WhatsApp to stop working on older Android phones from September 8: Millions may need an upgrade to keep chats active

WhatsApp is set to end support for some older Android smartphones later this year, a move that could affect millions of users still relying on aging devices. According to reports citing information shared by WABetaInfo and regional technology publications, the messaging platform will stop supporting phones running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1 starting September 8, 2026.

The decision means users with devices that cannot upgrade beyond these software versions may lose access to WhatsApp unless they switch to a newer phone.

WhatsApp regularly reviews the operating systems it supports as the app continues to add new tools, privacy protections, and performance upgrades. Older Android versions often lack the security architecture needed to safely run modern messaging features.

Android 5.0 and Android 5.1, both released more than a decade ago, no longer receive regular security updates. That makes continued support more difficult and raises risks tied to privacy, device vulnerabilities, and compatibility issues.

As WhatsApp introduces more advanced calling tools, media features, account protections, and AI based utilities, maintaining smooth performance on outdated software becomes increasingly challenging.

From September onward, WhatsApp is expected to support only devices running Android 6.0 or newer. Any smartphone still operating on Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android 5.1 may no longer be able to use the app after the cutoff date.

This mostly affects older budget phones and entry level devices launched many years ago. Some users may still own these handsets as backup devices, family phones, or secondary phones used for messaging.

If a phone can be upgraded to Android 6 or above, users may still continue using WhatsApp after updating the software.

While the share of Android 5.0 devices is now small, the global Android ecosystem is massive. Reports citing Statcounter data say Android 5.0 held a market share of around 0.69 percent in March 2026.

That percentage may appear tiny, but across an estimated 4.5 billion Android users worldwide, it could translate to roughly 3 million users still using affected devices.

The final number may vary by region, with older phones often remaining in use longer in developing markets where replacement cycles are slower.

Users running unsupported devices are expected to receive an in app alert before service ends. The notification may inform users that WhatsApp will no longer function on their current phone later this year.

These warnings are important because they give users time to prepare, save chats, and move to a newer device before access is interrupted.

Anyone using an older Android phone should check their device software version immediately. This can usually be found under Settings, then About Phone, followed by Android Version.

If the device is still on Android 5.0 or 5.1, users should consider the following steps:

Use Google Drive backup or local storage backup inside WhatsApp settings. This helps preserve conversations, media, and account history.

Some phones may still offer a system update to Android 6.0 or higher. If available, installing the update could keep the device supported.

If no update is possible, moving to a newer smartphone will likely be the only long term solution.

The change highlights a wider reality in the smartphone market: unsupported software can become a security risk even if the phone still powers on and functions.

Many people keep older phones because they remain usable for calls, texts, and basic apps. But once essential services like messaging, banking, maps, or email apps stop support, daily usability drops quickly.

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used communication platforms in the world. Losing access can affect family communication, work groups, school coordination, and business conversations.

This is not unusual. Major apps and platforms routinely phase out older operating systems to focus development on current devices. Google, Apple, banking apps, and social media platforms regularly update minimum requirements over time.

That allows faster innovation and stronger security, but it can also force hardware upgrades for users who would otherwise keep older devices for several more years.

Android 16 is currently among the latest versions available, with newer releases expected in the near future. As Android evolves, more apps are likely to raise minimum requirements over time.

For consumers, this means checking software support has become almost as important as checking battery life, camera quality, or storage when buying a phone.

If your smartphone is still running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, September 8 could become an important deadline. WhatsApp’s upcoming support change means users on those devices may soon need to upgrade or risk losing access to one of the world’s most essential messaging apps.

For millions who still rely on older phones, acting early by backing up chats and checking upgrade options could prevent disruption later this year.