WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Android Devices

The messaging app is raising its minimum requirements to Android 6.0 and above. This decision affects users with older phones that cannot update to newer versions of the operating system.

The company explained that dropping support for these older versions will help improve security and overall performance. Older devices often lack the latest protections against threats and may not run new features smoothly. By focusing on more recent Android versions, WhatsApp aims to provide a safer and more reliable experience for the majority of its users.

Affected users will see a notification when they open the app, warning them about the upcoming change. After the deadline, people on Android 5.0 or 5.1 will no longer be able to send or receive messages unless they switch to a compatible device. Many of these phones were released over a decade ago and no longer receive software updates from manufacturers.

This move is part of WhatsApp’s regular updates to keep pace with technology advancements. Users who still rely on older phones are advised to back up their chat history and consider upgrading to a newer smartphone that supports at least Android 6.0. While the number of affected users is relatively small, the change ensures the app remains secure and efficient for billions of people worldwide.