WhatsApp stops working on old Android phones from September
WhatsApp will discontinue support for phones with Android 5.0 and 5.1 from September 8, 2026. From that date onwards, the application will only work on devices with Android 6.0 or later versions. The change affects millions of users around the world who still use old or entry-level devices.
The company released the information in its official Central of Ajuda, confirming that this is a mandatory minimum requirement to continue using the messaging service. Usuários with previous versions are now starting to receive notifications warning about the deadline to update the system or migrate to a compatible device.
Qual is the minimum required version
WhatsApp has established Android 6.0 as the minimum operating system required for the platform to function. Aparelhos launched with Android 5.0 or 5.1 will completely lose access to the application after the stipulated date. The company’s decision reflects the need to keep up with modern safety and performance standards required by the market.
Muitos mid-range and entry-level smartphones launched between 2015 and 2016 operated with these old versions of Android. Usuários of these devices need to evaluate whether your device allows software updates or whether it will be necessary to purchase a new cell phone.
Meta, owner of WhatsApp, justifies the change as essential to keep the application working as expected. Versões’s latest Android offers better compatibility with new features and encryption protocols implemented by the company.
Como check version of Android
The procedure for checking which version of the operating system is installed varies slightly between cell phone brands and models. In general, the process is simple and can be carried out in a few minutes.
- Abra the menuConfiguraçõesof your device
- Procure by section“About the device”or“About the phone”
- On some models, you will need to click“Software information”
- Localize the field“Android version”and write down the number displayed
- Caso appears Android 6.0 or higher, your device will continue to be compatible
- If the version is Android 5.0 or 5.1, you will need to take action before September
Alguns manufacturers, such as Samsung, Motorola, and LG, have slightly different paths to access this information. Consulte manual for your device if you have difficulty locating the correct section. Most modern smartphones display this information clearly and directly.
Opções for users with older devices
Usuários affected by the change basically have two alternatives. The first is to check if the cell phone allows software updates. Muitos devices launched with Android 5.0 receive updates and can be upgraded to Android 6.0, 7.0 or even newer versions, depending on the manufacturer.
The second option is to replace the device with a newer model. The market offers entry-level cell phones compatible with current versions of the Android at affordable prices. Diversas brands provide cost-effective devices with guaranteed compatibility.
Antes of any action, the recommendation is to backup all conversations, photos and files stored on WhatsApp. Isso prevents data loss when migrating to a new device or operating system.
Why WhatsApp is making this change
The company did not provide detailed technical explanations, but the logic behind this decision is clear to experts. Manter compatibility with very old operating systems requires significant development resources and limits the ability to implement new functionality.
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Android 6.0 was released in 2015 and already features adequate support for modern encryption protocols, updated security APIs, and better memory management. Versões 5.0 and 5.1, released in 2014 and 2015, lack many of these essential features for a contemporary communications platform.
Grandes applications like YouTube, Instagram and Facebook have already discontinued support for these old versions of Android. WhatsApp follows the same market trend, seeking to concentrate development efforts on more modern and secure platforms.
The decision also reflects the natural cycle of hardware and software obsolescence. Aparelhos released ten years ago are no longer supported by manufacturers, and maintaining compatibility with them becomes progressively more challenging.
Como backup your conversations
Realizar WhatsApp backup is a quick process and can be done directly through the application’s built-in function. No Android, the backup is stored on the Google Drive, offering security and ease of data recovery.
Acesse asConfiguraçõesof WhatsApp, look for the option“Chats”and then“Chat backup”. Escolha the desired frequency (daily, weekly or monthly) and select which Google Drive account will be used. The app will automatically backup at the selected frequency.
Usuários who want manual backup can select the corresponding option and wait for the process to complete. Dependendo of the amount of data, this may take a few minutes. Certifique Make sure your Google account has available cloud space before starting.
Após migrate to a new device with Android 6.0 or higher, simply reinstall WhatsApp, verify the phone number and choose to restore from the backup stored on the Google Drive. Todas conversations, photos and files will be recovered automatically.
Prazos and next steps
The deadline is September 8, 2026. Usuários still has time to plan their migration, but the recommendation is not to leave it until the last minute. Quanto Before you update the system or purchase a new device, the lower the risk of losing access to the application abruptly.
Notifications are now gradually being sent to affected users. If you’ve received a compatibility alert from WhatsApp, start taking action immediately. Verifique the version of your Android and choose between upgrading the system or looking for a new device that meets the new minimum platform requirements.
