WhatsApp has officially ended support for older Android phones starting today, September 8, 2026.
Devices running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 can no longer use WhatsApp, as the messaging app has now raised its minimum Android requirement to Android 6.0.
The change affects phones that are still stuck on Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android 5.1 and cannot be upgraded to a newer version of Android. However, simply owning an older phone does not necessarily mean WhatsApp will stop working. If the device has received an official update to Android 6.0 or newer, it remains supported.
WhatsApp had announced the change several months ago and warned affected users through notifications inside the app. The company regularly reviews the operating systems it supports so it can keep up with newer technology, security requirements and features.
Users can check their Android version by opening Settings and looking under About Phone or About Device. The exact menu can vary depending on the phone manufacturer. If the device is still running Android 5.0 or 5.1, users should check whether a system update is available.
If no update can take the phone to Android 6.0 or newer, users will need to move to a newer compatible device to continue using WhatsApp. Before switching phones, it is also important to back up WhatsApp chats and other important data so conversations can be restored on the new device.
The change applies to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Phones already running Android 6.0 or newer are not affected by today’s cutoff.
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WhatsApp’s support page also confirms that the company will continue retiring older operating systems over time as part of its ongoing compatibility and security updates.
