Soon, millions of WhatsApp users will need to pay attention to changes in the app’s support. The world’s most popular messaging platform will cease operation on a number of cell phones that operate with older operating systems. This decision directly impacts the ability to communicate for those using outdated devices, requiring many to consider changing devices to maintain access to the service. The measure seeks to improve security and introduce new features that outdated systems can no longer support.
End of support: understand WhatsApp’s decision and the impact on security
The decision to discontinue support for older operating systems is a common and necessary practice in the technology industry. It reflects WhatsApp’s constant quest to ensure user security and the full functionality of its latest features, such as enhanced end-to-end encryption. Maintaining compatibility with very old versions requires a disproportionate development effort and often compromises stability, performance and, crucially, the protection of data and conversations.
By focusing on more modern platforms, the company is able to not only implement innovations, but also better protect the information of its billions of users against cyber vulnerabilities. Outdated operating systems are more susceptible to attacks and security flaws that have already been fixed in newer versions. Therefore, updating the minimum requirements is not just a matter of functionality, but also an essential layer of security for everyone involved in the application network. It is an inevitable step to keep up with technological advancement and offer a robust and protected experience.
See the list of affected cell phone systems and models
The support cut will mainly affect devices that can no longer be updated to the minimum required versions of the operating system. To continue using WhatsApp, devices must run at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a higher version. For iPhones, the requirement is iOS 12 or newer.
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
These models, and any previous iPhone that cannot run iOS 12, will no longer have access to the app. For the Android universe, the list of specific models is wider and depends on the manufacturer and the last software update received by each device. In general, smartphones that still run versions such as KitKat (Android 4.4) or earlier, from different brands such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, Huawei, among others, will be affected. It is essential that each user checks the version of their operating system, as the same model may have received different updates depending on the region or operator.
How to quickly check your device’s OS version
To find out if your device will be impacted by the WhatsApp change, the first step is to check which version of the operating system it is using. The procedure is simple and can be carried out directly from the smartphone’s settings in a few seconds.
- For Android phones:
- Open the “Settings” or “Adjustments” app.
- Scroll down until you find and tap “About Phone,” “About Device,” or “System Information.”
- Within this section, look for “Software Information” or “Android Version” to see the version number installed on your device.
- For iPhones (iOS):
- Open the “Settings” app.
- Tap the “General” option.
- Then select “About” and search for “Software Version” to check which version of iOS is running on your iPhone.
Accuracy in this check is crucial to know whether your cell phone will remain compatible or whether it will require any action to ensure continued use of WhatsApp.
Next steps for those with an impacted device
If checking the operating system reveals that your device is among those that will lose WhatsAp support, there are some options to consider to avoid interruption of communication. The most recommended and complete alternative is to invest in purchasing a newer smartphone. Newer devices will not only ensure continued access to WhatsApp and its future updates, but will also offer better performance, greater security and compatibility with other modern apps and advanced features.
It is important to understand that when support ends, the application will simply stop working. This means that not only will new features no longer be added, but the sending and receiving of messages will stop. Lack of access can lead to lack of communication with friends, family and groups, impacting personal and professional life. Therefore, planning in advance to change your device or adapt to other forms of communication is essential to minimize inconvenience and ensure that you remain connected.
Keep Your History Safe: The Complete WhatsApp Backup Guide
For those who intend to change their cell phone or need to ensure that their memories, documents and important information will not be lost, backing up WhatsApp conversations is a fundamental step. The process is simple, can be done in a few minutes and ensures that your entire history is restored on the new device, avoiding the loss of valuable data.
- To backup on Android:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three vertical dots (More options) in the top right corner of the main screen.
- In the menu that opens, select “Settings” and then tap “Chats”.
- Scroll down and select the “Chat backup” option.
- Choose the Google Drive account to store your backup. You can set the automatic backup frequency (daily, weekly, monthly) or perform an immediate manual backup by tapping “Back Up”.
- Make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting the process to avoid consuming excessive mobile data, especially if the backup is large. After completion, check the date and time of the last backup to confirm that it completed successfully.
- To back up on iPhone (iOS):
- Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings” (the gear icon, usually in the bottom right corner).
- Tap “Chats” and then “Chat backup.”
- Press “Back Up Now” to start the process of copying your data to iCloud.
- It is essential to check that iCloud Drive is activated in your iPhone’s “Settings”, in your Apple ID section, so that the backup can be performed and stored correctly.
- Just like on Android, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before starting the backup. Keep the application open until the process is complete, and check if the last backup date is up to date.
Preparing for this change is crucial to maintaining uninterrupted communication. Checking your device’s compatibility and backing up your conversations are the most important steps to ensure a smooth and safe transition given WhatsApp’s technological evolution.
