Instagram Ad Glitch Traps iPhone Users in Unresponsive Loop
A recent issue involving an Instagram advertisement has surfaced, causing iPhone users to experience a complete system freeze. The problem arises when users interact with a specific crypto-related ad, leading to an unending loop of system prompts that render the device unresponsive until a forced restart is performed.
The incident was first reported by a Reddit user who encountered an ad promoting a Trust Wallet credit card whitelist. Upon tapping the ad, the user was immediately bombarded with repeated deep link requests. Even after selecting Cancel, the prompt would reappear incessantly, effectively hijacking the screen and leaving the phone unusable.
This malfunction appears to be linked to how the advertisement’s page manages deep links within Instagram’s in-app browser. The page persistently attempts to open a wallet application using a custom URL scheme, which triggers iOS to display a system dialog each time. This continuous loop prevents users from exiting the app or regaining control of their device without a force restart.
Users have described this behavior as malicious design, noting that the loop effectively traps them within the app. Some have also pointed out that iOS fails to block repeated prompts in this scenario, exacerbating the issue.
This incident underscores the potential for advertisements to act as phishing tools, especially when they offer access to cryptocurrency features like whitelist entry. Such ads can deceive users into opening sensitive applications, such as digital wallets, thereby posing significant security risks.
To regain control of their devices, affected users have reported several methods:
– Locking the phone and then accessing controls to power it off.
– Performing a force restart by pressing the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally holding the power button until the Apple logo appears.
– Avoiding interaction with repeated prompts to prevent further escalation of the issue.
This situation highlights the need for users to exercise caution when interacting with unfamiliar cryptocurrency offers within apps. It also raises questions about the security measures in place to prevent such disruptive behaviors initiated by advertisements.
