WhatsApp stopped supporting some older Android phones on September 8, 2026. The change affects devices running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, leaving users on these versions unable to use the messaging app.
WhatsApp announced the change several months ago, giving affected users time to prepare. Earlier this year, users with older phones received an alert inside WhatsApp informing them that support for their Android version would end in September. Reports from WABetaInfo first highlighted the notification.
Users whose phones are affected now need to check whether a software update is available. If their device cannot receive a newer Android version, they will need to switch to a newer phone to continue using WhatsApp.
If a phone runs Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, WhatsApp support ended on September 8. However, some older devices may still qualify for an update to Android 6.0 or later.
Users can check for available updates through their phone’s Settings menu. If Android 6.0 or later is available, installing it should allow WhatsApp to continue working.
If the phone cannot be upgraded beyond Android 5.0 or 5.1, WhatsApp will no longer work on the device.
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WhatsApp supports a wide range of Android versions, but maintaining compatibility with very old software can limit what the company can add to the app.
Ending support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 allows WhatsApp to focus on newer Android versions. It also gives the company more freedom to introduce features that may not work properly on older software and hardware.
The number of affected users is expected to remain relatively small. Most people using newer Android phones will not notice any change.
Users running Android 5.0 or 5.1 should first check their device for a software update. If Android 6.0 or newer is available,updating the phone can maintain WhatsApp compatibility.
For devices that cannot move beyond Android 5.0 or 5.1, upgrading to a newer phone will be necessary to continue using WhatsApp.