WhatsApp to End Support for Older Android Phones in 2026

California: WhatsApp has announced that it will soon stop working on millions of older Android phones. The move will affect users who are still using very old versions of the Android operating system. 

According to the company, WhatsApp will stop supporting Android 5.0 and Android 5.1 devices starting September 8, 2026. From that date, users will need Android 6.0 or newer to continue using the messaging app.  

The change gives users several months to prepare. Those who do not upgrade their device or operating system by the deadline will no longer be able to send or receive messages on WhatsApp. 

Android 5.0 was released in 2014, making it more than a decade old by the time support ends. While many users have moved on to newer systems, older phones are still widely used in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where replacement costs can be high.  

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WhatsApp said the decision is linked to the need for better security and compatibility. Older Android versions no longer receive regular security updates, which can put users at risk. Supporting outdated software also makes it harder to add new features safely.  

The support cutoff applies only to Android devices. iPhone users will not be affected by this change, as WhatsApp will continue to work on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later.  

Users with older Android phones are being encouraged to act early. The first step is to check whether the phone can be updated to Android 6.0 or newer. This option can usually be found in the device’s settings menu. If the phone cannot be updated, WhatsApp advises users to back up their chats before the deadline. Messages, photos, videos, and chat history can be saved to Google Drive or local storage, making it easier to switch to a new device later. 

Failing to back up data before the cutoff could result in permanent loss of chat history. Once support ends, WhatsApp will stop working entirely on affected devices. 

The company says the timeline is meant to help users plan ahead rather than face sudden disruption. By giving advance notice, WhatsApp hopes users will have enough time to secure their data or upgrade their phones. 

WhatsApp remains one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world. While support changes like this can be inconvenient, the company says the update is necessary to keep the platform secure and reliable.