WhatsApp will change the minimum system requirement for Android phones. From September 8, 2026, the app will only work on devices with Android 6.0 or newer versions. Usuários devices stuck on Android 5.0 or 5.1 will need to migrate to a compatible phone. Meta reported the decision via Central of Ajuda official service.
The change follows the standard annual support review. The objective is to maintain security updates and new functions that require more modern hardware. Até now, the app ran on Android 5.0 onwards. iOS does not change and continues with a minimum of version 15.1 or higher.
Mudança reaches devices launched before 2015
Muitos old cell phones still in use in Brasil run Android 5.0 Lollipop, released in 2014. Depois from September 8th, these devices will no longer receive the app or make updates. The notification within WhatsApp will alert users in advance. The company usually repeats the warning several times before the cut.
Quem has a device in this situation and has two main options. Atualizar the operating system, if the manufacturer still supports it. Ou transfer the account to another phone with compatible version. The migration process preserves conversation history when done correctly.
- Acesse Configurações on current cell phone
- Toque on Sobre the device or Informações the software
- Verifique to Versão of Android displayed
- Procure for updates available in the same section
Update Motivo is security and new functions
WhatsApp explains that it annually reviews older systems with fewer users. Esses devices generally no longer receive security patches from the manufacturer. Sem makes it difficult to protect personal data against known flaws.
Novas app tools, such as advanced privacy features and integration with artificial intelligence, also require more capable processors and memory. Manter support for very old hardware would delay development for most users. Meta observes the number of people still active on older versions and decides to cut when the volume becomes too small to justify the technical effort.
Essa practice is not new. Nos last years, the application has already raised the bar several times. Versões very old Android, like 4.4 KitKat, lost support in earlier stages. The same happens with iOS, where the limit gradually goes up. The decision always seeks to balance inclusion with the need to offer a safe and up-to-date service.
Como check if your cell phone will be affected
Verification is simple and takes less than a minute. Basta open the phone settings and search for the system version. Modelos from brands such as Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi and LG launched before 2015 are at greater risk of being out of limit. Alguns manufacturers stopped updating these devices years ago.
Usuários on iPhone stay calm for now. The minimum requirement remains iOS 15.1. Meta has not announced any changes to the Apple system in this review. Quem uses an older iPhone, such as models older than iPhone 6s, may have other limitations in future updates, but not on this specific date.
Além version of Android, it is worth checking the available storage space. System Atualizações usually require several free gigabytes. If your phone is full, you may need to clean files or apps before trying to update.
Impacto for Brazilian users with old devices
No Brasil, a significant portion of the population still uses older cell phones, especially in regions outside large centers. Muitos depend on WhatsApp for family communication, informal work and even access to public services. The sudden loss of the app can complicate these people’s daily lives.
Quem is unable to update the device and is faced with the choice of buying a new one or resorting to temporary alternatives. Alguns users migrate to other messaging apps, but WhatsApp remains dominant in the country. The official recommendation is to always make a complete backup before the deadline to avoid losing conversations and media.
The backup can be done in the app settings, in the conversations section. It is possible to save from Google Drive to Android. Depois, just restore on the new device. The process usually takes a few minutes, depending on the volume of data.
What to do to not lose WhatsApp
If your current cell phone is not upgradable, the recommendation is to buy or use a newer device. Qualquer Android 6.0 Marshmallow, from 2015, already meets the new standard. Modelos with Android 9 or higher offers a smoother experience and lasts longer with updates.
Transferir account is free and fast. Instale the app on the new phone, enter the same number and confirm the code via SMS. History tends to migrate automatically in most cases. Faça backup conversations beforehand to avoid data loss.
Outras practical tips include checking whether the manufacturer still releases security updates. Marcas and Samsung offer longer support in recent lines. Entry Dispositivos or older mid-tiers tend to run out of support sooner. Pesquise the exact model of your cell phone on the manufacturer’s official website to confirm the latest Android available.
Ficha technical change
- Data Cutoff: September 8, 2026
- Minimum Versão Android: 6.0 (Marshmallow)
- Current Versão supported: Android 5.0 (until September 7, 2026)
- iOS unchanged: minimum 15.1
- Aviso to users: notification within the app
- Motivo Core: Security and New Feature Support
- Dispositivos affected: mostly released before 2015
- Recomendação: backup via Google Drive before date
The decision reinforces the sector’s tendency to raise minimum requirements every year. Outros messaging and social networking apps have adopted similar standards in the past. Quem depends on WhatsApp for work or contact with family and should check his cell phone as soon as possible. With planning, the transition happens without major disruptions.