Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will stop functioning on certain older smartphones, as Meta implements updated system requirements to enhance security and app performance.
The company says the move is aimed at ensuring the app runs smoothly on newer devices while maintaining user safety. This change will mostly affect users with smartphones released more than a decade ago.
iPhones That Will Lose WhatsApp Support
The following Apple devices, limited to iOS 12.5.7 and unable to upgrade to the new minimum requirement of iOS 15.1, will no longer be compatible:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Android Phones Previously Affected
Support for Android KitKat (version 4.4) and earlier officially ended on January 1, 2025. While some users may still access WhatsApp through unofficial updates, such methods carry risks and are not recommended. Below is a list of Android devices that lost compatibility in January:
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
Users affected by this update are encouraged to switch to newer devices that meet the latest OS requirements to continue using WhatsApp seamlessly.