WhatsApp to end support for older Android devices — check if yours is on the list

Firstpost - WhatsApp will stop working on certain older Android devices from September 8, 2026. Users running Android 5.0 or 5.1 will lose access to the app. The company is advising affected users to back up their chats and upgrade their devices or operating systems to continue using the service.

There is something quietly enduring about old smartphones. They may not boast the latest features, but they continue to function, often reliably, long after newer models have taken the spotlight.

For millions of users, especially across emerging markets, these devices remain everyday essentials. But that longevity is about to face a significant test.

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, is preparing to phase out support for older Android devices. The move reflects a broader shift in the tech ecosystem, where advancing features and security demands are steadily leaving ageing hardware behind.

Android devices will not be supported by WhatsApp

From September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer work on devices running versions older than Android 6.0. This effectively ends support for phones operating on Android 5.0 and 5.1, cutting off access to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business.

The decision is tied to the platform’s evolving requirements. As WhatsApp continues to roll out new features, it increasingly relies on modern system capabilities that older software simply cannot support. Maintaining compatibility with outdated systems also limits the app’s ability to innovate.

The impact is likely to be felt most strongly in regions where older smartphones are still widely used. Countries such as India, Brazil, Pakistan, and several parts of Southeast Asia and Africa continue to see significant usage of ageing Android devices, many of which no longer receive official updates.

Several popular models fall into this category. These include the Sony Xperia Z4, Z3 and Z5 series; Samsung Galaxy S6 lineup, Galaxy Note 4 and Note 5; Honor 4, 6 and 7; OnePlus One and OnePlus 2; Asus Zenfone 2 series; and Lenovo K3 Note and A7000. For users holding on to these devices, the change could mean the end of WhatsApp access altogether unless they upgrade.

Steps to prevent losing data

For those affected, the immediate priority is safeguarding chat history. WhatsApp has begun notifying users through in-app alerts, giving them time to prepare before support is officially withdrawn.

Backing up chats is straightforward. Users can store their conversations on Google Drive directly through WhatsApp settings, ensuring that messages, media, and documents are preserved. Alternatively, the app also creates local backups on the device’s internal storage, which can be transferred manually if needed.

This second option can be particularly useful for users with limited cloud storage.

Once backed up, chats can be restored on a new or updated device, allowing for a relatively seamless transition.

Ultimately, however, users will need to either update their operating system, if possible, or move to a newer device that meets WhatsApp’s minimum requirements.

What about iOS users?

For now, Apple users remain unaffected. WhatsApp will continue to support devices running iOS 15.1 and above, including iPads on iPadOS 15.1 or newer.

This means iPhone users will not face any immediate disruption due to this change.

The update is currently limited to Android’s minimum system requirements, reflecting the broader fragmentation within the Android ecosystem.

As technology continues to move forward, such shifts are becoming increasingly common. For users with older devices, the message is clear: the clock is ticking, and it may be time to consider an upgrade.