WhatsApp blank white screen on Samsung devices running Esper Launcher: resolve by updating device firmware

Android

When WhatsApp opens on a Samsung device running Esper Launcher, the app displays a blank white screen instead of the chat list or home screen.

Why this happens

This is a rendering bug in WhatsApp triggered by a specific Android 15 firmware build on Samsung devices. The bug was resolved by Samsung in Android 16. Updating the device firmware to Android 16 via an OTA update is the only fix.

Before you begin

Confirm the affected devices are running Android 15. Devices already on Android 16 do not experience this issue.

1. In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups.
2. Select your device group and review the listed Android version for each device. Devices showing Android 15 are affected.

Step 1: Configure your Blueprint to allow OS updates

Esper does not push Android OS version upgrades directly. It configures the update policy that permits your device to accept OTA updates delivered by Samsung. Without this policy set correctly, the device will silently reject incoming firmware updates.

1. In the Esper Console, go to Blueprints.
2. Select the Blueprint applied to your affected devices.
3. Navigate to OS Updates within the Blueprint.
4. Set the update policy to allow system updates.
5. Save the Blueprint and apply or converge it to your affected devices.

Step 2: Trigger the OTA update on the device

Once the policy is in place, initiate the update check directly on the device. Before starting, confirm:

• The device is connected to a charger
• Battery level is above 50%
• The device is idle and not in active use

1. On the device, open Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the Android 16 firmware update.
3. Allow the device to reboot automatically once the update completes.

Step 3: Confirm the fix

After the device restarts:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Open a chat, then navigate back to the WhatsApp home screen.
3. Confirm the UI renders correctly and no blank white screen appears.

Verify: WhatsApp should display the chat list and home screen without any blank white screen immediately after the device restarts on Android 16.

Important: do not switch Blueprints to test this fix

Moving a device to a different Blueprint can trigger a factory reset and erase all data on the device. Make changes within the device's currently assigned Blueprint only.

If this doesn't resolve it

Work through the scenario that applies to your situation:

• No OTA update is appearing on the device: Confirm that an Android 16 update is available for your specific Samsung device model and region via the Samsung Knox management portal or Samsung's support site. OTA availability varies by device SKU and regional rollout schedule.
• The update installed but WhatsApp still shows a blank white screen: Collect a bug report from the device (Settings → Developer Options → Bug Report), note your device model and the exact firmware version installed, and contact Esper Support.
• Android 16 is not available for your device model: Contact Samsung support directly to inquire about update availability for your device SKU.

Still need help?

If the steps above don't resolve the issue, submit a support ticket with your device model, Android version, Esper Agent version, and a description of what you've already tried — this helps the support team investigate without a follow-up.