If you are among the users of these phones, WhatsApp has announced that it will no longer support certain older mobile phones from May 5, 2025. Meta, the company behind WhatsApp, explained, “The changes are part of regular updates to ensure the app stays secure and functional while working with newer phones.” This decision will affect both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, as both applications share the same system requirements.
Starting from May 5, 2025, the WhatsApp app will no longer be supported on several older smartphones due to changes in its compatibility with outdated operating systems, and to maintain security and ensure optimal performance across newer hardware and operating systems.
List of Phones WhatsApp Will Stop Working Starting From May 2025
Below is the full list of phones WhatsApp will no longer work, from May 2025:
iPhones Users
This popular messaging app (WhatsApp) will no longer be supported/function on iOS versions earlier than 15.1. Specifically, the following Apple devices will no longer be compatible with the application: iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. These phones were originally released in 2013 and 2014.
Although some of these iPhones can be updated to meet the new requirement, these specific models can only be upgraded to iOS 12.5.7, which is no longer compatible with WhatsApp’s latest version.
Android Phones Affected
Earlier in the year, on January 1, 2025, WhatsApp dropped support for Android KitKat (version 4.4) and older versions, which lend to several Android devices no longer compatible with WhatsApp.
With this current announcement, below are the list of Android phones WhatsApp will cease to function, starting May, 2025:
Samsung:
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Ace 3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola:
- Moto G (1st Gen)
- Razr HD
- Moto E 2014
HTC:
- One X
- One X+
- Desire 500
- Desire 601
LG:
- Optimus G
- Nexus 4
- G2 Mini
- L90
Sony:
- Xperia Z
- Xperia SP
- Xperia T
- Xperia V
Note: Both the standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps are affected, as they share the same system requirements.
The change is necessary to allow the app to continue operating efficiently and securely on the latest devices, according to Meta.
How to Know If Your Phone is Safe From This
If your iPhone runs iOS 15 or later or your Android device is on Android 5.0 or above, then you’re in the safe zone—WhatsApp will keep working on your phone/device, and you’ll continue receiving new features and updates. But if your phone/device hasn’t been updated in years or sits on the edge of compatibility, try to double-checking before May caught up on you.
What to Do If Your Phone Is on the List WhatsApp will cease to function, starting May, 2025
- Back Up Your Chats
Before making any changes, try save your conversations! You can use Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone) to back up your WhatsApp chats so you can easily restore them on a new device.
- Check for Updates
Your phone might still be able to upgrade to a supported OS. Go to your settings and see if a software update is available. If it is—great! Update and you’re good to go.
- Time for an Upgrade?
If your device can’t update any further, you can contact your phone producer for a better further directive.