- WhatsApp will stop supporting devices that do not meet the minimum software requirements this June.
- iPhone 6 and earlier model users will permanently lose access to the platform.
- In the Android ecosystem, flagship devices like the Galaxy S3 or the first Moto G will become obsolete.
- It is essential to perform a cloud backup before the service is completely interrupted.
Many of us wouldn't know what to do if we suddenly woke up and found that Our favorite messaging service has stopped working on the phone. This situation, which for some seems distant, is just around the corner for a considerable number of people who are still stretching the useful life of their old devices.
Starting next June, the Meta-owned app will implement a new security filter that will knock out older devices which can no longer keep up with current updates. This isn't a capricious decision, but a technical necessity to implement privacy improvements and new tools that require more powerful hardware than these phones can currently offer.
Why will my phone stop being compatible?
Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and tools such as artificial intelligence, massive group video calls, and advanced encryption systems are becoming increasingly common. They need a modern software support to run without errors. WhatsApp performs these types of cleanups periodically to ensure that the vast majority of the community enjoys a stable application and, above all, protection against potential cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in older systems.
On a technical level, this means that from June 1st, any device that cannot be updated to Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1 will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to continue sending messages. The most curious thing is that the restriction will become even stricter. with the arrival of , when the minimum requirement in the Google system will rise to version 6.0, leaving another trail of obsolete mobile phones in its wake.
iPhone models that are saying goodbye
In the Apple ecosystem, the dividing line is quite clear and will affect those devices that have remained stuck on software versions prior to iOS 15.1. If you still fondly remember one of these models, Get ready for the because there will be no going back once the server update is executed.
- iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- Any generation prior to those mentioned
The long list of affected Android devices
The Android landscape is much broader due to the enormous number of manufacturers and models available in the Spanish and European markets. Brands that were very popular a decade ago, such as Samsung, Sony, and LG, are now included. They have several of their This blacklist is one that no one wants to look at. Among the most prominent entries are devices that were once true benchmarks in the high and mid-range markets.
Samsung will see its iconic Galaxy S3, S4 Mini, and Galaxy Ace 4 models lose compatibility for chatting. Sony, meanwhile, will lose compatibility on Xperia devices like the Z, M, and SP. Looking at other brands, find such as the first-generation Moto G, the Huawei Ascend P6, or the LG Optimus G, which no longer have the necessary security patches for WhatsApp to function smoothly and without risks to the user.
What to do if your phone is on the list
If you were startled to see your model listed in the previous paragraphs, the first thing you should do is go into your device's settings to find out You have it installed. Sometimes, even if the model is old, you might have a pending update that will save you for a few more months, although in most of the cases mentioned the hardware has already reached its technical limit.
Before the deadline, it's vital that you back up your chats to the cloud (either Google Drive or iCloud) so that do not lose all your photos and conversations When you switch devices. Once the app stops being supported, you won't be able to log in, not even to export your data. So, being proactive in this regard will save you a lot of trouble if you eventually have to upgrade your device to stay connected.
Keeping your operating system up to date is essential to avoid unnecessary problems with the security of your personal data and the privacy of your daily chats. Although it's frustrating to have to retire a device that still turns on and takes photos, la This pushes us to look for devices that can efficiently handle new security features. Staying informed about these periodic compatibility changes allows us to react promptly and ensure our WhatsApp account remains active without annoying interruptions.