Can’t install WhatsApp on GrapheneOS

jomsraphene

Hello everyone,

I’ve just set up a GrapheneOS pixel9a and I’m running into the same roadblock no matter how I try to get WhatsApp installed:

Aurora Store
• I sideloaded the Aurora Store APK, logged in, searched for WhatsApp, and attempted the install.
• Installation immediately fails with a “Google Play integrity check” error.

Google Play Store (via sandboxed Play Services)
• I added a Play Store sandbox through GrapheneOS settings, installed Play Services, then installed WhatsApp from the Play Store.
• Again, the installer reports “couldn’t verify Google Play integrity” and aborts.

Direct APK from whatsapp.com
• Downloaded the official APK from WhatsApp’s website.
• Sideloaded via adb install and via Files → Install APK.
• Same “Google Play integrity” failure popup.

🤔 I’ve checked that:

My GrapheneOS install is fully up to date (June 2025 security patch).

I’m granting all required permissions to the installer.

The APK signature matches the one on the official site.

Yet it still refuses to install, insisting that “Google Play services” aren’t present or can’t be verified.

Has anyone else experienced this on GrapheneOS? Any chance there’s a workaround (e.g. patched APK, different sideload method), or is WhatsApp simply incompatible without full Play Services integration?

TIA for any tips or pointers!

dhhdjbd

I have whatsapp right now running on a profile without playservices. (So it definitly can run without playservices) I installed from playstore in owner profile tho.

What happens if you try it in a new profile? or in private space?

jomsraphene

Yes I did try that. On a profile with Google services sandboxed. I think it is related to this: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-integrity-hardware-attestation-3561592/

gwr

Install an older version that doesn't have this check, register/login, then updates and it will work.