WhatsApp will turn off for older iPhones and Android devices that don’t support the app’s updated software.
Here's the list of phones with WhatsApp support ending. Is Yours On The List? WhatsApp said it would not work on older iPhones and Android devices if they are no longer supported by their manufacturers and operating systems.
WhatsApp to Stop Working On These Phones. Is Yours On The List?
Users are recommended to verify if their device is still compatible with the service.
WhatsApp will cease to work on some older smartphones from June 1, 2025, in light of new software requirements. The Meta-owned messaging app has increased its minimum operating system requirements, which led to the no-support list decision for devices that can’t match that.
To stay with WhatsApp, iPhones will need to be updated to iOS 15.1 or later, and Android phones will need to operate on Android 5.1 or newer. WhatsApp’s messaging and calling features will be disabled on devices that are running the old operating systems.
Affected iPhones include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and SE (1st gen) have been named, however, that’s as their final updates can still be installed.
Those who run Android handsets including the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 3, Sony Xperia Z1, LG G2, Huawei Ascend P6, Moto G (1st Gen) and HTC One X will lose access. The impact is on any phone that runs Android 5.0 or earlier.
How to see which operating system your phone is running
On iPhone: Tap on Settings, then General, then About, and scroll down to iOS Version.
On Android: Settings > About Phone > Android Version
Knowing your device’s OS version is crucial to know this in order to see if it is compatible with apps such as WhatsApp and Whatsapp Business, as they regularly change their minimum system specs.
Why is WhatsApp dropping support for some phones?
WhatsApp is discontinuing support for older smartphones in line with the company’s policy of periodically reviewing the operating systems and devices that the messaging app supports. Every year, they evaluate which devices and operating systems are no longer advancing and focus on the ones where we will stop providing support. (Source: Meta) According to the company, they no longer wish to provide support to outdated ones, or to those that have fewer active users, lack fundamental security updates, and among others, no longer support the essential app features. It also means that WhatsApp can concentrate on improving performance and security as well as developing new features that are not limited by older devices.
Switch to a new device before 30th June to continue using WhatsApp without any issues.