WhatsApp to Stop Working on Older Smartphones
WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, will stop working on several older smartphones starting June 1, 2025. This change is part of WhatsApp’s regular updates to improve app security, performance, and add new features. However, it means that users with certain older phone models will no longer be able to send messages, make calls, or access the app.
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Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Some Phones?
WhatsApp regularly reviews the software requirements for its app. As new security measures and features are developed, they require more advanced operating systems and hardware. Older smartphones often cannot support these updates because their systems are outdated or no longer receive manufacturer updates.
By ending support for these older models, WhatsApp can focus on enhancing the user experience on newer devices, ensuring better security and smoother app performance for the billions of users worldwide.
Which Phones Are Affected?
The minimum operating system requirements for WhatsApp starting from June 1, 2025, are:
- iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later
- Android phones running Android 5.1 (Lollipop) or later
Phones that do not meet these requirements will lose WhatsApp functionality.
READ MORE: iPhone vs. Samsung: Which Smartphone Reigns Supreme for You in 2025?
Affected iPhone Models
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These models support only up to iOS 12.5.7 or similar and cannot update to iOS 15.1 or above.
Affected Android Models
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Sony Xperia Z1
- LG G2
- Huawei Ascend P6
- Motorola Moto G (1st Gen)
- Motorola Moto E (2014)
- Motorola Razr HD
- HTC One X and some other older HTC models
Any phone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier is not supported.
How to Check Your Phone’s Operating System Version
For iPhone users:
- Go to Settings > General > About > Software Version
For Android users:
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version
Knowing your current operating system is important to check if your device supports WhatsApp after June 1.
Preparing for the Change
If your phone is on the list or running an unsupported operating system, here are steps to take:
- Upgrade your phone: Consider purchasing a newer smartphone that supports iOS 15.1+ or Android 5.1+.
- Backup your chats: Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and back up your messages to iCloud for iPhones or Google Drive for Android phones.
- Restore on new device: After switching phones, you can restore your chat history from the cloud backup on the new device.
This preparation helps avoid losing important messages and media.
Why Security and Features Matter
WhatsApp emphasises security features like end-to-end encryption to keep messages safe. Older phones cannot securely support these features due to limitations in their software and hardware. Also, new app capabilities such as video calling improvements, multi-device support, and artificial intelligence features are only compatible with newer systems.
Removing support for outdated devices also reduces risks of cyber threats and allows WhatsApp to maintain a consistent, reliable experience for its users.
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
If the app is not supported on your current phone:
- WhatsApp will stop working
- You will not be able to send or receive messages or calls
- Your chat history won’t be accessible through the app (unless backed up earlier)
Users are strongly encouraged to upgrade or switch to alternative messaging apps if upgrading is not possible.
Summary
WhatsApp is ending support for older smartphones from June 1, 2025, to enhance security and user experience. Devices running iOS below 15.1 and Android below 5.1 will no longer work with the app. Users should check their phone’s operating system version, back up chats, and plan to upgrade devices to avoid losing access.
Alternatives and Other Messaging Apps
If upgrading a phone is not an immediate option, messaging apps like Telegram may still support older devices but usually with fewer users. It is important to check the compatibility of these apps on your phone’s app store.
ALSO READ: WhatsApp to Evolve into a Workplace Communication Powerhouse, Competing with Teams and Zoom
The Broader Impact
WhatsApp has over 3.5 billion users globally. In South Africa and many other countries, older smartphones are still common due to budget constraints or long device lifespans. This change may require many users to update their technology to continue enjoying WhatsApp’s services without interruption.
