WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will no longer be available on some older smartphones starting May 5, 2025, as Meta phases out support for devices that don’t meet its updated system requirements.
This update is part of Meta’s commitment to enhancing security and ensuring the app performs smoothly on modern hardware and software. The company says the decision is aimed at helping the platform maintain its efficiency and safeguard user data.
While this change will mostly affect older phones — especially those released over a decade ago — users are advised to upgrade their devices to avoid losing access.
Apple devices affected:
WhatsApp will require iOS 15.1 or later iPhone models that won’t meet the minimum requirement include:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
These models can only run iOS 12.5.7, which falls below WhatsApp’s new cutoff.
Android Devices Affected:
Back on January 1, 2025, WhatsApp ended support for Android phones running version 4.4 (KitKat) or older. Users with these devices were urged to update their operating systems where possible — but for phones stuck without official updates, using WhatsApp is no longer an option.
Affected Android phones include:
Samsung:
Galaxy S3
Galaxy Note 2
Samsung:
Galaxy S3
Galaxy Note 2
Galaxy Ace 3
Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola:
Moto G (1st Generation)
Moto E (2014)
Razr HD
HTC:
One X
One X+
Desire 500
Desire 601
LG:
Desire 500
Desire 601
LG:
Optimus G
G2 Mini
L90
Optimus G
G2 Mini
L90
Optimus G
G2 Mini
L90
Nexus 4
Sony:
Xperia Z
Xperia SP
Xperia T
Xperia V
Users still relying on these older devices will need to upgrade to newer models if they want to keep using WhatsApp.
