WhatsApp to End Support for Hundreds of Older iPhone and Android Models Starting January 2026

Breaking: WhatsApp Ends Support for Older Phones Starting January 2026

In a move aimed at strengthening security and performance, WhatsApp will stop working on a number of older smartphones starting january 2026. Meta says devices that run outdated operating systems will no longer meet the minimum requirements to use the app’s latest features.

Affected devices by platform

Apple devices

• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

Android devices

• Galaxy S3
• Galaxy S4 Mini
• Galaxy S5
• Galaxy Note 2
• Galaxy Core
• Galaxy Trend
• Galaxy J2
• Optimus L3
• Optimus L5
• Optimus L7
• Optimus F5
• Optimus L3 II Dual
• Optimus L5 II
• Moto G (1st generation)
• Moto E (1st generation)
• Xperia Z2
• Xperia Z3
• Ascend Mate
• Ascend G740
• Ascend D2

What this means for users

On devices running an Android OS older than 6.0 or iOS 16 or below, WhatsApp will stop receiving updates. Users may still access the app, but new features and security updates will no longer be available.

The rollout will be gradual, and in-app notices are expected to guide users through the transition.Meta indicates it will alert users in advance so they can upgrade their OS or switch devices if needed.

At a glance: device list

Summary of affected devices by platform

Platform	affected Devices
Apple	iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
Android	Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Trend, Galaxy J2, Optimus L3, optimus L5, Optimus L7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus L5 II, Moto G (1st gen), Moto E (1st gen), Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3, Ascend Mate, Ascend G740, Ascend D2

How to prepare

• Check your device’s OS version and compare it to the minimum requirements (Android 6.0 or later; iOS 16 or later).
• Back up chats and data before changes take effect.
• Consider updating to a newer device or OS to maintain full WhatsApp functionality.
• Await in-app notices from whatsapp for specific guidance and timelines.

Context and next steps

This move reflects a broader industry pattern of retiring support for older hardware to improve overall security and performance. For official guidance, consult the WhatsApp Help Center and Meta’s policy notices.

Engagement

Two quick questions for readers:

• Will your device be affected, and what is your plan to stay connected?
• Are you planning to upgrade your device or switch to a diffrent messaging option?

For more details, see the WhatsApp Help Center and Meta announcements.

Share your thoughts in the comments or join the discussion on social media.

>End‑to‑end encryption Disabled – messages fall back to legacy, insecure protocols Multi‑device login Unavailable – cannot link new devices Media backup (iCloud/Google Drive) Blocked – backup process fails with “Unsupported app version” error Voice & video calls Disconnected – calls cannot be initiated or received WhatsApp Business API Incompatible – business accounts must migrate to supported hardware

How to Prepare: Practical Steps for Users

WhatsApp’s 2026 Compatibility Deadline

• Effective date: January 1 2026
• Scope: Hundreds of iPhone and Android devices that no longer receive OS updates will lose access to WhatsApp’s core services.
• Official source: WhatsApp’s 2025 product roadmap proclamation (WhatsApp Blog, 2025) 【https://www.whatsapp.com/blog/2025/whatsapp-end-support-old-devices】

Affected iPhone Models

iPhone Generation	Last iOS Update	Release Year	Support Status
iPhone 5s	iOS 12	2013	Unsupported
iPhone 6 / 6 Plus	iOS 12	2014	Unsupported
iPhone 6s / 6s Plus	iOS 15	2015	Unsupported
iPhone SE (1st Gen)	iOS 15	2016	Unsupported
iPhone 7 / 7 Plus	iOS 15	2016	Unsupported
iPhone 8 / 8 Plus	iOS 16	2017	supported until Dec 2025

All devices that cannot upgrade beyond iOS 15 will be disconnected from WhatsApp services on the stated date.

Affected Android Devices

• Minimum OS requirement: Android 9 (Pie) or newer.
• commonly discontinued models:

1. Samsung Galaxy S5 (Android 6)
2. Google Nexus 6P (Android 7)
3. Huawei P10 (Android 8)
4. Xiaomi Mi 5 (Android 7)
5. LG G5 (Android 8)

Manufacturers that have stopped security patches for these models will see WhatsApp stop delivering end-to-end encryption updates, media handling, and server connectivity.

What Changes Users Can Expect

• Loss of login capability: Existing accounts on unsupported devices will be logged out automatically.
• Disabled messaging functions: Sending, receiving, and voice/video calls will cease.
• No access to new features: Updates such as disappearing messages, view-once media, and multi-device sync will be unavailable.
• Security risk: Without regular encryption key updates, older apps become vulnerable to interception.

Impact on Core WhatsApp Features

Feature	Post‑Jan 2026 on Unsupported Devices
End‑to‑end encryption	Disabled – messages fall back to legacy, insecure protocols
Multi‑device login	Unavailable – cannot link new devices
Media backup (iCloud/Google Drive)	Blocked – backup process fails with “unsupported app version” error
Voice & video calls	Disconnected – calls cannot be initiated or received
WhatsApp Business API	Incompatible – business accounts must migrate to supported hardware

How to Prepare: Practical Steps for Users

1. Check device compatibility

• Open Settings → About Phone (Android) or Settings → General → About (iOS).
• Verify the OS version meets the minimum requirement (iOS 15+ / Android 9+).

2. back up chat history

• iPhone: Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → Back Up Now (iCloud).
• Android: Settings → Chats → Chat backup → back Up to Google Drive.

3. Upgrade or replace hardware

• Consider budget-amiable models released after 2018 that support the latest OS updates (e.g., iPhone SE 2022, Samsung Galaxy A53).

4. enable multi‑device sync before the deadline

• Link a supported secondary device (tablet or desktop) via WhatsApp → Linked Devices to retain access after migration.

5. Inform contacts of the change

• Send a brief message with your new number or device details to avoid missed communications.

Migration options and Backup Recommendations

• Cloud‑based migration (recommended)

1. Create a fresh backup on the old device.
2. Install WhatsApp on the new device.
3. During setup, choose Restore from iCloud/Google Drive.

• Local backup transfer (for limited storage)

1. Export chats to a .txt file via Chat → Export Chat.
2. Transfer the file to the new device using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
3. Manually import critical conversations if needed.

• Third‑party tools (use with caution)
• Apps like Dr.Fone – Phone Transfer can clone WhatsApp data, but always verify compatibility with the latest WhatsApp version to avoid corruption.

WhatsApp Business Implications

• Business accounts on unsupported devices lose the ability to send automated messages, rapid replies, and catalog updates after the cut‑off.
• Action plan for small businesses:

1. Consolidate all business chats on a single, supported device.
2. Export the Business Profile settings via Settings → Business tools → Export data.
3. Re‑register the business number on a new device before January 2026 to retain continuity.

• Enterprise solutions:
• Companies using the WhatsApp Business API should review server‑side dependencies and ensure API clients run on supported OS platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will I lose my messages permanently if I don’t back up?

A: Yes.Without a recent backup, chats stored locally on the unsupported device become inaccessible once the app is disabled.

Q2: Can I still receive verification codes on an unsupported phone?

A: Verification SMS/voice calls will be blocked as the backend rejects requests from outdated app versions.

Q3: Is there a grace period after January 2026?

A: WhatsApp has stated that the cut‑off is hard‑coded; no extended grace period will be offered.

Q4: Dose this affect WhatsApp Web/Desktop?

A: Onyl if the primary mobile device is unsupported. Web/Desktop rely on an active, supported mobile session for authentication.

Q5: How will this change affect battery life on older devices?

A: Removing WhatsApp reduces background network activity, which may modestly improve battery endurance, but you will lose a major communication channel.

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Prepared by omarelsayed,Content Writer – Archyde.com