This enigma, which even generated numerous comments on social networks, left experts and users baffled, since there did not seem to be a clear explanation or an immediate solution. However, the cause behind this peculiar behavior of the app has finally been clarified.
This enigma, which even generated numerous comments on social networks, left experts and users baffled, since there did not seem to be a clear explanation or an immediate solution. However, the cause behind this peculiar behavior of the app has finally been clarified.
The reason behind the interruption of WhatsApp audios is linked to a fundamental component of smartphones: the proximity sensor. This sensor is responsible for detecting the proximity of the phone to the user’s face or ear. Its main function is to turn off the device’s screen when the phone is close to the face during a call to avoid accidental touches.
The problem lies in how this sensor interacts with applications, such as WhatsApp, when audios are being played. By bringing the phone to your ear, the proximity sensor can cause the system to interpret that the user is in the middle of a call and therefore pause the audio to prevent unwanted button activation or interactions. This behavior can be especially frustrating when you are trying to listen to a voice message without interruptions.
What initially seemed like an error without a solution now has a clear technical explanation, and although in many cases it is normal operation of the sensor, in some devices or specific configurations this process may present errors. The good news is that several smartphone manufacturers have begun to adjust their proximity sensors or improve applications so that these types of interruptions do not occur in situations other than calls.
This issue, which was the topic of conversation for months last year, is yet another example of how technological components can have unexpected effects on the user experience. Although WhatsApp already has tools that allow you to send audio without having to hold down the button, this technical mystery reflects how the interaction of sensors with apps can create situations that are both useful and confusing for users.
If you experience these types of problems, it is advisable to review the proximity sensor settings on your device or, failing that, update the WhatsApp application to its latest version, which may have corrected related errors.
