Unable to send links or photos in WhatsApp on iPhone

I just found on twitter that the problem occurs when Face ID lock is activated for WhatsApp, from the app (I mean, on WhatsApp settings/privacy/app lock). I also found that it does NOT happen when you activate the Face ID lock for the app from the iOS menu (tap and hold on WhatsApp/require Face ID).

is not a fix but at least now we know what causes it and a temporary fix 😀

Hope it helps!

I have contacted Whatsapp.

The issue is withe App Lock/Face ID to unlock whatsapp.

If you disable the app lock/face id, it works perfectly for sharing.

Whatsapp have been informed and the AI advises it will be highlighted to tech team to fix.

In meantime-im going to have face id app lock activated - but disable it when need to share a link-then put it back on again.

Hope that helps people.

Hi everyone,

I identified the cause of an issue where it’s not possible to share URLs or content from Safari (or other apps) to WhatsApp on iOS.

During my test on an iPhone 15 running iOS 26.0.1, I confirmed that the problem occurs when Face ID lock is enabled from within WhatsApp’s own settings:

WhatsApp → Settings → Privacy → App Lock → Unlock with Face ID

In this configuration, iOS cannot properly activate WhatsApp in the background to receive shared content.

I resolved the issue by disabling the Face ID lock inside WhatsApp and enabling it instead from iOS itself:

Long-press on the WhatsApp icon → “Require Face ID”

This way, the sharing function works correctly again, and the app remains protected by Face ID at the system level.

I expect that a permanent fix will need to come from WhatsApp in a future update, but this workaround allows normal use without compromising security.

Hope this helps!

Did you already check for WhatsApp updates?

Or force restart your iPhone?

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

If you remove app lock on WhatsApp privacy settings it works. But you will lose opening of whatsapp via face.

disabling whatsapp face ID worked for me. i can live without it.

I disabled the Face ID. Go to settings-privacy-app lock-and turn off the require Face ID. It worked instantly for me when I did this.

Taking off Face ID in whatapp setting worked for me thanks

tempete wrote:

Thanks all for the workaround (disabling faceID lock). But this is not normal. If we add security lock in WhatsApp it’s for security reasons and now it blocks basic link sharing feature. Has to be fixed. Nothing prevents WhatsApp to rescan your facID just before clicking on « next » while sharing a link. Or… it is an Apple issue. Whatever, needs to be fixed.

You can share links with other apps using the Face ID lock, so obviously it is something that WhatsApp needs to fix. Unfortunately they do not have a support forum such as this for users to discuss issues and their customer support is terrible with no phone number to call for any resolution. Support for WhatsApp had gone downhill since it was sold to Meta.

I have disabled the app lock from whatsapp settings and enabled require face id option from ios menu..

it works for me. Although it is temporary solution for now.

Just wondering if you’ve been able to solve it? Exactly the same happened with me since yesterday.. had a long chat with WhatsApp support & outcome (after trying every suggestion) was to try deleting the app and reinstalling it. Really don’t want to go to those lengths if possible.

Go to WhatsApp Settings->Privacy change the status to My contacts to fix this issue on the iPhone.

Meta has updated WhatsApp 13 times in just the last month with the most recent one being 4 days ago. Eventually they will get it right, so make sure you are always using the latest version of WhatsApp by having Automatic Updates turned on in the App Store.

You can continue to contact WhatsApp to put pressure on them, but they have very limited support and certainly no support site such as this where user complaints are made public.

davestanford78 wrote:

Since yesterday I can't send a link or attach a photo etc in whatsapp.

It just won’t let me hit ‘next’ or ‘send’

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

sounds like a third party app issue—

if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/updates…

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Thanks all for the workaround (disabling faceID lock). But this is not normal. If we add security lock in WhatsApp it’s for security reasons and now it blocks basic link sharing feature. Has to be fixed. Nothing prevents WhatsApp to rescan your facID just before clicking on « next » while sharing a link. Or… it is an Apple issue. Whatever, needs to be fixed.