Beginning January 15, 2026Many older mobile phones will lose access to WhatsApp. The Meta-owned messaging app has set a new round of technical requirements that will exclude many devices. phones with outdated operating systemsThis will affect Android and iPhone users, including in Spain and the rest of Europe.
The measure is part of the company's usual policy to Strengthen security and ensure stable operationDevices that do not meet the minimum Android or iOS versions will no longer be able to use the app normally, so those who continue to depend on these phones will have to check if they can update the system or if it's time to consider changing devices.
When will WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
The key date has already been marked: from the January 15, 2026WhatsApp will implement a new compatibility cutoff. From that day forward, phones that do not meet the minimum software requirements will no longer be able to use the service. will no longer be compatible with the application, as outlined in the lists of affected devices disseminated by the platform itself and by various specialized media outlets.
Initially, users will begin to notice frequent failures, unexpected shutdowns, and warning messages within the app. On some phones, the app will still open but will prevent sending or receiving messages, making calls, or downloading updates. On others, it will simply stop launching.
Meta reminds us that these types of support cuts are carried out in a periodic and plannedin order to concentrate resources on operating systems that still receive security patches. When a version falls far behind and has little usage, it is removed from the list of supported platforms.
In markets like Europe, where many users extend the lifespan of their mobile phones for several years, this announcement represents a push to accelerate the device change if you want to continue using WhatsApp without any problems.
Minimum operating system requirements to continue using WhatsApp
More than the specific model, what determines whether a phone will remain valid is the operating system version that you have installed. WhatsApp has updated its technical requirements and sets clear minimums to continue using the application from 2026 onwards.
On mobile devices with Google's operating system, the app will only continue to work on devices that have Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or laterDevices that are stuck on older versions of Android, and that no longer receive official updates, will no longer be able to run the application normally.
In Apple's case, the limit is set at iOS 15.1 or higheriPhones that cannot install at least this version will be automatically excluded from official WhatsApp support, although they will continue to function for other basic tasks such as calls or web browsing.
Behind these requirements lies a technical need: current systems allow integration More robust encryption, malware patches, and new features related to privacy, fraud detection, or even tools based on artificial intelligence. Outdated systems cannot guarantee that level of protection.
Furthermore, compatibility is contingent on each manufacturer's decisions: some brands offer more years of updates than others, so Two mobile phones from the same era may have different supports depending on the software policy followed with each model.
iPhone models that will lose WhatsApp
In the Apple ecosystem, the new compatibility policy translates into the departure of several Classic iPhones that no longer support iOS 15.1These are devices that stopped receiving major system updates a long time ago, even though many users keep them as a second phone or for very basic use.
Amongst the iPhones that will lose access to WhatsApp As of January 15, 2026, the following are included:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
These models cannot install the minimum iOS version required by the application, so The app will stop updating and functioning normally in them. Although they will still be valid for calls, SMS messages or light browsing, they will be outside the WhatsApp ecosystem.
In the months leading up to the deadline, users of these devices are expected to start seeing notifications within the application itselfRemembering that the iOS version will no longer be supported and inviting users to back up their data or move their account to a newer iPhone.
Android phones that will lose WhatsApp compatibility
The impact on Android will be greater due to the enormous variety of brands and models that have been on the market over the last decade. All devices that cannot be updated, at a minimum, to Android 5.0 They will be taken out of service.
In practice, this affects a number of mobile phones that were once very popular, including in Spain and other European countries, and which are still used as primary or secondary devices. Among them Android models listed in the compatibility lists are included:
- HTC One M8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- LG G3
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Nexus 4
- Huawei Ascend Mate
These are in addition to other older phones mentioned in different reports, such as Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5, Note 3, Core Prime or J2, several initial generations of Motorola Moto G and Moto E, as well as older Huawei models like G740, D2 or P6They all share the same limitation: They do not meet the minimum operating system requirements.
These devices stopped receiving new official versions of Android years ago, so They cannot install the latest versions of WhatsApp nor the latest security patches. Although many still work for simple tasks, they are now considered obsolete devices for the messaging app.
Why is WhatsApp stopping support for older phones?
The decision to withdraw compatibility is not based solely on commercial criteria, but above all on technical and safety reasonsKeeping the app running on very old systems forces you to limit the available functions and complicates the implementation of improvements designed for more modern environments.
Outdated operating systems eventually stop receiving updates. security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvementsThis makes them an easier target for cyberattacks, theft of personal data, or identity theft attempts, which directly clashes with current privacy requirements.
Meta explains that the company reviews periodically Which versions of Android and iOS still have a significant user base and which ones have been reduced to minimal percentages. Beyond a certain point, maintaining compatibility with those older editions ceases to be viable.
Added to all this is the hardware factor: many of these phones have modest processors and little memory, which translates into crashes, slowness, and graphical glitches when recent versions of the application are installed. Rather than offer a poor experience, the company chooses to cut support.
What will happen to affected users starting January 15th?
The change doesn't usually happen all at once, but rather gradually. Before the deadline, WhatsApp will begin to show persistent notifications within the app itself, warning that the mobile phone will no longer be compatible and indicating the available alternatives: update the system or change devices.
As January 15, 2026 approaches, users of the affected models will notice that the application It works worse and worse.: unexpected shutdowns, errors when sending messages, problems making calls, or inability to receive certain new features.
Once the compatibility cut is applied, mobile phones that do not meet the requirements will no longer be able to send and receive messages, make calls or video calls and access to new features added to the platform. It will also not be possible to download WhatsApp from Google Play or the App Store, as the stores will detect that the device does not meet the minimum requirements.
It's important to emphasize that accounts are not automatically deleted for using an old mobile phone. What happens is that that specific device ceases to be valid To log in. The user can continue using their number on another compatible phone and recover stored information if they have previously made a backup.
How to check if your phone will still be compatible
Before thinking about changing your phone, it's a good idea to calmly check the operating system version installed. It's a simple process that can be done from the device settings, without the need for external apps or advanced technical knowledge.
On Android phones, the normal thing to do is to enter «Settings»Or«Configuration», scroll to the section «About of the phone» or «Device information» and look at the line «Android versionIf the number is 5.0 or higher, the terminal falls within the compatibility requirements announced for 2026.
In the case of iPhone, you have to access «Settings», click on «General admissionand then inInformationThe installed iOS version is displayed there. If your phone allows updating to at least iOS 15.1, simply installing that update will allow you to maintain access to WhatsApp.
If, on the other hand, the phone remains stuck on an older version and doesn't offer new updates, it's very likely to be considered a obsolete device for the applicationIn that case, it may still be useful for calls or basic tasks, but it will no longer serve as your primary means of communication via WhatsApp.
What to do if your mobile phone loses WhatsApp support
If, after checking your system version, you confirm that your device will not meet the requirements from January 2026 onwards, the first thing to do is prevent data loss. WhatsApp recommends performing a backup of chats, photos and videos before the app stops working.
To do this, simply open the application, enter the menu of «Settings»Or«Configuration», access the section «Cat»And select the option«BackupFrom there you can choose the cloud storage service: Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iPhone, and perform a manual backup.
It is recommended to ensure that the copy is completed correctly and, if desired, activate periodic automatic copies To always keep a recent version of your chats saved. This backup will allow you to restore conversations and files when you log in on a new phone with the same number.
If the device still offers the option to update to a compatible version of Android or iOS, installing that update may be sufficient to Continue using the app without interruptionsIn some cases, the problem is solved simply by applying a pending software package.
When the hardware no longer supports newer versions and the manufacturer has stopped offering support, the only real solution is make the leap to a newer mobile phoneAlthough it involves an expense, opting for a device with a current version of Android or a modern iPhone ensures several years of compatibility with WhatsApp and the rest of the services that depend on a secure and updated system.
The compatibility adjustment that WhatsApp will apply from January 15, 2026 demonstrates the extent to which the Software evolution forces us to leave certain devices behind.Phones that don't reach Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1 will no longer be supported, while the app focuses on offering greater security, stability, and advanced features to those that do meet these requirements. Checking your system version, backing up your data, and considering whether you need to upgrade your phone are key steps to avoid being disconnected from chats when the time comes to switch.
