Patna: Millions of people who use WhatsApp on older Android phones could soon face trouble, as the company has announced that it will stop supporting certain devices from September 8. According to the new rule, WhatsApp will no longer work on smartphones running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1. Users whose phones are running older versions will not be able to send messages, make calls or access their chats after the deadline.
The company says the decision has been taken because it regularly introduces new features and stronger security updates that older devices cannot support properly. New updates often need better hardware and the latest software to work smoothly. To maintain performance and provide a safe experience, WhatsApp has now made Android 6.0 Marshmallow the minimum requirement for using the app.
This change is likely to affect millions of users across countries such as India, Brazil and Pakistan, where many people still use older and budget-friendly smartphones. In several parts of Asia and Africa, outdated devices remain common because they are affordable and continue to serve basic needs. As a result, a large number of users may soon be forced to upgrade.
WhatsApp has already started informing affected users through notifications inside the app. These alerts warn users that the service will stop working after 8 September 2026. However, users whose devices are already running Android 6.0 or newer do not need to worry, as the app will continue to work normally for them. The change will also not affect users of iPhone and iPad.
Experts are advising users to check their phone’s Android version immediately. If an update is available, it should be installed as soon as possible. If the device cannot be updated, buying a new smartphone may be the only option to continue using WhatsApp. Users are also being urged to back up their chats, photos and documents to avoid losing important conversations and files.
