If you own one of these phones, you won't be able to use WhatsApp from May

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Meta, the company operating WhatsApp, has announced that the popular messaging app will no longer be supported on several older mobile phones starting from May 5, 2025.

According to the tech company, the development is due to changes in its compatibility with outdated operating systems, which means certain old smartphones won’t be able to keep up with the app’s latest features and security standards.

It further explained that the changes were necessary to enhance the green app’s security and functionality while ensuring compatibility with newer phones.

“The changes are part of regular updates to ensure the app stays secure and functional while working with newer phones,” Meta said in a statement.

This is hardly the first time WhatsApp has done this. The app periodically removes older devices to keep things running smoothly for other users.

Although the latest exercise isn’t expected to affect the vast majority of users, thousands of people who still use old devices will lose access to the app.

If that sounds like you, you may be best served to check whether your phone is on the list.

iPhones affected

iOS versions earlier than 15.1
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus

These iPhone models are stuck on iOS 12.5.7, which is no longer compatible with WhatsApp’s latest version.

While other models can be upgraded to meet the new requirement, these phones, which were originally released in 2013 and 2014, are permanently disconnected.

Android users affected – since January 1, 2025

Android users experienced the first wave of incompatibility, which became effective from January 1, 2025, when the app dropped support for Android’s KitKat OS and older versions.

Though a few KitKat devices may still work with a system update, many older models no longer receive updates from their manufacturers, and they are as follows:

Samsung:

Galaxy S3
Galaxy Note 2
Galaxy Ace 3
Galaxy S4 Mini

Motorola:

Moto G (1st Gen)
Razr HD
Moto E 2014

HTC:

One X
One X+
Desire 500
Desire 601

LG:

Optimus G
Nexus 4
G2 Mini
L90

Sony:

Xperia Z
Xperia SP
Xperia T
Xperia V

How to know you’re in the safe zone

If your iPhone device accepts an update beyond iOS 15 or Android 5.0, you’ve no reason to press the panic button for now.

WhatsApp will continue to work seamlessly for you, and you’ll continue to receive new features and updates. However, if your device hasn’t been updated in years or is on the border of compatibility, it’s time to check before May sneaks up on you.

What if my phone is on the list?

1. Back Up Your Chats: Before taking any action, back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive for Android users or iCloud for iPhone devices. This way, you can easily restore your chats on a new device.

2. Check for Updates: Some older smartphones might still be able to upgrade to a supported operating system. Head to your settings to check if a software update is available. If it is, congratulations. Update, and you’re good to go.

3. Time to step up: If your device can’t be updated any further, it might be time to let go of that good old phone.

These changes affect both standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps, as they share the same system requirements.