Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will no longer be supported on several older smartphones, according to a recent announcement by Meta, the app’s parent company.
The move is part of Meta’s ongoing effort to improve security and performance by ensuring compatibility with modern hardware and software. The company says the phase-out will allow WhatsApp to operate more efficiently while safeguarding user data.
The affected devices include several iPhone and Android models that no longer meet WhatsApp’s updated system requirements. Specifically, WhatsApp will now require iPhones running iOS 15.1 or later. As a result, the following Apple devices will lose access to the messaging app:
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iPhone 5s
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iPhone 6
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iPhone 6 Plus
These models are limited to iOS 12.5.7, which falls below the minimum requirement.
On the Android side, WhatsApp already ended support for devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older as of January 1, 2025. Users of such devices can no longer access the platform unless they upgrade their phones or update their software — where possible.
Affected Android devices include:
Samsung:
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Galaxy S3
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Galaxy Note 2
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Galaxy Ace 3
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Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola:
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Moto G (1st Gen)
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Moto E (2014)
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Razr HD
HTC:
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One X
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One X+
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Desire 500
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Desire 601
LG:
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Optimus G
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G2 Mini
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L90
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Nexus 4
Sony:
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Xperia Z
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Xperia SP
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Xperia T
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Xperia V
Users still relying on these outdated smartphones are advised to upgrade to newer devices to maintain access to WhatsApp’s services.
This latest update follows Meta’s broader strategy of narrowing support to ensure better performance and tighter security across its platforms.
