Patna: WhatsApp has ended support for smartphones running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1, with the change taking effect on September 8, 2026. Devices that cannot be updated to Android 6.0 or later will no longer meet the minimum requirements for WhatsApp.
The change applies to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. It primarily affects older smartphones that were released nearly a decade ago or earlier and did not receive updates to newer Android versions.
Which Android Phones Are Affected?
WhatsApp has removed Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop from its minimum supported operating systems.
Users now need a smartphone running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or a newer version to continue using WhatsApp.
The company announced the change in advance and notified affected users through in-app alerts, giving them time to back up their chats and consider upgrading their devices.
How To Check Your Android Version
Users who are unsure whether their phone is affected can check the Android version through the device settings.
Open Settings, go to About Phone or a similar section, and look for the Android version listed on the device.
If the phone is running Android 5.0 or 5.1, users should first check whether a software update is available from the manufacturer. Installing an update to Android 6.0 or later should allow WhatsApp to continue working.
If the device cannot be upgraded beyond Android 5.x, reinstalling WhatsApp will not solve the compatibility issue. In that case, users will need a newer smartphone to continue using the service.
Back Up WhatsApp Chats Before Switching
Users who need to replace an unsupported phone should back up their WhatsApp chats, photos and other important media before moving to a new device.
WhatsApp provides backup options through Google Drive and local storage, depending on the device and configuration.
After installing WhatsApp on the new Android phone, users can restore an available backup by registering the app with the same mobile number and following the restoration process.
Completing the backup before changing phones is important to reduce the risk of losing conversations and other stored media.
Why Has WhatsApp Dropped Support?
WhatsApp regularly updates its security systems, performance and features. Supporting very old operating systems can limit the company’s ability to maintain these improvements across all devices.
Raising the minimum operating system requirement allows WhatsApp to focus development and security resources on newer Android versions that are more widely used.
The change is expected to have limited impact on the wider smartphone market, as most current Android devices already run versions significantly newer than Android 5.x.
What Users Need To Do
Users running Android 6.0 or newer do not need to take any action because their devices continue to meet WhatsApp’s minimum requirement.
Those using Android 5.0 or 5.1 should check for available system updates. If no compatible update exists, moving to a newer smartphone will be necessary to continue using WhatsApp.
Before switching devices, users should prioritise backing up their WhatsApp data and completing the transfer process on the new phone.
