Messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a significant change to its compatibility policy that will affect users with older smartphones. From September 8, 2026, the app will no longer work on devices running Android 5.0 or 5.1. Essa discontinuation represents another step by Meta Platforms towards technological modernization.
The company justifies the measure based on security issues and the need to implement new features that depend on newer versions of the Google operating system. The information was officially released on WhatsApp’s Central of Ajuda. Affected Usuários will have a few months to prepare before the deadline.
Quais cell phones will be without WhatsApp
WhatsApp does not publish an official list containing all models impacted by the restriction. The platform communicates only the minimum system requirements. Porém, smartphones using Android 5.0 or earlier versions will automatically lose access. Diversos devices released between 2010 and 2014 work with these obsolete versions.
Seis major manufacturers have models that will be affected by the change:
- Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, S4 Mini, S5, Note 2, Core, Trend and J2
- LG Optimus L3, L5, L7, F5, L3 II Dual and L5 II
- Motorola Moto G and Moto E (first generation)
- Sony Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z3
- Huawei Ascend Mate, Ascend G740 and Ascend D2
- HTC models released before Android 6
Esses handsets represent a considerable segment of users in developing countries, where older cell phones are still actively circulating. The impact could be especially relevant for lower-income users who rely on second-hand devices. The discontinuation occurs progressively, with WhatsApp typically blocking access before the official date.
Why Android 6.0 became the new minimum standard
Android 6.0, known commercially as Android Marshmallow, is the sixth major operating system version of Google, released in 2015. Esse’s release introduced significant improvements in security, permissions control, and battery management. Meta has chosen this milestone as its new minimum requirement.
The company claimed that old versions of Android have security vulnerabilities that cannot be retroactively patched. Além Additionally, WhatsApp’s new features — including improved encryption, high-quality video calls, and advanced filters — rely on APIs only available in Android 6.0 or higher. Manter support for older versions would make development slower and more complex.
Esse pattern follows a trend adopted by other major platforms. Instagram, Facebook and Messenger have already discontinued support for Android 5.0 in the last two years. Apple maintains broader compatibility on iPhones, offering support for longer-released models.
What changes for iPhone users
iPhone owners will not face restrictions in this update. WhatsApp will continue to work normally on devices running iOS 15.1 or higher. Essa difference reflects Apple’s policy of providing security updates for longer periods compared to Android.
An iPhone 6s or newer can install iOS 15.1 and therefore maintains compatibility with WhatsApp. Apple’s strategy of controlling both hardware and software allows older devices to receive critical security updates. iPhone’s Usuários have fewer concerns about this change compared to the fragmented Android ecosystem.
Como check your cell phone version
Usuários who suspect they have an affected device should check the system version in their smartphone’s settings. No Android, the information is usually in “About phone” or “Device information”. The version number appears as “Android Version” followed by a number — 5.0, 5.1, 6.0, etc.
If the device shows Android 5.0 or 5.1, WhatsApp will stop working after September 8th. Nesse case, the user has two main options. The first is to update the cell phone software to a newer version of Android, if the device is compatible. Muitos older smartphones may be upgraded beyond their original version depending on the manufacturer and specific model.
The second option is to migrate to a new device that runs at least Android 6.0. Essa change also affects users of Android tablets that operate with older versions of the system. Tablets released between 2012 and 2014 may present the same problem as smartphones.
Preparação for deadline
Meta offers a few months for users to adapt to the change. Até September, anyone who has an affected device can back up conversations, transfer contacts and prepare for migration to a new device. WhatsApp offers native cloud backup options, allowing message history to be preserved during the transition.
Usuários should be aware that after September 8th, any attempt to open WhatsApp on an Android 5.0 will result in a compatibility error. The application may not open, or it may open but refuse to function properly. The platform typically displays a message stating that the version of Android is incompatible.
Essa is the third or fourth time in a decade that WhatsApp has stopped support for older versions of Android. The practice reflects the technological reality where maintaining backwards compatibility becomes unsustainable. Desenvolvedores needs to balance the inclusion of legacy users with the implementation of modern technologies.