WhatsApp To Stop Working On Older Android Phones From September 8

WhatsApp users with older smartphones may soon need to check their devices before continuing to use the popular messaging service. The company is raising its minimum Android software requirement, which means some older phones will no longer be supported from September 8.

According to information shared through the WhatsApp Help Center, the messaging platform will require Android 6.0 or a newer version from September 8. Phones that cannot run Android 6.0 will therefore no longer meet the minimum requirement for WhatsApp.

This change mainly affects smartphones that are still running very old Android software. Devices using Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, or phones that cannot be upgraded beyond those versions, will not be able to continue using WhatsApp once the new requirement takes effect.

The change does not mean that WhatsApp is shutting down completely. It is a software support update aimed at older devices whose operating systems may no longer provide the features, security updates or technical capabilities needed by newer versions of the application.

WhatsApp regularly reviews the operating systems supported by its service because smartphones and software continue to change. The company evaluates older platforms and considers factors such as the number of users still relying on them, the availability of security updates and whether the operating system can support the latest WhatsApp features.

For users with an older phone, the important thing is to check the Android version currently installed on the device. This can usually be found through the phones settings under the software or device information section. If the phone supports a newer Android version, updating the software may allow WhatsApp to continue working.

However, some very old smartphones may not be capable of receiving a newer Android version. In such cases, users will need a device that meets the current WhatsApp requirements if they want to continue using the application.

The company is also changing its requirements for Apple devices, although iPhone users have more time. WhatsApp has stated that the relevant iOS requirement will change from November 30, 2026.

Until then, iPhone users running iOS 15 do not need to immediately worry about losing WhatsApp support. From November 30, however, the minimum requirement will move to iOS 15.5. iPhones that cannot meet that requirement will no longer be supported after the change.

WhatsApp says users affected by an upcoming operating system support change will receive notifications before support ends. The company may also remind them to upgrade their software or move to a compatible device.

For people who depend on WhatsApp for everyday conversations, family communication, work related messages or sharing important information, checking the software version in advance can prevent an unexpected interruption.

It is also worth remembering that the exact impact depends on the device. Two smartphones from different manufacturers may have different upgrade options even if they were released around the same period. Some phones may receive a software update, while others may remain permanently limited to an older Android version.

The latest requirement is therefore mainly a reminder for owners of older smartphones to check whether their devices can receive newer software. If an update is available, installing it may be enough to keep WhatsApp running. If no compatible update exists, moving to a newer supported device may become necessary.

WhatsApp has been gradually updating its platform to work with newer operating systems and devices. While these changes can be inconvenient for people using older phones, the company says reviewing supported platforms helps it focus development and security efforts on devices that can handle newer versions of the service.

For now, Android users should check their software version ahead of September 8. iPhone users have a longer window, but those using versions below iOS 15.5 should also keep the November 30 deadline in mind.