think WhatsApp apk source where you install from or country/IP not matching is causing the issue.

Because I just was able to transfer all my chats from WhatsApp in another graphene device to another (don't remember if the VPN was on).

And it worked.

But I tried with other phone number in a work profile installed WhatsApp and "add account" in owner profile,

In both instances I got "unofficial WhatsApp" error page.

I don't think WhatsApp bans a number which has a lot of history using WhatsApp.

I think its WhatsApp when sign up, only then checks with google services / play Integrity API and that's the main cause.

I am using Beeper (on-device) linked, hopefully this setup works but WhatsApp metadata like my prpfile, status, other profiles etc is not there on Beeper.

I will try to switch on Google Services in Work profile with my country code matching the IP.

And report back.

RedDeath

indiangos So? what happened?

Jake

There doesn't seem to be any clear consensus here. But just to give an update since my last comment way back when:
I never got whatsapp working when I last tried, I tried installing from their website, I tried pretty much all the things I've read here if I remember correctly. In the end I switched to Signal, which I guess some would say is a win. But it's definitely frustrating that such a popular app seems to have questionable support

gos-users

I have a Pixel 6, and this morning I tried to migrate to a Pixel 9.

My Google services are set up on my account. All my apps work, including my banking apps.

However, I’m unable to register on WhatsApp.

I get the message: ‘You need the official WhatsApp to log in.’

As a workaround, I was only able to use WhatsApp in Companion Device mode. But that’s not ideal because I really need to migrate my old account to this new phone.

xxx

gos-users ‘You need the official WhatsApp to log in.’

As a workaround,

This is a real bummer. Apps getting more stupid all the time.

gos-users

I’m migrating from a Pixel 6 to a Pixel 9. All Google services and apps (including banking) work on the new phone. WhatsApp is the only app I can’t complete setup for when using my existing phone number.

Issue

After installing WhatsApp from the Google Play Store (official) on the Pixel 9 and entering my number, I’m prompted to approve something on my Pixel 6.

As soon as I approve on the Pixel 6, the Pixel 9 shows: “You need the official WhatsApp to log in.”

Registration aborts at that point.

Important clues

The problem occurs only when the number is already registered on WhatsApp.

If I try with a brand-new number that has never been registered, setup on the Pixel 9 completes successfully.

I can use the Pixel 9 as a Companion Device to the Pixel 6, but I need a full migration of my main account to the Pixel 9.

What I’ve tried

Installed from Play Store (not sideloaded), tried reinstalling and clearing cache/data.

Granted all permissions on both phones (Phone, SMS, Contacts, Notifications, Nearby Devices, Files/Media).

Checked Google Play Services and Play Store; both updated. Also tried after reboots, different networks (Wi-Fi and mobile), and with/without VPN.

Ensured date/time are automatic and matching on both devices.

gos-users

Quick update with an additional issue related to passkeys.

On my Pixel 6, I use Proton Pass. I re-created a passkey and registration works perfectly.

On my Pixel 9, I installed Proton Pass as well. When WhatsApp prompts me for my passkey, I immediately get this error:

“Something went wrong. Couldn’t log in with your passkey. Please use another verification method.”

This only happens on the Pixel 9; the same flow works on the Pixel 6.

Steps tried on Pixel 9

Proton Pass installed, signed in, and unlocked

Android Autofill and credential provider set to Proton Pass

Screen lock & biometrics enabled

Reinstalled WhatsApp; cleared cache/data

Restarted device; tried Wi-Fi and mobile data

Google Play Services and Play Store up to date

Could you confirm if this is a known passkey/attestation or permission issue on Pixel 9? If useful, I can provide exact app versions and logs.

randomname

Always used up to date whatsapp on p4 and then p8, from aurora, never used play services, never had an issue, no vpn. i'll just stop using it if i get blocked maybe even if they don't block me, too much scandals about faccebook and data collection, fingerprinting, profiling etc. Plus it constantly crash with memory tagging enabled

xpatbr82

Hello all, new to forum. I had a pixel 6 pro working with Whatsapp fine a couple years ago, then phone broke and sat in drawer for long time. After repairing and wiping/updating the phone, only Whatsapp seems to not be working. It will not even load anything to be able to register phone #. Just never ending loading screen.
Whatsapp is essential in my country. We dont use SMS. normal communication is Whatsapp. I tried compatibility mode and nothing changed.

dc32f0cfe84def651e0e

I switched to another Pixel today. Secondary user, no Goolag stuff, Whatsapp installed with Aurora store (my conscious choice). It doesn't send authentication code nor does it call. I installed sandboxed Google Play services, then it all worked. I uninstalled GP afterwards.

Novalissoide

dc32f0cfe84def651e0e then it all worked. I uninstalled GP afterwards

Just for absolute certainty: Uninstalled

Sandboxed Google Play Services
or
Sandboxed Google Play Store
or
Both?

dc32f0cfe84def651e0e

Novalissoide I uninstalled both Sandboxed Google Play Services and Sandboxed Google Play Store.

Whatsapp was working flawlessly on my previous Pixel without Google stuff as well.

Novalissoide

dc32f0cfe84def651e0e understood. Really good to know, thank you.

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