WhatsApp's Apple Watch debut marred by crashes on SE models during sync

WhatsApp users with Apple Watch SE models are running into a frustrating problem just days after the messaging app’s much-anticipated wearable debut. The app, which launched on November 4, repeatedly crashes when users try to open it on their SE watches, particularly during the initial chat sync process.​

Reports started flooding in almost immediately after the rollout. One SE owner described the experience on Reddit, noting that the app closes itself right after opening. The pattern is consistent: users tap the WhatsApp icon, a loading animation appears briefly as the app attempts to sync conversations, and then it crashes back to the home screen.​

The problem isn’t limited to just one generation either. Both first-gen and second-gen SE models are affected, despite WhatsApp’s official blog post listing compatibility with Apple Watch Series 4 and later running watchOS 10 or newer. Several users have already tried the standard troubleshooting steps like reinstalling the app and restarting both their watch and iPhone, but nothing seems to work.​

While SE models dominate the complaint threads, a smaller number of Series 4 and Series 5 owners have also reported similar crashes. The app appears to struggle specifically with the chat synchronization process on these older but officially supported devices. Users see the sync animation for a few seconds before the app abruptly closes.​​

One individual even posted a video on X as proof. Check it out below:

WhatsApp hasn’t publicly acknowledged the problem yet, and there’s no timeline for a fix. The timing is rough considering this is the app’s first proper standalone experience on Apple Watch, complete with features like voice message recording and message reactions. For now, affected users are stuck waiting while newer watch models seem to be working fine.​

The Apple Watch troubles come as WhatsApp rolls out other significant updates elsewhere. The platform just enabled third-party chat compatibility in Europe through BirdyChat, marking the first real implementation of Digital Markets Act requirements for messaging interoperability.

We’ll keep an eye out for any further developments and will update this article if and when there’s something new to share.