- Starting July 20, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with phones that do not have Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1.
- Models such as iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S3, Motorola Moto G (1st gen) and others are excluded.
- It is recommended to check the system version and update or change devices.
- New dates in September and November 2026 will tighten the requirements.
For many, WhatsApp is an essential tool: used to talk to family, coordinate work, receive verification codes, and even for studying. That's why, when a phone starts malfunctioning and the app won't update or simply won't open, it's a cause for concern. The reason is usually the same: the operating system has become obsolete and the app no longer supports it. If the phone cannot receive an update, the account risks losing access.
With July 20th marked on the calendar, it's a good idea to check now whether the device meets the requirements. WhatsApp requires a minimum of Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1 (although the iPhone version will be updated to 15.5 in November). Devices that don't reach those levels will lose service, and simply reinstalling the app won't be enough: the problem lies within the system itself.
Which phones are excluded?
The list of affected models is long, but the important thing is to understand that It does not depend on the model name, but on whether it can be updated to the minimum system version. Two identical phones can have different outcomes if one receives patches and the other doesn't. In the case of iPhones, those that cannot reach iOS 15.5 are excluded: iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, and earlier models. For Android, devices that cannot reach Android 5.0 include, among others, models that lose support such as the Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini; LG Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90; Sony Xperia Z, SP, T, V; Motorola Moto G (1st generation), Razr HD, Moto E (2014); HTC One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601; and various Huawei models such as the Ascend P6, Ascend Mate, etc.
Why is WhatsApp ceasing to support these mobile phones?
The main reason is technical and safety-related. Older operating systems lack recent security patches and cannot run the app's new features. Furthermore, WhatsApp regularly reviews which versions it supports, and when a system falls significantly behind, it becomes incompatible. The app itself sends in-app notifications before the cutoff, but many users ignore them or see them too late. There's also a detail that often goes unnoticed: the phone must be able to receive SMS messages or calls during verification, so devices that only work with Wi-Fi cannot set up new accounts.
What to do if your phone is on the list?
The first step is to check your operating system version. On Android, go to Settings > About phone; on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If the version is lower than Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1, the phone is at risk. You can still try to update: On Android, connect to Wi-Fi, charge the battery to at least 75%, and check for updates in Settings > System > Software Update. On iPhone, back up your data, connect to a power source, and go to Settings > General > Software Update. If no update is available, you'll need to switch devices.
Furthermore, WhatsApp has already announced new requirements for the coming months: From September 8, 2026, only devices with Android 6 or higher will be supported, and from November 30, 2026, only those with iOS 15.5 or later. This means the requirements will be tightened, so if your phone is saved now, it might not be in a few months.
The key is to check the operating system before the deadline. The worst time to discover that your phone is obsolete is when you need WhatsApp for work or to verify an account. Updating if possible, or planning a change if not, can save you a nasty shock midweek.