WhatsApp to discontinue support for older Android phones

WhatsApp will discontinue support for a range of older Android smartphones starting September 8, 2026, marking a significant shift for users still relying on ageing devices.

The update means phones running Android 5.0 and 5.1 will no longer be compatible with the platform. Users affected by the change are being urged to back up their chats and upgrade their devices or operating systems to maintain access.

End of the road for legacy Android versions

From the deadline onward, WhatsApp will only function on devices running Android 6.0 or newer. This change will impact both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, effectively cutting off millions of users who continue to depend on older smartphones.

The decision reflects evolving technical and security requirements. As WhatsApp introduces new features, it increasingly depends on modern system capabilities that outdated software cannot support. Maintaining backward compatibility has also become a barrier to innovation.

Impact on users in emerging markets

Older smartphones still play a vital role in many parts of the world, particularly in regions such as India, Brazil, Pakistan, and across Southeast Asia and Africa. For many users, these devices remain reliable tools for everyday communication despite lacking the latest features.

However, the phase-out highlights the growing gap between advancing technology and ageing hardware, with users of legacy devices facing limited options moving forward.

Several well-known models fall into the unsupported category, including older devices from brands like Samsung, Sony, OnePlus, Asus, Lenovo, and Honor.

How users can protect their data

Users with affected devices are advised to secure their chat history ahead of the deadline. WhatsApp has already begun issuing in-app reminders to help users prepare.

Chats can be backed up to Google Drive through the app’s settings, ensuring messages, photos, and documents are safely stored. Alternatively, local backups saved on the device can be manually transferred to another phone—an option that may be useful for those with limited cloud storage.

Once backed up, conversations can be restored on a newer or updated device, making the transition smoother.

iPhone users unaffected for now

At present, the update only applies to Android devices. Users of Apple devices will continue to have support as long as they are running iOS 15.1 or later.

A broader shift in the tech landscape

The move underscores a wider trend in the technology sector, where software platforms are steadily moving away from legacy systems in favour of improved performance, security, and new features.

For users holding onto older smartphones, the message is increasingly clear—upgrading may soon become unavoidable as digital services continue to evolve.