As of June 1, 2025, WhatsApp has officially ended support for a range of older smartphones, making it unusable on those devices. This decision is part of WhatsApp’s strategy to enhance performance, introduce modern features, and improve security by only supporting more recent operating systems.
This move affects both Android and iOS users, especially those with smartphones released more than a decade ago.
🔧 Affected Android Devices
WhatsApp will no longer run on phones using Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older. While KitKat was once widely used, it’s now considered outdated, lacking the capabilities needed to support WhatsApp’s evolving features.
Common Android Devices That Lost Support:
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Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Ace 3
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HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
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Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), Razr HD
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LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
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Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
These models, launched between 2012 and 2014, cannot keep up with WhatsApp’s latest requirements.
iPhones That Lost WhatsApp Support
On May 5, 2025, WhatsApp also ended support for iPhones running iOS versions earlier than iOS 15.1. This impacts older models that are no longer eligible for software updates.
Affected iPhone Models:
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iPhone 5s
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iPhone 6
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iPhone 6 Plus
These iPhones max out at iOS 12.5.7, making them incompatible with the newest WhatsApp updates.
What Users Should Do
If you’re using one of the affected devices, here’s how to stay connected:
1. Check Your OS Version
Go to your phone’s Settings > About Device to see which OS you’re using.
2. Update If Possible
If your device supports it, upgrade to a newer version of Android or iOS.
3. Backup Your WhatsApp Data
Before switching devices, back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud.
4. Upgrade to a Newer Device
To continue using WhatsApp smoothly, consider moving to a device running Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1 and above.
Why This Matters
WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide. To protect them from threats like malware, phishing, and data theft, the company needs to phase out outdated software that can no longer be secured. Ending support for older devices allows WhatsApp to build faster, more secure features for its global community.
Timeline
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May 5, 2025: WhatsApp ended support for old iPhones.
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June 1, 2025: WhatsApp stops working on Android 4.4 and below.
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