If you’re still using an older smartphone, you may want to double-check your operating system. Starting June 1, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer work on Android devices running below version 5.0 (Lollipop) and iPhones operating on iOS versions older than 15.1. The change marks the end of support for a range of aging phones that no longer meet WhatsApp’s minimum software requirements.
WhatsApp’s updated support documentation confirms that only devices running Android 5.0 or newer and iOS 15.1 or newer will be compatible with the messaging app moving forward. The app had previously phased out Android 4.4 (KitKat) in early 2025, and originally planned to drop iOS 15.0 and earlier as of May 5. Apple briefly extended support through a grace period, but that ends today.
As a result, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will officially lose WhatsApp access. These models, which cannot upgrade beyond iOS 12 or 13, are now out of the loop. On the Android side, the impact is primarily on smartphones released before 2014 that are unable to update beyond KitKat or early Lollipop versions.
To check whether your device is affected:
- On Android, go to Settings > System > About Device, then look for your Android version.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About, and check the iOS version.
If your device is no longer supported, WhatsApp will not delete your account immediately. Users will typically receive several in-app notifications urging them to update their phone or switch to a newer model. While the app may continue to function for a short time, access will eventually be blocked as security and feature updates phase out.
For users who rely heavily on WhatsApp for daily communication, this transition could mean considering a phone upgrade. Whether you’re on Android or iOS, ensuring your device can run modern apps securely is increasingly important—not just for access to WhatsApp, but for general privacy and functionality.
WhatsApp’s ongoing compatibility changes reflect a broader trend across the tech industry. As apps become more resource-intensive and privacy standards increase, support for legacy software versions continues to shrink.
