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WhatsApp will soon no longer be available on numerous smartphones. We provide information as to whether your cell phone is also affected by the update of the messenger app.
The world-popular messenger service WhatsApp, theHeard, faces a significant change that affects millions of users. From 2025, the app will no longer work on a series of older smartphone models. This step is part of the regular update policy of WhatsApp to ensure security and enable new functions that are on outdatedno longer run. If you have an older cell phone, the right time is now to check whether you are affected.
WhatsApp change: key days and operating systems: What exactly changes?
The changeover takes place in two steps and affects both Android and iOS devices:
- : From January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will only be supported on devices that run at least with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a newer version. This means that devices based on Android 4.4 (Kitkat) or older versions can no longer use the app. Android Kitkat was published in 2013.
- : A slightly longer transition period applies to iPhone users. As of May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will assume at least iOS 15.1. IOS 12 is currently still sufficient, but this requirement will be raised soon.
Affected Android models through the WhatsApp changes: A look at the list
The attitude of the support primarily concerns Android devices that were popular about ten years ago and can no longer be updated to Android 5.0 or higher. Although WhatsApp does not publish an official, full list, the frequently mentioned models that will probably be affected are among other things:
- S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini (und einige S4-Varianten), Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy J
- Motorola: Moto G (1. Generation), Razr HD, Moto E (2014), DROID Maxx, DROID Ultra, Moto X
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601, One, One Max, One mini
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90, G2, G Flex, Optimus G Pro
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V, Xperia M, Xperia S, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, Xperia ZL
It is important to emphasize that it is primarily important for the installed Android version.
Attention iPhone users: These models fall out on WhatsApp
The iPhones mainly affects models that can no longer be technically updated to iOS 15.1. This includes:
- 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These devices can be updated to iOS 12.X at a maximum and will no longer meet the minimum requirements from May 2025. Newer iPhone models (from iPhone 6S/7) can continue to use WhatsApp if they are updated to iOS 15.1 or higher.
Why this step? The reasons behind the end of the support at WhatsApp end
WhatsApp justifies the support of the support for older operating systems with several factors:
- Security:Older operating systems often no longer receive security updates from the manufacturers. This makes them susceptible to security gaps and cyber attacks. WhatsApp wants to guarantee the security of its users.
- Functionality:New WhatsApp features, possibly also those with(AI), more modern hardware and software skills that older devices cannot offer. The support of old systems would hinder the further development of the app.
- Resource focus:By concentrating on newer systems, WhatsApp can use resources more efficiently and optimize the performance and stability of the app for the majority of users.
- Low number of users:The affected operating systems are only used by a very small number of users.
The way to. Many users were surprised by the suddenly appearing blue ring in WhatsApp.
Am I affected? How to check your Android and iOS version
Uncertain which version is on your cell phone? How to find out:
- Android:Go to settings> via the phone (or "device information"/"System")> Android version (sometimes under "Software information").
- iPhone:Open Settings> General> Info. Find the installed version
What to do if my cell phone is affected?If your device will soon no longer meet the minimum requirements, you will have the following options:
- Update the operating system (if possible):In the settings, check whether an update to Android 5.0+ or iOS 15.1+ is available. However, this is no longer possible for many of the affected models.
- Secure chats:Be sure to secure your WhatsApp chats before the support ends so as not to lose your news and media. iPhone users can use iCloud. The transfer to a new device is then easier.
- Buy a new device:In the long term, switching to a newer smartphone that supports current operating system versions is the safest solution.
Even if the purchase of a new cell phone is not exactly cheap, you can save a lot of money by buying refurbished models.
Are there alternatives to WhatsApp?
For users who are looking for alternatives, there are other messenger services such as Signal or Threema, who often focus on data protection. Telegram is also often mentioned, but stores chats unencrypted on its servers by default. Some alternatives such as Telegram also work on older operating systems.
A necessary step in the tech world
The end of the support for outdated devices is a normal process in the rapidly developing technology world. It ensures that apps such as WhatsApp remain safe and use new functions. Even if it is uncomfortable for owners of older cell phones, it underlines the importance of keeping software up to date and switching to newer hardware if necessary. Check your device in good time, secure your data and plan the next step if necessary.
