Starting June 1, WhatsApp will no longer work on certain older mobile phones, particularly devices over 10 years old. The update raises minimum requirements for both iOS and Android platforms, driven by security and performance improvements .
Affected Versions
iOS Phones must now run iOS 15.1 or later. Devices stuck on older iOS—like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus—won’t be supported.
Android Support requires Android 5.1 or newer. Phones on Android 5.0 or below (e.g. Galaxy S4, Note 3, Sony Xperia Z1, LG G2, early Moto G/E, Huawei P6) will lose access.
Why It Matters
WhatsApp updates its system requirements periodically to ensure robust end-to-end encryption, smooth performance, and new features. Older operating systems simply can’t keep up—especially on aging devices.
What You Should Do
1. Check your OS:
Go to Settings → About Phone on Android.
Go to Settings → General → About on iPhone.
2. Back up your chats: Use Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
3. Upgrade your phone:
Budget iPhones like the iPhone SE (2nd/3rd Gen) support iOS 15+, or
Affordable Android options from Samsung, Tecno, or Infinix that run Android 12 or 13.
4. Transfer your WhatsApp chat backup to your new phone.
For most users, the best route is to upgrade—it’s the safest way to keep your chats, calls, and media intact, and enjoy stronger security.
