Popular messaging platform WhatsApp is discontinuing support for Android smartphones operating on older software versions, effective September 8, 2026. This change primarily impacts devices that cannot be upgraded beyond Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or Android 5.1.
Which Android Versions Are Affected?
As of the deadline, WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business will require Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or a newer operating system to function. This means any phone stuck on Android 5.x will lose access to the app. Many of the affected devices are more than a decade old and never received official updates beyond Android 5.
WhatsApp had initially announced this move in April, providing users several months to prepare through in-app notifications. The decision aims to ensure the platform can continue to develop new features and implement critical security improvements without being constrained by outdated software.
How to Check Your Phone and What to Do
To determine your phone's Android version, navigate to Settings > About phone > Android version. If your device is running Android 6.0 or newer, you are unaffected. If it's on Android 5.0 or 5.1, you have a few options:
- Update Your Software: Check if an official update to Android 6.0 or newer is available for your phone. If so, install it before the deadline.
- Consider a New Device: If your phone has reached its end-of-life for software updates, you will need to purchase a newer smartphone to continue using WhatsApp.
- Backup Your Chats: Before switching to a new device, ensure you back up your chat history to Google Drive or local storage. You can then restore your conversations on your new phone using the same mobile number.
Why the Change?
WhatsApp states that maintaining compatibility with increasingly outdated Android versions limits its ability to introduce advanced features and bolster security measures. By raising the minimum requirement to Android 6.0, the company can focus its development efforts on providing a more secure and feature-rich experience for the majority of its user base.
While this change impacts a smaller segment of users, particularly in regions like India, Brazil, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa where older devices are more prevalent, it is a necessary step for the platform's long-term evolution and security.