Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, confirmed the schedule to end support for the application on mobile devices with older operating systems. The measure, which undergoes annual reviews, aims to ensure user safety and compatibility with new features that are implemented on the messaging platform.
To continue using the application in 2025, devices must run at least versions Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1. Dispositivos who are unable to upgrade to these operating systems will gradually lose access to all messenger functionality, including sending messages and making calls.
The company points out that affected users are notified directly in the application in advance, allowing them time to check their devices, make backups of their conversations and, if necessary, plan to exchange for a newer model that meets the new technical requirements.
What are the minimum system requirements
The definition of minimum operating systems is a common practice in the technology sector and serves to align software with hardware and security developments. In the case of WhatsApp, for the Android ecosystem, the device is required to run version 5.0, also known as
In the universe of Apple, the requirement is more recent. The application requires iOS 15.1, available in 2021. Essa requirement directly affects models such as the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5s, which have not received an update to this version of the system. On the other hand, devices from the iPhone 6s onwards, launched in 2015, continue to be compatible, as long as the user keeps the operating system properly updated, thus ensuring the full functioning of WhatsApp and other modern applications.
The importance of security updates
Meta’s decision to discontinue support for older operating systems is directly linked to data protection and user privacy. Versões out-of-date Android and iOS no longer receive security patches from their manufacturers, like Google and Apple, which makes them easy targets for vulnerabilities and attacks by cybercriminals. Manter WhatsApp working on these platforms would represent a significant risk, as security flaws in the system could be exploited to access messages and personal information, even with the end-to-end encryption offered by the application. Além Furthermore, the continuous evolution of WhatsApp, with the addition of new features such as channels, message editing and improvements to video calls, depends on technologies present only in more modern systems. Old software architecture simply doesn’t support these new features, which would limit innovation and user experience. Centralizing development on newer platforms allows the engineering team to optimize application performance and stability for the vast majority of its global user base.
How to check your operating system version
Checking which operating system is installed on your smartphone is a simple and essential procedure to determine whether your device will continue to be compatible with WhatsApp.
For users of Android devices, the path usually involves opening the “Settings” menu, scrolling until you find the “About phone” or “About device” option, and then tapping “Software information.” Nesse location, the “Version of Android” will be displayed clearly.
On iPhones, the process is equally straightforward. The user must access the “Settings” application, select the “General” option and then tap “Software Update”. The next screen will show the version of iOS installed and inform you if there are any updates available for the device.
It is recommended that, when performing this check, users take the opportunity to install any pending updates, if the device’s hardware is still compatible with newer versions of the system.
iPhone models that lose access
The updated WhatsApp requirements directly impacted owners of older iPhone models that do not have the hardware capacity to run iOS 15.1. Consequentemente, devices like the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6, both very popular in their time, are no longer compatible with the messaging app.
On the other hand, users of models starting from the iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st generation) and all subsequent releases, such as the iPhone 7, 8,
Clarification regarding rumors in the Android system
At the beginning of 2025, information circulated on several social networks and news sites that WhatsApp would stop working on a vast list of Android cell phones as of a specific date, which generated concern among many users.
In response, Meta went public to deny these rumors. The company clarified that there were no scheduled changes to the Android system requirements at that time, maintaining the version 5.0 requirement as the minimum standard, which had already been in effect since the last revision.
This episode reinforces the importance of seeking information only on official WhatsApp channels, such as the company’s blog or the help section of the application itself, and being wary of unverified lists that circulate online.
Prior notifications are sent to users
Meta’s policy is to ensure a seamless transition for users who will be affected by compatibility changes. Therefore, the company does not end support abruptly. Instead, WhatsApp displays a series of notifications and alerts within the application itself, months before the end date, informing that the device’s operating system version will soon become obsolete and providing guidance on the next steps.
What to do if your cell phone is affected
For users whose cell phones do not support the minimum versions required by WhatsApp, the main recommendation is to plan to purchase a newer device. Most smartphones launched in recent years come standard with compatible operating systems and will receive updates over a long period of time.
Before migrating to a new device, it is essential to completely back up your conversations to avoid losing your message, photo and video history. No Android, backup can be done easily through integration with Google Drive, while on iOS, the service used is iCloud. Ambas options can be configured directly in WhatsApp settings.
