Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.10 with WhatsApp Desktop 2.25.1.83 problem. Application failed to start "4" error

Question

Level 1

12 points

Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.10 with WhatsApp Desktop 2.25.1.83 problem. Application failed to start "4" error

Hello everyone,

Today I updated the latest version of Whatsapp (2.25.1.83) from the AppStore on my Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.10 computer. However, after the update, it started giving the error "Whatsapp.app cannot be opened (4)" again.

I deleted and reinstalled it, but it gave the same error again. I deleted Whatsapp. I found the previous version as a .dmg and when I installed it (2.24.25.94), the problem was solved. However, this version will become unusable in a few days.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem? Is Whatsapp having a problem with Big Sur?

iMac 27″

Posted on Feb 6, 2025 10:35 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Nalbantoğlu Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 19, 2025 11:09 AM in response to Nalbantoğlu

Best solution:

Download the Native version (not .dmg; native version for osx in .zip) in Whatsapp website of 24.25.94 version and install it from here. Other AppStore or old .dmg version also fails to open. This is not the case in the native version. Probably updates components unintentionally. It works and there is no need to update. It works without any problems. Close the updates and make Whatsapp.app Locked from Finder. You can continue to use the Whatsapp application without any problems until the problem is solved. Tried in both Big Sur/Monterey.

I think the problem in the new version is probably caused by an instruction set that is not available in older generation Intel CPUs. They may have done something like this without thinking about backward compatibility or by overlooking it in order to make the application faster.

The solution I mentioned is the most successful way until it is solved.

Reply

Answer 2

Daniel-P

Level 1

8 points

Mar 3, 2025 6:25 AM in response to Simon Beer1

Simon Beer1 wrote:

Exactly. Nalbantoğlu seems to have a different version.

For the rest of us, we are FORCED to update. 😭

We were all forced to update, even him didn't escaped from that as he said on a post. The only solution at the moment is using the OpcodeEmulator kernel extension (at your own risk), so far it's working fine for me, at least until WhatsApp stops working on Big Sur in May 5th.The other solution is switching to WhatsApp Web or, of course, buying a newer Mac lol

Reply

Answer 3

Feb 15, 2025 3:25 AM in response to Lance.scs

I uninstalled all parts of the program with AppCleaner (great free app). Installing old versions only FORCES you to upgrade to the latest, which does not work.

The minimum requirements (macOS 11) have not changed. Therefore we can only WAIT until they fix this buggy app and release a new version. And just hope it works.😱😭😰

Please everyone report the bug to WhatsApp on X.com as we can't us the in app bug report system!!!🤬

Reply

Answer 4

Nalbantoğlu Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 19, 2025 11:20 AM in response to Daniel-P

First, delete WhatsApp using AppCleaner or a similar application. Delete your Mac in your phone whatsapp logged devices.

After, Download Whatsapp native for osx 24.25.94. Be careful, it will be in .zip format, not .dmg. You will download it from Whatsapp's website. You can find the link by searching on Google, it does not allow us to write here.

After putting the .App file in the Applications folder, right click on Whatsapp without opening it and check the "Locked" box.

Then open it, scan the QR code, skip the incoming update message box by clicking skip this version.

It still works like this for me right now.

Reply

Answer 5

Nalbantoğlu Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 20, 2025 3:08 AM in response to Simon Beer1

If it only works for me, that's not great, I want it to work for you too

Don't forget to delete the app you downloaded from the appstore with AppCleaner. Otherwise it will never work. Not only the App but also the files it left in other places need to be removed. ,

And the native app you downloaded should be downloaded as a .zip. The .zip link cannot be found on the Whatsapp site. I can't share it here, it's forbidden to give a link. Look at the photo I shared ;)

The problem must be announced to Whatsapp from Twitter/X. As a result, the problem must be solved to some extent with these solutions.

Reply

Answer 6

Feb 15, 2025 7:47 AM in response to Nalbantoğlu

I had the same problem with 25.2.83 but on my iPhone. As soon as I updated WhatsApp it started crashing on opening. I suspect the issue might have something to do with iCloud, as what finally fixed it was disabling whatapp in “sync to iCloud”. (After 3 days of trying everything under the sun)

Reply

Answer 7

Nalbantoğlu Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 7, 2025 2:05 AM in response to blublu01

Today I upgraded my computer to Monterey ( 12.7.6 ). The same problem persists. The old version is fine, but the new versions never open. If you don't completely delete it (with an app like appcleaner), the old version does the same thing. An annoying problem.

Reply

Answer 8

Feb 20, 2025 3:06 AM in response to hardik162

Unfortunately Apple cannot do anything.

EVERYONE HERE should message WhatsApp on X to tell them it's broken and to fix it ASAP!

I have done this already. Twice.🤬

Reply

Answer 9

Feb 11, 2025 9:32 AM in response to Nalbantoğlu

I am also on Monterery 12.7.6 and WhatsApp has been working fine. Now it stopped working and installing old versions just force you to download the latest version.

Neither App Store or the WhatsApp website download version of latest app seem to work.

I get a crash report including:

Termination Reason: Namespace SIGNAL, Code 4 Illegal instruction: 4

WhatsApp is sooooooo buggy.😔

Reply

Answer 10

Feb 14, 2025 8:20 PM in response to Nalbantoğlu

I am running macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur.and have the very same issue.

It makes no sense to reinstall the old version bc this is outdated.

Further I have uninstalled and re installed Whatsapp with the same result: Code 4 illegal instruction

I have asked Whatsapp-help to check.

They asked my telephone number and that was the end of the customer help.

The app works very well on my iPhone and in Safari but the desktop prog refuses to open.

Has anyone an idea of a workaround?

Reply

Answer 11

Daniel-P

Level 1

8 points

Feb 15, 2025 1:25 PM in response to Nalbantoğlu

Hi, I have the same issue, looks like it's happening on Intel-based Macs. I think they messed something in the code. I tried reaching WhatsApp support to submit the issue but their support system is awful, it opens a chat on WhatsApp, managed by AI, that doesn't work when the issue is not related with the topics on the list. You can't also submit screenshots or any logs. Can't even talk to a real person to explain further...

Reply

Answer 12

Nalbantoğlu Author

Level 1

12 points

Feb 23, 2025 9:25 AM in response to Simon Beer1

Today, unfortunately, my Whatsapp is gone. It forced me to update it.

I wrote a status to Whatsapp twice on Twitter. They updated the new version, but unfortunately it doesn't work either.

My processor supports SSE 4.1, 4.2 and AVX. I don't think they will use another instruction set. Let's see how this problem is resolved.

They probably won't fix the problem.

Reply

Answer 13

Daniel-P

Level 1

8 points

Feb 20, 2025 8:43 AM in response to Nalbantoğlu

Unfortunately, this doesn't work either. Have you tried force closing WhatsApp and try opening again to see if you're still able to use that version?

Reply

Answer 14

Feb 19, 2025 1:01 PM in response to Daniel-P

Exactly. No choice.

It's annoying that some people are suggesting to dowload old versions, when they ALL force you to update.

WhatsApp is a turd. So buggy under normal circumstances. I regularly have to reconnect to my phone.

Reply

Answer 15

Feb 19, 2025 2:00 PM in response to Nalbantoğlu

If it works for you that's great, Nalbantoğlu. But it seems you are the only one to get it to work.

The rest of us are forced to update. So frustrating. I have also tried 2.24.25.94 with the same result.

Reply

Mac OS Big Sur 11.7.10 with WhatsApp Desktop 2.25.1.83 problem. Application failed to start "4" error

Similar questions