Meta has announced that WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will stop functioning on select older smartphones beginning May 5, 2025. This move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance security, improve app performance, and ensure compatibility with newer technologies.
If you or someone you know is using an older device, now might be the time to check if your phone is on the list and consider upgrading.
Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Devices?
Meta (formerly Facebook) says the decision to drop support for outdated smartphones is based on the following:
- Security: Newer operating systems receive regular security patches. Older ones are vulnerable to data breaches and malware.
- Performance: Outdated hardware cannot efficiently handle new WhatsApp features and updates.
- User Experience: The app works more reliably and smoothly on modern devices.
This means that devices running software versions that can no longer be updated to meet WhatsApp’s minimum requirements will lose access to the app starting May 5.
WhatsApp Minimum Requirements Starting May 5, 2025
To continue using WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, your smartphone must meet the following minimum system requirements:
- Apple iPhones: Must run iOS 15.1 or later
- Android smartphones: Must run Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
Apple Devices That Will Lose WhatsApp Support
These iPhone models cannot be updated beyond iOS 12.5.7 and will no longer support WhatsApp:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
If you’re using one of these iPhones, you will need to upgrade to at least an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or newer.
Android Phones Losing WhatsApp Access
Many Android devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older will lose WhatsApp support permanently. These include older models across brands such as Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony.
Affected Android Phones
Samsung
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Ace 3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola
- Moto G (1st Gen)
- Moto E (2014)
- Razr HD
HTC
- One X
- One X+
- Desire 500
- Desire 601
LG
- Optimus G
- G2 Mini
- L90
- Nexus 4
Sony
- Xperia Z
- Xperia SP
- Xperia T
- Xperia V
WhatsApp Compatibility Requirements Table
| Platform | Minimum OS Required | Unsupported Devices (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| iOS | iOS 15.1+ | iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus |
| Android | Android 5.0+ | Galaxy S3, Moto E 2014, LG Optimus G, Xperia T |
What Can Affected Users Do?
If your device is on the list:
- Backup your chats before May 5 using Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
- Consider upgrading to a newer smartphone that supports current OS updates.
- Transfer your WhatsApp data to your new device during setup.
Why This Matters
WhatsApp is a daily communication tool for millions of users globally. Losing access to it could affect everything from personal chats and media sharing to business communications and customer engagement.
By keeping your device updated, you not only retain access but also gain access to new WhatsApp features — including enhanced privacy tools, media sharing improvements, and seamless device syncing.
If you rely on WhatsApp for communication or business, now is the time to double-check your phone’s operating system. Meta’s May 5 update will officially render dozens of older smartphones incompatible with both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.
Keeping your device up to date is not just about accessing apps — it’s also about staying secure, connected, and future-ready.
Stay tuned to Okay.ng for more tech updates and device compatibility guides.
