SOLVED
The people at whatsapp (WA) have gotten pretty clever they can now not let you use Whatsapp if you device is TAMPERED in any way: bootloader unlocked, rooted, on a cutom ROM etc, you will fail the WA set up and get the "you need the official bla bla bla message" you can try the automated support as many times as you want but is frustrating and absolutely pointless.
This is how I solved that annoying whatsapp issue: my device is a chinese Xiaomi 13 ultra bootloader unlocked, TWRP recovery and MAGISK installed, global ROM flashed running HyperOS OS1.0.16.0.UMACNXM| STABLE (this is not special or required just gives me the best battery life) I can receive OTA updates and yes I also have the latest google pay fix release 2024.11.27. working 100%
So if your set up is very similar my solution might work for you, it is pretty simple and requires no extreme mods,
1.-You need to uninstall any version of whatsapp currently on your phone clear any cache and data before & after the uninstall process, reboot device,
2.- Must have MAGISK installed with Zygisk enabled.
3.- Download Zygisk - LSPosed module and activate it, reboot you device after device restarts you should have the LSPosed icon open it.
4.-Once inside LSPosed you are gonna dowload and enable 2 modules: BooloaderSpoofer 3.8 & BypassRootCheckPro
5.- Download the latest OFFICIAL Whatsapp from the play store or their website once it installs DO NOT DO ANYTHING with it yet.
6.- open the LSPosed modules and add Whatsapp on both of them by checking the box to the right, reboot device.
7.- once device re-starts sign in into whatsapp there should be no issues this time, ENJOY!
WARNING : DO NOT ADD WHATSAPP TO MAGISK DENY LIST, it will log you out and need to repeat all these steps again.
If my solution worked for you please confirm and it is only fair give me credit.
This works even better: https://innovioblog.in/how-to-hide-...to-use-whatsapp-and-other-apps-without-errors