What You Need to Know
WhatsApp is phasing out support for older smartphones in a staggered rollout that began in January 2025 and continues through June 2025. Meta’s messaging platform is updating its minimum system requirements to enhance security and enable new features, but this leaves many legacy devices unable to access the service.¹²³Affected Devices and Timeline
iPhones Losing Support (June 1, 2025)
WhatsApp now requires iOS 15.1 or later for iPhone users.⁴⁵⁶ The following devices, which cannot upgrade beyond older iOS versions, will lose access on June 1, 2025:⁷⁸
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Still Supported (For Now): The iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and 1st-generation iPhone SE remain compatible if updated to iOS 15.8.4 or later. However, these devices are nearing the end of their support lifecycle and may be dropped in future updates.⁹
Android Devices Losing Support (Phased Rollout)
Android devices must run Android 5.1 (API level 22) or newer. Many older devices already lost support on January 1, 2025, while others face discontinuation through 2025.¹⁰¹¹¹²
**Key models that have lost or are losing support include:**¹³¹⁴¹⁵
- Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note 2, Note 3, Galaxy Ace 3, S4 Mini
- Sony Xperia Z, Z1, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
- LG G2, Optimus series
- HTC One X, One S
- Motorola Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E (2014)
- Huawei Ascend P6, P7
🔍 Why WhatsApp Is Making This Change
Security Concerns: Older operating systems no longer receive critical security updates from Apple or Google, creating vulnerabilities that could compromise WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and user data protection.¹⁶
Modern Features: Newer WhatsApp capabilities like enhanced video calling, business integrations, and advanced privacy controls require more recent hardware and software frameworks that older devices cannot support.
Resource Optimization: By focusing on supported platforms, WhatsApp can allocate development resources more effectively and deliver better performance for the majority of users.¹⁷
🛠 What You Can Do
Immediate Actions
- Check Your Device: Verify your OS version under Settings > General > About (iPhone) or Settings > About Phone (Android)
- Update If Possible: iPhone 6s/SE users should install iOS 15.8.4 immediately to maintain access
- Backup Your Data: Export chat history via Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to iCloud or Google Drive
Long-term Solutions
- Upgrade Your Device: Consider newer smartphones that support current OS requirements. Budget options like the iPhone SE (3rd generation) or Android Go devices provide affordable pathways to continued WhatsApp access
- Alternative Messaging: While other platforms like Telegram or Signal exist, they lack WhatsApp’s extensive user base and some features
📅 Important Dates
- January 1, 2025: Many Android devices with Android KitKat (4.4) and earlier lost support¹⁸¹⁹
- June 1, 2025: iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus lose support (originally scheduled for May 5, 2025)²⁰²¹
- Ongoing: Additional older Android devices may face discontinuation throughout 2025
🌍 Broader Context
This change reflects the technology industry’s ongoing evolution toward more secure and capable platforms. While inconvenient for users of older devices, the move aligns with standard practices across major tech companies that prioritize security and modern functionality over legacy device support.
Note: WhatsApp has confirmed no extensions will be granted beyond the announced deadlines. Users with affected devices must take action to avoid losing access to the service.
💡 Pro Tip: When purchasing a replacement device, prioritize phones with longer software support commitments to avoid similar situations in the future.
For official guidance and the most current information, visit WhatsApp’s Support Center.
Sources
- 9to5Mac – PSA: WhatsApp will stop working on these iPhones starting June 1
- GSMArena – WhatsApp to drop support for older Android devices on January 1, 2025
- PhoneArena – WhatsApp to end support for older Android phones and iPhones in 2025
- WABetaInfo – WhatsApp to drop support for older iOS versions and iPhone models starting May 2025
- 91Mobiles – WhatsApp drops support for these iPhones with the latest beta update
- Business Standard – WhatsApp set to end support for older-generation iPhones soon
- Green API – WhatsApp is ending support on older iOS: what to do?
- TechLoy – WhatsApp will stop working on some of Apple’s best-selling iPhones in 2025
- MacRumors Forums – WhatsApp to Drop Support for These iPhones Starting May 2025
- Business Standard – WhatsApp to end support for old android and iPhones from 1 Jan, 2025
- Neowin – WhatsApp to stop supporting older Android phones starting January 2025
- NewsBytes – WhatsApp will stop working on these Android devices from tomorrow
- Gizmochina – WhatsApp to End Support for these Android devices starting January 1, 2025
- IOL – WhatsApp to stop working on these Android phones from January 2025
- Times of India – Referenced in user’s original sources
- Newsweek – WhatsApp 2025 Update: App Will Stop Working For These Phones
- CIOL – WhatsApp to Discontinue Support for These Android Phones in 2025
- As referenced in sources 2, 10, 11
- As referenced in sources 3, 12
- As referenced in sources 1, 7, 8
- As referenced in sources 4, 6, 9
