- From August 1, 2026, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with models such as iPhone 6, iPhone 5s and several older Android devices.
- On September 8, the application will require Android 6.0 or higher, excluding devices with Android 5.0 or 5.1.
- The requirements for iPhone will be updated on November 30th, requiring iOS 15.5 or later versions.
- It is recommended to check your operating system version and make a backup before the service is interrupted.
The most used messaging app in Spain and Europe is preparing for a series of important changes in the coming months. WhatsApp will stop working on several mobile phone models Throughout 2026, according to multiple sources. The measure affects both Android and iPhone devices and will be implemented in three distinct phases: August, September, and November. If you're still using a phone that's several years old, now's the time to pay attention.
Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, periodically reviews the operating systems it supports. The goal is to maintain security, stability, and the ability to incorporate new features. Phones with outdated software stop receiving updates and patches.This makes them a risk to the platform. Therefore, the company has decided to discontinue support for devices that can no longer be updated to the minimum required versions.
Which cell phones will stop working in August 2026?
The first compatibility check is scheduled for August 1st. From that date onwards, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with a specific list of models that no longer meet the minimum requirements. In the case of iPhones, the affected models are the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, and iPhone 4s. All of them will no longer be able to run the application securely.
On the Android side, the list includes the Samsung Galaxy Ace 4, the LG Optimus L3 II, the Sony Xperia M, the Huawei Ascend Mate, and the HTC Desire 500. These devices haven't received manufacturer updates for years. Therefore, they cannot guarantee the level of protection that WhatsApp requires. Users with one of these phones will notice that the app stops opening or that errors appear when trying to send messages.
September: the big change for Android
The second key date is September 8, 2026. On that day, WhatsApp will raise the minimum Android requirement to version 6.0This means that all phones still running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 (Lollipop) will lose access to the app. Although some specific models were already affected in August, this measure is much broader and encompasses any device that cannot be updated.
Among the devices that typically use these versions of the operating system are the Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Note 3, first-generation Motorola Moto G, LG G2, Sony Xperia Z1, Huawei Ascend P6, OnePlus One, and Asus Zenfone 2, among others. However, compatibility depends not on the model but on the installed Android version.Therefore, the most reliable thing to do is check the phone's settings: the version number appears in "About device".
If your phone is running Android 5.0 or 5.1, you will no longer be able to use WhatsApp after September 8th. However, if you already have Android 6.0 or higher, this change will not affect you. Meta's decision responds to the need to implement modern encryption technologies and advanced features that older systems cannot support.
November: New iPhone requirements
The third phase will arrive on November 30, 2026. On that date, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or later to work on iPhonesModels that cannot be updated to that version, such as the iPhone 6 and earlier, would have already lost support in August, but this measure reinforces the restriction. Those with an iPhone 6s or later who have updated the operating system should not have any problems.
It's important not to confuse these deadlines. Some information circulating on social media places all the changes in August, but The official dates are staggered to facilitate the transitionMeta has confirmed the schedule as follows: August 1st for the first list of models, September 8th for the jump to Android 6.0, and November 30th for iOS 15.5.
What to do if your phone is on the list?
The first thing is not to panic, but to act in time. Check your mobile operating system version In the settings. If it falls below the requirements, check if the manufacturer offers an official update. In many cases, even if the model is old, it's still possible to install a newer version of Android or iOS.
If no update is available, the only way to continue using WhatsApp is to switch phones. Before doing so, back up your conversations to avoid a possible WhatsApp backup failureOn Android, you can save it to Google Drive, and on iPhone via iCloud. This way, you can restore all your chats, photos, and documents to your new device.
As a temporary alternative, if you were already logged into WhatsApp Web, you can continue using the application from your computer. But keep in mind that This option will not work if the phone completely loses connection with the serversThe safest thing to do is plan the change before the deadlines arrive.
In short, WhatsApp continues to update itself to offer a more secure service with better features. Users of older phones should keep an eye on the schedule. and take the necessary steps to avoid being left without communication. With a simple check in the settings and a backup, you can prevent data loss and continue enjoying the app without interruption.