WhatsApp ends support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 in September 2026

WhatsApp will stop working on cell phones with Android 5.0 and 5.1 from September 8, 2026. From that date onwards, the application will only be compatible with Android 6.0 or later versions. Usuários on old devices already receive notifications alerting them about the deadline to update the software or change devices.

The change appears in the application’s Central and Ajuda and reflects the company’s strategy of keeping operations aligned with the latest security and performance standards. Segundo for WhatsApp, compatibility with more current versions of the operating system is necessary to ensure the secure operation of the platform.

Quem will be affected

Proprietários of smartphones with Android 5.0 or 5.1 will lose access to WhatsApp after September 8, 2026. Most of these devices were launched between 2014 and 2015, a period when Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and 5.1 (Lollipop MR1) dominated the market. Newer Celulares, with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher, will continue to work normally with the application.

Affected users have two options: update the operating system to a compatible version, if the device allows it, or migrate to a new smartphone. The notification is only showing to those still using the old versions.

Como check version of Android

The procedure to check which version of Android is installed varies depending on the cell phone model. In general, the user must access the Configurações menu, enter the “About device” or “About phone” section and look for the “Android version” field. On some devices, you need to click on “Software information” first.

Após identifies the version, the user can check if it allows updating. Muitos devices with Android 5.0 or 5.1 no longer receive updates from manufacturers, which makes switching to a compatible version unfeasible.

Dados important for migration

Antes from losing access to WhatsApp, it is recommended that users of old devices backup their conversations. The measure prevents loss of messages, photos, videos and files when migrating to a new device or operating system.

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• Acesso to WhatsApp backup settings (Android > Configurações > Chats > Backup from chats)
• Realização from cloud backup (Google Drive) for later recovery
• Exportação of individual conversations if necessary
• Documentação of important contacts before migration
• Verificação of Pinned Messages or Critical Groups

Backup via Google Drive allows the user to restore all conversations and media to a new device after installing WhatsApp and logging in with the same account.

Razão from discontinuation

The company justifies the update of the minimum requirements by the need to keep the application secure and functioning properly. Versões old Android have security vulnerabilities that are no longer patched by manufacturers. Além Additionally, WhatsApp’s code uses features and libraries that require compatibility with newer versions of the operating system.

The decision is in line with the practice adopted by other large technology platforms. Aplicativos like Facebook, Instagram and Telegram also establish minimum versions of Android to ensure performance and security. WhatsApp follows this market trend, especially considering that Android 5.0 was launched more than ten years ago.

Alternativas for affected users

Quem has an Android 5.0 or 5.1 device and wants to continue using WhatsApp and has a few options. Alguns manufacturers, such as Samsung, still allow manual updating of older devices via firmware files available online, although this requires technical knowledge. Outra possibility is to invest in a new smartphone, as basic models with Android 6.0 or higher are available at affordable prices on the market.

Usuários who are unable to update or change devices will lose access to the platform, but will be able to consult their conversations and media through the backup made before the deadline, if they have synchronized with Google Drive.