WhatsApp Support Ending Soon For These Older Android Phones: Is Your Device On The List?
WhatsApp Support Ending Soon For These Older Android Phones: Is Your Device On The List?
Publish Date: 2026-04-28 04:18:00
Source Domain: in.mashable.com
WhatsApp has begun issuing in-app alerts to users on older Android devices, warning that support will end in September 2026. The update will impact both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, with smartphones running Android 5.0 and 5.1 set to lose access completely. The company says this step is part of its routine compatibility updates aimed at improving performance, stability, and security across supported devices.
The upcoming support cutoff for WhatsApp will affect only a small share of global users still running Android 5.x, but its impact is expected to be more pronounced in regions like India, Brazil, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In these markets, older smartphones remain widely used due to slower upgrade cycles, making the transition more disruptive for everyday users.
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Several once-popular devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S6, Sony Xperia Z3, and OnePlus One, are among those set to lose support. For many users in emerging markets, these phones still serve as primary devices, meaning the cutoff could directly impact communication access for a significant base.
WhatsApp’s parent company Meta says the move is necessary to support modern system capabilities, including new features, stronger security frameworks, and updated APIs. Continuing support for outdated Android versions can slow development and limit innovation, while older devices also pose higher security risks due to the lack of manufacturer updates.
Affected users are advised to check their Android version, update to Android 6.0 or newer if possible, and back up chats via Google Drive or local storage. For those unable to upgrade, switching to a newer device will be essential to retain access. In the near term, this shift could drive demand for budget smartphones, while also opening opportunities for rivals like Telegram and Signal to attract users who may not immediately upgrade.
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