- WhatsApp will update its minimum requirements: Android 6.0 and iOS 15.1 or higher.
- Mobile phones with Android 5.0/5.1 or lower will no longer be compatible on September 8, 2026.
- On November 30, 2026, iPhones with iOS 15.1 and earlier versions will lose access.
- Affected models include Samsung Galaxy S3, LG Optimus G and iPhone 5s/6, among others.
The world's most popular messaging app is about to change its compatibility rules. According to official information, WhatsApp will stop working on a specific list of devices that don't meet the minimum operating system requirements. This measure has been implemented before, but this time it will affect thousands of users in Europe, and especially in Spain.
The company, owned by Meta, plans to tighten technical requirements starting September 8, 2026, for Android and November 30 for iPhone. The goal is to focus development on updated systems that guarantee the security and proper performance of new tools, including the artificial intelligence features being incorporated into the application.
Full list of cell phones that will lose WhatsApp
WhatsApp's support page has published a list of phones that will lose support in the coming months. For Android devices, all phones still running versions 5.0 or 5.1 will be excluded , as well as those using older software. According to official information, these are the most common models:
- Samsung Galaxy S3.
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 4.
- Samsung Galaxy Core II.
- LG Optimus G.
- LG Optimus L5 II.
- LG Optimus L7 II, LG L70 and LG L90.
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Deadline for iPhone and Apple devices
The measure also affects iPhone users, although at a later date. The app will stop working on phones that don't have at least iOS 15.1. This means that the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, as well as any other model that hasn't been able to update its system to that version, will be incompatible starting November 30, 2026. In this regard, WhatsApp's support website recommends checking the settings section and verifying the installed iOS version to see if the device can be updated.
Why is WhatsApp ceasing to support these phones?
The messaging company explains that it analyzes the devices and operating systems with the most users every year. Very old systems that don't receive security updates or allow the execution of new features are gradually phased out . For example, the lack of security patches and performance limitations for the newest features. This process is common in applications like WhatsApp, since compatibility with all versions requires enormous maintenance and prevents the service from fully benefiting from improvements in current operating systems.
Recommendations for affected users
If you have one of the phones mentioned, don't panic, you can still take some precautions. The first thing to do is check if there's an official operating system update available from the manufacturer. On Android, this is usually found in "Settings" – "System Update" or within the Settings app itself. On iPhones, go to "Settings" – "General" – "Software Information." If there's no update available for your model, then the chances are slim. In that case, you should back up your chats before the deadline to avoid a WhatsApp backup failure . You can go to "Settings" – "Chats" – "Chat Backup" and save it to Google Drive. This allows you to preserve your chat history and files in case you decide to switch phones.
Another important point is that the change doesn't affect WhatsApp Web or the desktop version. The browser-based platform remains compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS , and only requires the mobile app to be running to sync messages. The website itself is unaffected by this update. Users who can't update their mobile devices will still be able to use the desktop version, but with limitations, as initial access is through the mobile app.
Finally, it's worth remembering that the change in requirements will be implemented gradually, and WhatsApp will notify affected users with in-app notifications. The company displays reminders before support ends, so you can keep an eye on the messages that appear on your screen. Although the news has surprised users, this situation has occurred before and simply coincides with the operating system update schedule and the need to keep the application secure and functional for most people. Therefore, the final recommendation for those at risk is to back up their data in advance and ensure they update or change their device before September or November to avoid losing access to the conversations, groups, and statuses they use so much on a daily basis.