Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will no longer function on several outdated smartphones, as Meta updates its system requirements to enhance performance and security.
The move, according to Meta, is part of efforts to ensure the messaging platform runs more efficiently on newer devices and operating systems. The company also notes that the upgrade is intended to bolster data protection for its users.
This latest update will primarily affect older mobile phones — particularly models that were launched over ten years ago. Meta advises users of such devices to upgrade to newer models if they wish to continue using WhatsApp seamlessly.
Apple Devices Losing Access:
To continue using WhatsApp, iPhone users will need to be running iOS 15.1 or later. The following Apple smartphones fall short of this benchmark and will no longer support the app:
– iPhone 5s
– iPhone 6
– iPhone 6 Plus
These phones are limited to iOS 12.5.7, which no longer meets the minimum system requirement for WhatsApp.
Android Phones That No Longer Support WhatsApp:
Back on January 1, 2025, WhatsApp officially discontinued support for Android smartphones running version 4.4 (KitKat) and earlier. Users with these older systems were encouraged to upgrade — but for devices that can’t be updated, WhatsApp access has already ended.
Affected Android phones include:
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:
– Optimus G
– G2 Mini
– L90
– Nexus 4
Sony:
– Xperia Z
– Xperia SP
– Xperia T
– Xperia V
Users who still depend on any of these outdated smartphones will need to transition to a more recent device to maintain access to WhatsApp.
