Check To See If Yours Is On The List Now WhatsApp Is Going To Stop Working

WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta, will discontinue support for a number of older smartphone models as part of its regular upgrade cycle starting from Sunday, June 1, 2025. To give consumers more time to get ready, this change which was originally planned for May 5, 2025 was postponed by a few weeks.

The App’s minimal system requirements have increased due to the upgrade, making it incompatible with some older devices. A list of iPhones WhatsApp will no longer function on iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later, and Android 5.1 or later on Android devices.

Because these models are only compatible with iOS versions lower than 15.1, the upgraded software will not work with them. The iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus have been inadvertently added to the list of impacted devices in some sources.

These devices can run iOS 15.8.4, which is the most recent version that is supported for them. Until a future upgrade raises requirements once again, which probably won’t happen for another year or two, these smartphones should continue to work with WhatsApp.

Android devices Will No Longer Be Able To Use WhatsApp Starting June 1

Additionally, Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and older devices will no longer be supported. Although individual Android model lists differ because of the fragmentation of the platform, this covers earlier devices such as the Sony Xperia Z, HTC One X, and Samsung Galaxy S3.

Reasons For WhatsApp’s Discontinuation

In order to take advantage of newer operating system features, improve security, and optimize performance, WhatsApp regularly updates its minimum requirements. Because older devices, which are frequently constrained by hardware, find it difficult to support modern app functionalities like end-to-end encryption, video calling, or new interface elements, WhatsApp discontinues support for outdated systems, ensuring a consistent user experience across its roughly 3 billion users worldwide.

Here are your alternatives options.

Update the Device

To guarantee continuous WhatsApp access, move to a more recent smartphone that supports iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 (or later). There are many affordable options, such as mid-range Android smartphones or the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation).

Update the iOS: To ensure compatibility, make sure the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, or SE (1st gen) is running iOS 15.8.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Backup Chats: To move WhatsApp conversations to a different device before losing access, back them up to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). To protect your data, navigate to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

Whatsapp apps gradually stop supporting older systems, this adjustment is in line with industry trends.

Only roughly 5% of iPhones running iOS 15 or earlier, according to Apple’s own data from 2024, suggests that the impact in developed markets is minimal. Users may encounter difficulties in areas with slower device turnover, though. In order to prevent service interruptions, WhatsApp has recommended that impacted customers update their devices before June 1, 2025. Check the App Store or Google Play Store for your device’s compatibility, or visit WhatsApp’s official support page for additional information. You may check its iOS version under Settings > General > About on an iPhone or Settings > About Phone on an Android device if you’re not sure of its status.