Starting August 3, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on a number of older phones. that are no longer able to support the new technical and security requirements recently implemented by the application. This update, officially announced by Meta, aims to strengthen data protection and ensure service stability, discontinuing support for outdated models.
Although it is a recurring practice from time to time, the decision implies that Hundreds of thousands of users will have to look for alternatives or update their terminals. If you wish to continue using WhatsApp, the company will inform those affected in advance via direct notifications within the app itself, allowing them to organize the migration and back up important information before the final shutdown.
Why is WhatsApp no longer compatible with certain phones?
The main reason that Meta has given is the need to improve security and add new features that require technical resources beyond the reach of many phones released more than a decade ago. Older versions of Android and iOS can't run updates related to artificial intelligence, advanced encryption, or modern service integration, limiting the experience and putting users at risk due to a lack of security updates.
Supporting obsolete technology would force stifling innovation, slowing development and compromising securityTherefore, the company periodically reviews which devices will continue to receive support and which will no longer be supported in the next cycle.
Affected models and operating systems
WhatsApp will only work on phones running Android 5.0 or higher and iPhones running iOS 12 or later.All devices that cannot be updated to these versions will no longer be supported. Below is a summary of the main models that will lose access:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Trend.
- Apple : iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone SE (6st generation), iPhone XNUMX.
- Motorola: Moto G (1st generation), Droid Razr HD, Moto E (1st generation).
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90.
- Huawei: Ascend D2 (among other older models).
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V.
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601.
Additionally, some devices from brands such as Alcatel, Lenovo, and Zopo are also listed as incompatible, depending on the age of their operating systems.
How to check if your phone will still be compatible
To find out if WhatsApp will continue to work on your phone, just check the operating system version:
- On Android: Accede to Configuration, click on About of the phone and check the section Android version. Yes it is less than 5.0 and cannot be updated, you will have to consider changing devices. Learn more about which phones will no longer support WhatsApp in 2025..
- An iPhone: Go to Configuration → General → Information and look for the Software versionOnly models running iOS 12 or later will remain supported.
Meta recommends back up chats If your device is included in the affected list, to prevent data loss, you'll receive a notification with instructions on how to export and transfer your conversations to a new phone, ensuring continued access to WhatsApp.
Recommendations and steps to follow if your phone loses WhatsApp
- Update your device if possible: If there's a pending operating system update, install it. On many models, this will allow you to continue using WhatsApp for longer.
- Back up your chats: Use Google Drive (on Android) or iCloud (on iPhone) to back up your data. Then, when you log in to WhatsApp on your new phone with the same number, you can automatically restore all your data.
- Consider other temporary alternatives: As long as your phone is working, you can use WhatsApp Web to keep your conversations active on your computer.
- Rate other messaging apps: If you don't renew your phone, options like Telegram or Signal will be available to stay connected.
This update and migration process is necessary to ensure platform security and compatibility. Although it may be inconvenient for those using older phones, it is part of an evolution that seeks to offer a more secure, faster experience with improved features, adapted to current and future needs.
