WhatsApp Support Ends for Older Android Phones from September 2026, Millions Affected

Brief By Newsbrief / 7:42 PM on 27 Apr 2026

WhatsApp has announced it will discontinue support for older Android smartphones starting September 8, 2026, potentially impacting millions of users worldwide. Devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 will no longer be compatible, as the platform raises its minimum requirement to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The move is aimed at improving security, performance, and compatibility with newer features that older systems cannot efficiently support.

Users relying on outdated devices will lose access to messaging, calls, and chat history unless they upgrade their software or switch to newer smartphones. The change is expected to significantly affect users in countries like India, Brazil, and parts of Africa, where budget devices are still widely used.

WhatsApp has begun notifying affected users through in-app alerts, urging them to update their operating systems and back up important chats, photos, and files to avoid data loss before the deadline.