The change already has a date marked on the calendar: starting from January 2026A long list of older mobile phones will lose access to WhatsApp because they don't meet the minimum technical requirements of the application. This decision will affect both Android phones like iPhones that have become stuck on outdated versions of their operating systems.
The measure, which is part of the regular plan of the Meta-owned company, seeks to ensure proper use more secure, stable and compatible with new features that WhatsApp is incorporating. For many users with older mobile phones in Spain and the rest of Europe, it will be time to consider whether to update the system—if it's still possible—or simply change devices.
When will WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
According to information published by the platform itself and reported by various technology media outlets, the compatibility adjustment will be applied at the beginning of 2026, with a key date: January 15, 2026. Since that day, Phones that do not meet the minimum Android or iOS versions will no longer be supported. with the messaging app.
In practice, this means that, after a period of in-app notifications, users will begin to notice frequent failures, unexpected shutdowns, and lockups When trying to use WhatsApp on older phones, the app will either stop opening altogether or display messages indicating that it can no longer be used on that device.
Meta has explained that this type of support cutouts This is done periodically. The company reviews which operating systems are being updated regularly. They are still used extensively and allow for the application of current security patches.When a version becomes too outdated, it disappears from the list of compatible versions.
In Europe, where smartphone penetration is very high and the lifespan of some devices extends for several years, this type of advertising often leads many users to accelerate the mobile phone change so as not to be left without their main means of daily communication.
Minimum operating system requirements to continue using WhatsApp
The key to knowing if a mobile phone will remain compatible is not so much the specific model as the operating system version installedWhatsApp has updated its technical specifications and set clear minimums for 2026.
In the case of phones with Google's operating system, the app will continue to work only on those devices that have Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or laterDevices that fall below that level will no longer be able to run the application normally.
For Apple users, the cutoff point is at iOS 15.1 or higheriPhones that cannot be updated to this version of the operating system will be excluded from official WhatsApp support, regardless of whether they continue to function for other tasks.
These requirements respond to the need for software capable of supporting advanced features, modern encryption and updated security patchesVery old systems no longer receive attention from manufacturers and become a weak point against current threats.
It's worth remembering that compatibility depends not only on the hardware, but also on whether or not the manufacturer decided to make it compatible. Release updates over a longer periodTherefore, two similar-range mobile phones launched around the same time can have different fates in terms of support.
iPhone models that will lose WhatsApp support in 2026
In the Apple ecosystem, WhatsApp has set a limit on the devices that cannot install it. iOS 15.1These are devices that have not received major updates for years and therefore fall short of the app's current security requirements.
Amongst the iPhones that will lose compatibility Several models stand out that were very popular at the time and are still used in Europe as a second phone or basic mobile phone:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
These devices stopped receiving new versions of iOS a long time ago, so They cannot reach the minimum required version, as stated in the list of unsupported devicesAlthough they will continue to respond for simple tasks, they will be definitively excluded from the WhatsApp ecosystem starting in January 2026.
In the months leading up to the change, the application is expected to start showing warning messages within the iPhones themselves, indicating that the system version will no longer be supported and recommending backing up or migrating the account to a more modern device.
Android phones that will lose WhatsApp compatibility
The impact on Android will be broader due to the enormous variety of brands and models on the market. In all cases, devices that cannot be updated, at a minimum, to version 1 will be affected. Android 5.0, a version released more than a decade ago.
In practice, this excludes a number of phones that were once very popular and can still be found in the hands of users who keep them as their primary or secondary mobile phone. Among them Android models mentioned in the various listings are:
- 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
In some cases, such as with certain Samsung or LG models, there were regional variants and versions with similar features, but the determining factor will always be the... the installed Android versionIf the device is stuck on a version prior to 5.0 and there is no update available, WhatsApp will stop working normally.
These phones no longer receive official support from their manufacturers, so they can't install the latest security patches. This lack of maintenance makes them more vulnerable to malware, fraud, and other attacks which the application tries to mitigate with its new versions.
Why is WhatsApp stopping support for older phones?
Behind this decision there is not so much a commercial issue as a technical problem: Maintaining compatibility with very old systems complicates the implementation of new features And, above all, it hinders security improvements. Each WhatsApp update introduces changes that require more processing power and newer software.
Older operating systems stop receiving support over time. critical security updates and performance improvementsThis creates a scenario where it is easier to exploit vulnerabilities to steal data or impersonate others. If the application were to continue operating in these environments, it would be forced to limit its own functions.
The company explains in its documentation that it periodically reviews which versions of the system continue to be in significant use and which already represent a marginal percentage of the user baseBeyond a certain point, maintaining support for those versions becomes technically unfeasible.
Besides security, there's a user experience factor: on many older phones, modern versions of WhatsApp cause Slowness, constant crashes, and graphical problemsThis triggers a surge in inquiries to technical support and creates a general feeling of malfunction.
What will happen to users whose mobile phones are excluded?
The disconnection process is not usually immediate, happening overnight. Typically, the application itself will begin to display notifications before the deadline. persistent warnings that the device will run out of supportinviting users to update their operating system or change their phone.
As the cutoff date approaches, users of these phones will begin to notice that WhatsApp It closes on its own, runs slower, or displays errors. When trying to send messages, make calls, or open certain content. In some cases, it may even prevent you from logging in again if you reinstall the app.
Once the compatibility adjustment has been applied, the affected devices will no longer be able to send or receive messages, make calls or video calls through the app. It will also not be possible to download new versions from Google Play, the App Store, or other official stores.
Accounts, however, are not automatically deleted simply because you use an old mobile phone. What happens is that Access from that device is blockedThe user will be able to continue using their number on a new compatible phone and recover their information if they have previously made a backup.
How to know if your mobile phone will still be compatible
Before getting alarmed, the wisest thing to do is calmly check the operating system version installed on the phone. This information can be easily accessed from the device settings, without the need for additional applications or advanced knowledge.
On Android phones, the usual way is to go to "Settings" or "Settings", search the section "About of the phone" and check the section that indicates the Android version. If the number is 5.0 or higher, WhatsApp will continue to be compatible under the conditions known until 2026.
In the case of iPhone, you have to go into «Settings», access to "General" and, within that menu, tap on "Information"The installed iOS version is displayed there. If the device allows updating to at least iOS 15.1, simply installing that update will maintain access to the app.
If the phone doesn't offer any further updates and remains on a version lower than the minimum required, it's most likely that There will be no official way to continue using WhatsApp after January 2026In that scenario, it's advisable to start preparing for the change well in advance.
Recommended steps before running out of WhatsApp
Once it has been confirmed that the device is among those affected or cannot be updated to the necessary system, the next crucial step is protect personal data and chat historyThe easiest way to do this is by creating a backup from within the application itself.
On any compatible mobile phone, simply open WhatsApp, enter the menu of «Settings» or «Settings», access the section "Chats" and select "Backup"From there you can choose the cloud storage service (Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iPhone) and start a manual save.
It is recommended to verify that the copy has been completed successfully and, if desired, schedule periodic automatic copies to avoid losing information in the future. This backup will allow you to restore messages, photos, and documents when you log in to a new phone with the same number or Transfer chats between iPhone and Android.
At the same time, those who depend on their mobile phones for work, family coordination, or managing school groups should consider this in advance. what type of device are they going to buy y Avoid common mistakes when setting up a new iPhoneChoosing a model with a recent version of Android or iOS, and with a good track record of updates, will help extend its lifespan and avoid surprises in future support cuts.
The announcement that WhatsApp will stop working on older phones in 2026 serves as a reminder that technology doesn't stop: Check the system version, make backups, and plan for a future phone upgrade. These are key steps to stay connected smoothly when the appointed date arrives.
