Millions of users of old mobile phones will see how WhatsApp will stop working during the month of April 2026The messaging app has confirmed a new compatibility cut that will mainly affect devices launched more than a decade ago, many of which are still very common among older people or used as second phones in homes in Spain and the rest of Europe.
The change is not isolated or one-off: it is part of the WhatsApp periodically reviews compatible operating systems.This time, the bar is clearly raised and will exclude a large portion of devices manufactured before 2014 that can no longer be updated to the minimum required versions, which It will force more than one person to consider buying a new mobile phone. if you want to continue using the app normally.
When will WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
Various communications from the company and specialized media suggest that the shutdown will be phased in. starting in the first days of April 2026The dates in question include several key days: April 1, 10 and 15, on which the progressive disconnection of certain models will come into effect.
In practice, this means that, From those dates, the affected phones will no longer be able to open, download, or update WhatsAppThe app may initially display incompatibility warnings and, after a while, simply stop working. There will be no official way to revert to the previous version on those devices.
In Spain and other European countries, the impact will be especially noticeable among users who continue to use mid-range and low-end mobile phones from more than ten years ago, often without ever having changed the operating system. Anyone with a very old device would do well to check their Android or iOS version. before April arrives.
The measure will affect both individuals and small businesses that continue to manage orders, reservations, or inquiries via WhatsApp from very old devices. In those cases, Loss of access can lead to communication problems if the transition is not prepared in advance.
Minimum system requirements: Android 5.0 and iOS 15.1
The key to this change lies in the new minimum requirements set by WhatsApp to continue using their service. From April 2026, it will only work with:
- Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher on mobile phones with Google's operating system.
- iOS 15.1 or higher on Apple devices.
Any phone that cannot reach those versions is automatically added to the list of unsupported models. In practice, this affects many devices that They were stuck on previous versions of Android or iOS and that they haven't received updates from the manufacturer for years.
The company justifies this move on the grounds of security, performance and compatibility with new featuresOlder operating systems do not receive patches for known vulnerabilities and, in addition, have technical limitations in handling advanced encryption, more demanding video calls, or AI-based tools that the platform wants to continue deploying.
In the Android ecosystem, the gap is especially large because many low-end and mid-range models were left without updates just a couple of years after their release. In the case of iPhone, the cut focuses on models prior to the generation capable of reaching iOS 15.1, which leaves out several phones that are still seen daily.
List of Android phones that will lose WhatsApp
Although the complete official list may vary depending on the market, specialist articles agree in pointing to a group of flagship Android models who will lose access to WhatsApp in April 2026, because they cannot update to Android 5.0 Lollipop:
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L7 II
- Motorola Moto G (1st Generation)
- Motorola Moto E (1st generation)
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia M
- Huawei Ascend Mate
All these devices share the same problem: Its hardware and software no longer allow the installation of Android 5.0 or higher.Without that minimum version, the messaging application will stop working, leaving the user without the ability to send or receive messages, calls, or files through the platform.
It is worth remembering that many of these models became bestsellers in Europe, especially in the mid-range, so it is still relatively easy to find them in everyday use. In markets like Spain, where mobile phones are used until the end of their useful lifeThe blow will be concentrated on those who have not renewed their terminal for years.
In addition, manufacturers stopped offering security and maintenance updates for these phones quite some time ago. In other words, Not only do they lose access to WhatsApp, but they are also less secure for any other connected use.from browsing to installing new applications.
iPhone models that will no longer be compatible
In Apple's case, the focus is on iPhones that They cannot reach iOS 15.1This is the minimum version the platform requires to continue functioning. The following devices will lose compatibility:
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5 and earlier models
These handsets were very popular in their time and are still used as the main or backup phone in many homes. However, Its official update cycle ended years ago.Therefore, they cannot install iOS 15.1 or benefit from the latest security improvements.
Although some users have maintained acceptable performance on these iPhones for calls, basic browsing, or undemanding apps, WhatsApp no ​​longer considers them suitable to support its new featuresThe direct consequence is that, once the deadline arrives, the application will stop opening or updating.
It has also been noted that other, somewhat more recent models, such as iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, 1st generation SE or the iPhone 7 familyThey may experience limitations if they do not keep up to date with the latest compatible system versions. In any case, the general recommendation is to check the version installed on each device.
How to know if your mobile phone will lose WhatsApp in April 2026
Before getting alarmed, it's worth checking. What version of operating system does the phone have installed?The process is simple and can be done in less than a minute from the device's own settings.
On Android phones, the usual steps are:
- Open the app «Settings» of the System.
- Enter the section "About of the phone" or similar.
- Find the section "Software information" or "Android Version".
- Check the installed version number (for example, 4.4, 5.0, 6.0…).
If the device has Android 5.0 or higher, it should continue to work, provided the manufacturer or carrier hasn't restricted further updates. However, if it stays on older versions like Android 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4, will be included in the group of terminals that will lose the app.
In the Apple ecosystem, the path is very similar:
- go to app «Settings» of the iPhone.
- Click on the section "General".
- Access the section "Information" or "iOS Version".
- Check which version of the operating system is installed.
Only iPhones that can be upgraded to iOS 15.1 or later They will maintain access to WhatsApp without major problems. If the device is stuck on older versions, it will most likely be affected by the compatibility cutoff in April.
What will happen when the mobile phone is no longer compatible?
Once the device is added to the incompatible list, the effects will be clear: WhatsApp will stop opening or display an error messageAnd it will not be possible to send or receive messages, make calls, or receive notifications from the app.
It will also be blocked download updates Downloading the app from the official app stores (Google Play Store or App Store) for those models will result in an outdated version without security patches. You will also not receive support or technical assistance from the service.
Methods such as manually reinstalling the application, installing older versions of WhatsApp, or resorting to unofficial stores These are not recommended solutions, nor do they guarantee that the service will be restored.Furthermore, they increase the risk of installing modified or malicious software.
The company itself insists that it is a definitive disconnection for those devicesThe only viable way to continue using the platform, keeping the phone number and conversations, is to switch to a mobile phone that meets the minimum requirements set.
Why WhatsApp is increasing its requirements and leaving these phones behind.
The decision to raise the minimum requirements is not simply a capricious change. WhatsApp justifies this move by citing the need to reinforce the security and stability of the service.as well as preparing the ground for more complex functions.
Older operating systems eventually become a weak point in terms of cybersecurityThey stop receiving patches for vulnerabilities, are unable to implement the latest encryption standards, and in many cases, no longer have support from the mobile phone manufacturers themselves.
In addition, the application is being incorporated and tested increasingly demanding tools: more stable video calls, advanced privacy options, more secure cloud backups, disappearing messages, message reactions, and even AI-powered features.
For all of that to work smoothly, a minimum of processing power, memory, and graphics capabilities is needed, which many mobile phones from more than ten years ago cannot offer. Maintaining compatibility with those devices increases development costs. and limits the rollout of new features for the rest.
In this context, companies like WhatsApp choose to focus their efforts on the most widely used devices with updated systems. Although the change may be inconvenient for those who still have an older, working device, This dynamic is common throughout the technology industryfrom web browsers to banking applications.
How to back up your data before losing access
For those affected by the end of support, one of the key steps is Save a backup of all chats and files before the app stops working. Otherwise, there is a real risk of losing important conversations, photos, videos, or work documents.
On Android devices, the standard process for backing up information is as follows:
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile.
- Press the icon of the three vertical points located in the upper right corner.
- Walk into «Settings» and then in the section "Chats".
- Select the option "Backup".
- Choose the Google account where the backup will be saved and click on "Save" or "Back up now".
The system allows users to schedule automatic backups to Google Drive, provided they have available space in their account. In this way, when switching to a new mobile phoneSimply log in to the same Google account and WhatsApp to retrieve conversation history.
On iPhone, the steps are very similar, although the backup is saved in iCloud:
- Open the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.
- Go to the tab "Settings", In the bottom right.
- Click on "Chats".
- Access the section "Backup".
- Select "Back Up Now" to store the information in iCloud.
It's important to verify that your iCloud account has enough space before starting the process to avoid errors. Once completed, The user will be able to restore their conversations by setting up WhatsApp on a compatible iPhone. that meets the required iOS conditions.
What can affected users do?
Beyond backups, options for those who lose support are limited. The main recommendation is Consider upgrading to a newer mobile phone that meets the technical requirements from WhatsApp and the rest of the applications that are used daily.
In some cases, if the phone still has room to update the operating system, it may be enough to Install the latest available version of Android or iOS to extend the device's lifespan a little longer. However, in the models mentioned, the lack of manufacturer support makes this option unfeasible.
Technology experts recommend taking advantage of the change to look for terminals with extended update supportThis is something that manufacturers are increasingly taking into account, especially in Europe, where sustainability policies and the right to repair are gaining importance.
Meanwhile, those who continue to use one of the phones that will lose compatibility should Pay attention to the notifications that the app itself will send.WhatsApp usually gives advance notice within the chat when a device is about to lose support, precisely so that the user has time to decide what to do.
The discontinuation of WhatsApp on several mobile phones in April 2026 represents a further step in the trend of demanding More up-to-date and secure devices to stay connectedFor many users with older phones, the change will be the final push to upgrade their device and move their chats to an environment with better guarantees of privacy, performance, and technical support in the medium and long term.
