WhatsApp has announced that it will end support for a wide range of Android phones starting next September. The move, which will also affect some iPhones, aims to ensure that the app continues to function with the security and performance levels required by the Meta platform.
If you have an older mobile phone, it's important to know if your device is on the list of those that will stop receiving updates. We'll explain how to check and what steps to take to avoid losing your conversations and files.
Which Android models will not be compatible with WhatsApp?
According to official information, phones running Android 5.0 or earlier versions will no longer be supported. This includes devices released over a decade ago, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 , Galaxy S4 Mini, Note 2, Galaxy Core, and Galaxy Trend Lite. It will also affect the first-generation Motorola Moto G and Moto E , as well as several LG models like the Optimus G, L5, L7, F7, Lucid 2, Nexus 4, and G2 Mini. Sony is also affected: the Xperia Z, Z2, and SP are excluded. In Apple's case, iPhones that cannot be updated to iOS 15.1, such as the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, and 6, will also lose access.
Regarding Huawei, some unofficial lists mention the Ascend P6 and the Ascend Mate, although they don't appear in all sources. The best way to find out if your phone is affected is to check the operating system version, which we'll discuss below.
How do I know if my phone is compatible?
To check if your phone will still support WhatsApp, simply check the version of Android or iOS it has installed. On Android, go to Settings and look for 'About phone'. There you'll see the version number; if it's 6.0 or higher, you're good to go. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, and then About or Software Update. If your system is iOS 15.1 or later, you'll have no problem. If you don't meet the requirement, there may be an update pending; install it as soon as possible to maintain compatibility.
Remember that the model isn't the deciding factor , but rather the operating system version. For example, a Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android 6.0 might still work, while a Galaxy S4 with Android 5.0 will be incompatible.
What to do if your phone is not compatible?
If your device can't update, it's highly recommended that you back up your chats before the app stops working. You can back up all your conversations, photos, and videos to Google Drive if you use Android, or to iCloud if you have an iPhone. To do this, open WhatsApp, go to Settings, then Chats, and then Chat Backup. Make the backup before September 8th to avoid losing anything.
After backing up your data, you'll need to migrate to a compatible phone or look for alternatives like installing Telegram on Android . Keep in mind that the process won't be immediate: first, you'll stop receiving updates, then you'll encounter login or message sending errors, and finally, the app will stop working altogether. That's why it's important to plan ahead and not wait until the last minute.
Whatever your situation, the important thing is not to lose your conversations. Check your mobile version today and take appropriate action; that way you can continue using WhatsApp without interruption.
