WhatsApp, the world’s most widely used messaging app, is about to undergo a major compatibility change. The application will cease functioning in September 2026. Some phones do not meet the new minimum operating system requirements and may be affected. The measure, which has been officially announced, will affect both Android and Apple devices, with many users risking losing access to their call logs if they don’t take precautions.
The company has confirmed that on September 8, 2026, the Android system version requirement will be upgraded to version 6.0; while the iOS system version requirement will take effect on November 30, when iOS version 15.5 will be required. Those with older mobile versions that cannot be updated will not receive official support. But it’s not all bad news: There are ways to check if your device is at risk and make a backup before it’s too late.
Why is WhatsApp stopping support?
WhatsApp regularly reviews its supported operating systems. The company explains that each year it analyzes which devices are the oldest and have the fewest users, and also considers whether those devices are missing security updates and features needed to run newer versions of the app. This decision allows R&D efforts to focus on platforms that still receive support. and provide corresponding technical functions. For users, the problem mainly occurs on phones that no longer receive official updates from manufacturers.
Additionally, companies often provide advance notice. Users whose operating systems will be excluded will be notified and multiple reminders will be sent within WhatsApp so that you can take timely action. That way, even if you’re caught off guard, there’s no excuse.
List of phones that may lose WhatsApp functionality
While there’s no official list, the models most commonly mentioned in forums and support documents are those that launched with Android 5.0 or 5.1 and couldn’t be upgraded to Android 6.0. These include the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4 Mini, Ace 4 and Core II. As well as several LG models from the Optimus and L series, the full list of affected devices is integrated.
- Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Ace 4 and Galaxy Core II.
- LG Optimus G, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L7 II, LG L70 and LG L90.
- Additionally, the first-generation Motorola Moto G, 2014 Moto E, Sony Xperia Z1, and Huawei Ascend P6 are also mentioned, but compatibility depends on the specific system version.
Taking the iPhone as an example, the models that cannot be upgraded to iOS 15.5 are iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. These devices were released between 2013 and 2014 and will no longer be eligible after November 30, so it’s a good idea to check if you own one of them. Affected iPhone models.
It is important to note that the decisive factor is not the phone model, but the version of the operating system installed. While this is not recommended, Samsung Galaxy S3s that have been unofficially updated to Android 6 may still work. Your best bet is to check out the original. Before taking anything for granted.
How to check if your phone is compatible
The first thing to do to determine if your phone is at risk is to check its Android or iOS version. In the Android system, go to “Settings” > “About phone” > “Android version”. If the displayed version is 6.0 or higher, there is no need to worry. If version is 5.0 or 5.1, check Settings > Software Update for available updates. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About to check your iOS version. If the version is earlier than 15.5, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If no updates are available, you may want to consider replacing your device. But first, follow these steps to back up your chat history. How-to. In WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Then link your Google Drive account (Android) or iCloud account (iPhone). This way you won’t lose your conversations, photos, and documents.
What happened to WhatsApp Web?
Changes to mobile phone requirements will not affect WhatsApp Web. The desktop version remains compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS. For browsers, the minimum version requirements specified by WhatsApp are Chrome 85, Edge 85, Firefox 115, Safari 15.2, and Opera 85. However, calls will work better on the latest versions of these browsers.
So, even if your phone doesn’t work, you can still use WhatsApp on your computer as long as your phone number is valid, although you won’t be able to receive messages on your phone. Although this is a temporary solution, it is not the most convenient one. .
In short, September 8, 2026 will be a turning point for the older generation of Android users, and November 30 will be a turning point for iPhone users. The key is to check your operating system version, update if possible, and most importantly, always make backups. Update before deadline. If your phone won’t update, you may want to consider buying a new phone, but at least you’ll be able to keep all your chats and files. Don’t let this news catch you off guard.
