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Substratum Theme not working with WhatsApp [Fixed]

In this guide, we will show you the steps to fix the issue of the Substratum Theme not working with WhatsApp. When it comes to customizing OS skins, then nowadays the OEMs themselves bake in a plethora of features into the OS. However, even then these customing options would only be limited to theming the system, you cannot theme third-party apps using it.

This is where the need for Substratum Theme arises. Not only does it theme the system components, but it also allows you to theme individual third-party apps as well. When it comes to WhatsApp, then there exists a plethora of themes that allows you to theme the app’s settings menu, its chat screen, and even individual conversations!

However, as of now, numerous users have voiced their concern that various Substratum Theme for WhatsApp are not working along the expected lines. if you are also getting bugged by this issue, then this guide will make you aware of a nifty workaround to rectify it. Follow along.

Fix Substratum Theme not working with WhatsApp

WhatsApp Substratum Theme not working

The culprit behind this issue is the latest update released by the WhatsApp developers. They have made some under-the-hood changes that might no longer allow third-party apps to change their UI, theme, etc. So to rectify this bug, you will have to downgrade WhatsApp to an older version and stay on that version until the specific Substratum developer rolls out an update that makes their theme compatible with the latest build of WhatsApp. Here’s how it could be done:

  1. First off, take a backup via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats >Chat Backup > Backup Now.
  2. then head over to Settings > Apps > See All Apps and select WhatsApp from the list.
  3. Now tap on Uninstall > Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.WhatsApp Substratum Theme not working
  4. After that, go to APKMirror and download an older version of WhatsApp APK.
    Note: version 2.22.22.80 is working with numerous Substratum Themes, so you could give it a try.
  5. Then launch the APK and proceed with the on-screen instructions to install it.
  6. Once done, go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > WhatsApp.
  7. Then tap on App Details. You will be taken to its Play Store page.WhatsApp Substratum Theme not working
  8. Now tap on the overflow icon situated at the top right and uncheck Enable Auto Update.
  9. Then launch the app and set it up via your phone number.
  10. Once done, apply the desired Substratum theme. You shouldn’t face any issues now.

That’s it. These were the steps to fix the issue of the Substratum Theme not working with WhatsApp. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.


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