WhatsApp is preparing to end support for some older Android smartphones later this year. Starting 8th September 2026, the messaging app will only support devices running Android 6.0 or newer, meaning phones that cannot upgrade beyond older Android versions will no longer be able to use WhatsApp. The change has been confirmed through the official WhatsApp Help Center, which states that only Android 6 and newer versions will be supported from the September deadline.

The change will primarily affect smartphones that are still running Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android 5.1 Lollipop, as well as devices using even older versions of Android.

However, this does not mean that every smartphone originally launched with Android 5 will automatically lose WhatsApp access. If your device has received an official software update to Android 6.0 or a newer version, WhatsApp should continue to work.

The key factor is therefore the Android version currently installed on your phone, rather than simply the phone’s model or launch date.

Android users can check their current software version by opening:

• Settings > About phone > Android version

The exact location of this information may vary depending on the smartphone brand and software interface.

If your phone is running Android 6.0 or later, you meet WhatsApp’s upcoming minimum operating system requirement. If it is still running Android 5.0, Android 5.1, or an older version, you may need to check whether a system update is available.

Users with an affected smartphone should first check for any available software updates from their device manufacturer. If the phone can be upgraded to Android 6.0 or newer, installing the update should allow it to continue meeting WhatsApp’s minimum requirement.

If no newer Android update is available for the device, users may eventually need to move to a newer smartphone to continue using WhatsApp after the support change takes effect, i.e., by 8th September 2026.

Before switching phones, affected users should also ensure that important chats and media are properly backed up so they can restore their WhatsApp data on the new device. Here’s how to back up WhatsApp chats on Google Drive.

WhatsApp periodically updates the operating system requirements for its app and stops supporting older devices and software versions. As smartphones and operating systems age, they may no longer provide the technical capabilities required to support newer app features and security improvements.

WhatsApp says it regularly stops supporting older devices and operating systems as part of this process.

For most Android users, nothing will change because modern smartphones already run versions much newer than Android 6.0. However, people who continue to use older devices should check their Android version before the deadline.

From 8th September 2026, WhatsApp’s minimum requirement will officially become Android 6.0 or newer. Users running Android 5.0, Android 5.1, or an earlier version should therefore update their device software if possible or consider moving to a supported smartphone to avoid losing access to the messaging app.