WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1: These Phones Are Affected
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Owners of older phones need to start checking the operating system version they are running. WhatsApp has raised the minimum operating system requirement for Android devices, meaning that a number of phones still running older software no longer receive support.
The change was originally due to take effect on 8 September 2026. By October, the rule was in force, and devices still running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 no longer met WhatsApp’s minimum requirement. WhatsApp now officially supports Android phones running Android 6.0 or later.
It should be noted that WhatsApp does not determine support by brand or model name alone. The installed operating system version is the main deciding factor. As a result, not every unit of a single phone model is necessarily affected, given differences in system versions or software updates.
Phones that could be affected
The following older phones should be checked, as some of their variants are known to have stopped at older versions of Android.
- Samsung Galaxy S3
The Galaxy S3 is one of the older phones that should be checked. On some variants, it did not receive updates up to Android 6.0. If it still runs Android 5.0 or earlier, WhatsApp no longer supports it.
- Samsung Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S4 also falls into the group of devices that warrant attention. Some variants stopped at Android 5.0.2, meaning they do not meet WhatsApp’s current minimum requirement.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which still runs Android Lollipop, is also affected by the new rule. Users should check the Android version installed before confirming whether the device can still be used with WhatsApp.
- LG G2
The LG G2 is one of the older devices that generally did not receive updates to Android 6.0. Consequently, devices still running Android 5.0 or lower no longer meet WhatsApp’s requirements.
- Sony Xperia Z
The Sony Xperia Z is also an older device that should be checked. If its system remains on Android Lollipop or an earlier version, the WhatsApp app no longer receives official support.
- HTC One M7
The HTC One M7 was released in the early days of modern Android smartphones. The device did not officially receive a system update to Android 6.0, so units still running older Android versions could lose access to WhatsApp.
- Huawei Ascend P6
The Huawei Ascend P6 is also among the devices that should be checked. This older phone does not have a system update path that meets WhatsApp’s latest Android requirements.
- Motorola Moto G first generation
The first-generation Moto G is an older Android device that warrants attention. If it still runs a version of Android below 6.0, it no longer meets WhatsApp’s minimum requirements.
- ASUS Zenfone 5 (2014)
The ASUS Zenfone 5 released in 2014 is also a device that could be affected. Some units still run older Android versions and did not receive updates to Android 6.0.
- Several older Xiaomi and Oppo phones
Some older Xiaomi and Oppo devices should also be checked, particularly units stuck on Android 5.x or earlier. However, not all models or variants are automatically affected, as software updates can differ by region and device variant.
The above list is not an official list of models issued by WhatsApp. WhatsApp sets support based on the operating system. This means users do not need to replace their phones immediately simply because the device is an older model.
For example, a particular model may have received an Android 6.0 update on one variant but not on others. The most accurate approach is therefore to check the Android version currently in use.
WhatsApp has said that devices no longer supported will receive an in-app notification before support ends. Users will also receive several reminders to update their system or replace the device.
Users of iPhones are not affected by the Android changes that have applied since September. WhatsApp currently still supports iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later.
However, a further change should be noted. From 30 November 2026, WhatsApp will raise the minimum requirement to iOS 15.5. Accordingly, iPhone owners still using older iOS versions will need to update if their devices still support it.
Apple still lists a number of older iPhones as compatible with iOS 26, including the iPhone 11 and newer models, as well as the second and third-generation iPhone SE.
How to check whether your phone can still use WhatsApp
Android users can check their system version by opening Settings, then going to About Phone or Device Information. Next, look for the Android Version section.
If the device runs Android 6.0 or later, the system still meets WhatsApp’s minimum requirement. Conversely, if it still runs Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 and no update is available, the device no longer meets the official requirement.
For iPhones, open Settings, select General, then About to see the iOS version. Users can also go to General > Software Update to check whether a newer update is available.
For users whose devices no longer receive system updates, it is advisable to back up WhatsApp conversations promptly before switching to a new phone. This is particularly important if there are photos, documents or conversations still needed.
Accordingly, reports that phones will be unable to use WhatsApp from October 2026 should not be understood as a brand-based block. Android 5.0 and 5.1 are the versions now below WhatsApp’s minimum requirement, while Android 6.0 and above remain supported. For iPhones, the current minimum is iOS 15.1, before rising to iOS 15.5 on 30 November 2026.