WhatsApp Set To Go Silent On Older Phones From June 1 — Is Your Device On The List?
WhatsApp periodically updates its system requirements to introduce improved features, tighter security, and a smoother user experience.
WhatsApp is pulling the plug on support for several outdated smartphones starting June 1, 2025. The Meta-owned messaging giant is raising its system requirements, meaning older iPhones and Android phones that can’t meet the new software baseline will no longer be able to run the app. The move was originally scheduled for May 5 but was pushed back to give users more time to prepare.
Now, with just days left, users of older devices are being urged to check whether they’re on the chopping block.
iPhones That Will No Longer Support WhatsApp
To continue using WhatsApp on iPhones, users will now need to be on iOS 15.1 or later. That spells the end of the road for these models:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
These devices are unable to upgrade beyond iOS versions lower than 15.1, making them incompatible with the updated WhatsApp app.
There has been some confusion over the status of other older iPhones. Notably, the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and the original iPhone SE (1st generation) are still safe — for now. These models can run iOS 15.8.4 and will continue supporting WhatsApp until the app’s requirements climb further, which is expected in the next year or two.
Android Phones Losing WhatsApp Access
For Android users, the bar has been raised to Android 5.1 (Lollipop) or higher. Any phone running Android 5.0 or earlier won’t make the cut. While WhatsApp hasn’t released a comprehensive list of affected Android models — given the platform's device fragmentation — here are a few phones likely to lose access:
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- HTC One X
- Sony Xperia Z
Users unsure of their Android version can check under Settings > About Phone to verify if an upgrade is possible.
Why WhatsApp Is Ending Support On These Devices
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp is leaving older devices behind, and it won’t be the last. The messaging app periodically updates its system requirements to introduce improved features, tighter security, and a smoother user experience.
Older phones, with limited hardware capabilities, often can’t keep up with the app’s evolving demands — especially for features like end-to-end encryption, video calling, and newer design elements. According to Meta, maintaining support for legacy systems hinders progress and impacts overall app performance for its nearly 3 billion global users.
What You Can Do If Your Device Is Affected
If your device is on the outdated list, don’t panic. There are several options to ensure you don’t lose access to your chats:
- Upgrade your phone: Moving to a newer model that supports iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1 will allow uninterrupted WhatsApp usage. Options like the iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd gen) or budget Android phones can be affordable fixes.
- Update your software: Devices like the iPhone 6s series or iPhone SE (1st gen) can be updated to iOS 15.8.4 via Settings > General > Software Update to stay in the safe zone.
- Consider alternative apps: Messaging services like Signal or Telegram may continue working on older devices, although with smaller user communities.
- Back up your chats: Before losing access, go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to save your data to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android). This ensures a smooth transition if you switch phones.
Apple’s own 2024 data suggests that only about 5% of active iPhones are still on iOS 15 or earlier, so most users in developed regions won’t be affected. However, in markets with slower phone replacement cycles, the impact may be more noticeable.
For full details and to check your phone’s compatibility, users are advised to visit WhatsApp’s official support page or their respective app store listings.
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