WhatsApp Security Flaw Exposes Private Photos on Some Android Phones Through Locked-Screen Video Calls
A severe privacy breach has been found in WhatsApp for Android mobiles that will enable any person to access all your personal photos without having to unlock your device. The vulnerability has initially been found by @VBarraquito and then verified by NotebookCheck. Unlike the other bugs where the hacker gets remote access to the phone, here the hacker needs the phone to perform the hack. If someone gets hold of your unlocked phone, anyone who has that phone in his hands will have access to your pictures without the passcode, PIN, or fingerprint.
The hack described above doesn’t involve any kind of technical skills or knowledge. It is done using the normal features of WhatsApp video calls. If someone receives a WhatsApp video call while the phone is locked, that person receives the call through WhatsApp. After receiving the call, when you tap the effects feature in the chat window, it displays the options related to effects, filters, and backgrounds. Next, users are supposed to click on the background option.
Be aware that your photos can be accessed without unlocking your phone when you receive a WhatsApp video call on Android.
This is in plain sight. It’s not hidden, not a secret feature. Not a hack.
This has already been reported to Meta and Google.#Privacy#Security#Android17pic.twitter.com/F7wulhNiZ1
— Jose Rodriguez (@VBarraquito) September 1, 2026
