WhatsApp is planning to stop support for some older Android smartphones from September 2026. This will affect devices running Android versions below Android 6, including Android 5.0 and 5.1. Because of this, many users may lose access if they are still using old software.
This change is part of WhatsApp’s regular updates to improve security, speed, and support for new features. Older operating systems cannot handle these updates properly, so they are being removed from support.
Users are advised to check their Android version in settings and upgrade their phone if needed to continue using WhatsApp without any issues.
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Which devices will get affected
As per NDTV reports, WhatsApp Help Center confirms that from 8 September 2026, phones running Android versions below 6 will no longer support the app. This includes older models running Android 5.0 and 5.1. Devices from brands like Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, and Huawei may be impacted.
What should users do now
Users should check their phone settings to see their Android version. If updates are available, they should install them immediately. If not, switching to a newer smartphone will be necessary. As per NDTV reports, experts also suggest backing up chats and media to avoid losing data.
WhatsApp’s decision is mainly to improve app security and performance by stopping support for very old systems. While this may affect users with older phones, it will give a smoother and safer experience for most users.
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This update also reminds people that older smartphones slowly stop supporting modern apps. So, it is important to update devices on time and keep backups of important data.
