Android phones have long shelf lives, especially in markets where replacing a device is no small expense. But for WhatsApp users still hanging onto older handsets, the clock is now ticking.
Starting Sept. 8, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1, raising its minimum requirement to Android 6.0. The cutoff gives affected users time to update, switch devices, or back up their chats before they lose the ability to send and receive messages on one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps.
Support cutoff raises minimum requirements
WABetaInfo noted that WhatsApp will require 6.0 or newer starting in September 2026, ending compatibility with older versions. The outlet shared a screenshot of the alert that states, “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device,” with an explanation for the update.
“Users who continue to use the outdated version won’t be able to send or receive messages after September 8th,” Beebom Gadgets reported.
The change applies only to Android devices. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will continue to support iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later, with no disruption expected for Apple users.
Older devices face a growing compatibility gap
Android 5.0, released in 2014, is now more than a decade old, yet it remains in use across several markets.
A portion of users still rely on older smartphones that no longer receive updates, particularly in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where older devices remain common. NokiaPowerUser also highlighted that the change applies to devices still running Android 5.0 or 5.1, versions that are no longer widely supported and may not receive further updates.
The move is tied to WhatsApp’s development needs, including security, stability, and compatibility with newer Android frameworks.
What users should do before the deadline
WhatsApp is urging affected users to act before the Sept. 8, 2026, cutoff, rather than waiting until the app stops working.
Users should first check whether their phone can be updated to Android 6.0 or newer through the device’s settings menu. If an update is available, installing it should preserve WhatsApp access.
Those whose phones are no longer eligible for updates should back up their chats before the deadline. WhatsApp users can save conversations to Google Drive or local storage, helping prevent the loss of messages, media, and contact history when switching to a newer device.
The cutoff also gives users time to plan a replacement instead of scrambling after service ends. For people in regions where older phones remain common, the safest move is to confirm their Android version now, back up important data, and migrate before WhatsApp support disappears.
Also read: 10 Android Trends That Will Define Smartphones in 2026