If you’ve been putting off updating your phone, now might be the time to check if WhatsApp still wants to be friends with your device.
From 1st June 2025, WhatsApp has officially stopped working on some older Android and iPhone models. This isn’t a one-off thing. The app regularly retires support for outdated devices as part of keeping things secure and snappy. So if you’re clinging to your old handset, it’s probably time to say your goodbyes to WhatsApp—or upgrade.
So, what’s the deal?
Meta has confirmed that phones running Android version 5.0 and below, as well as iPhones stuck on iOS 12 or earlier, have now lost access to WhatsApp. The reason? These versions are simply too old to support the latest features and security updates.
If your phone is affected, you’ll start seeing warnings, and eventually, the app will just stop working altogether. No new messages, no voice or video calls, and definitely no memes from the family group.
Here’s a quick list of affected phones:
iPhones:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
These models don’t support anything beyond iOS 12, and that’s where WhatsApp has drawn the line now.
Android phones:
The list includes several older models from popular brands like:
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Trend Lite
- Galaxy Ace 2
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- Sony Xperia M
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- And many others that are stuck on Android 4.x or older
If your phone is from around 2014 or earlier and hasn’t been updated in ages, there’s a good chance it’s on the list too.
Why does WhatsApp do this?
It’s all about performance, privacy, and features. Old operating systems can’t keep up with the evolving security standards. By cutting support for them, WhatsApp reduces the risk of bugs, vulnerabilities, and annoying crashes.
Plus, the app can focus its energy on devices that can handle what it’s dishing out—whether that’s end-to-end encrypted backups or snazzy new features like voice notes that transcribe themselves.
What should you do if you’re affected?
Honestly, if your phone’s on the list, it’s time to think about an upgrade. Without WhatsApp, you’re cut off from a big chunk of daily life—group chats, updates, and even business communications in many cases.
Before you switch, don’t forget to back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud (depending on your phone), so you can restore them on your new device. It’s pretty straightforward, and WhatsApp has step-by-step guides within the app settings.
The bigger picture
This isn’t new. Apps like WhatsApp regularly prune older software support. It’s just part of the digital life cycle. But if you’re someone who likes to hang on to your phone for years, it’s a heads-up: future updates might leave you behind faster than you think.
So if your phone is still rocking a home button and can barely open Instagram without freezing, it might be time to move on.
After all, staying connected means staying updated.
