Beginning February 1th 2026WhatsApp will implement a new compatibility cut that will leave many older phones without access to the service. The measure will affect both iPhone like phones with Android that can no longer be updated to the minimum versions required by the application.
This change is part of the Meta's periodic policyWhatsApp, the owner of the operating system platform, reviews its security and viability standards annually. By phasing out obsolete platforms, the company aims to maintain a high level of security. safety, performance and stability in accordance with the functions it incorporates.
What will change in WhatsApp from February 2026
From that date onwards, only mobile phones that meet certain requirements will be able to use the app. minimum operating system requirementsOn Apple's side, WhatsApp will now require as a base iOS 15.1 or laterAny iPhone that does not reach that version will be left without access to the platform.
In the case of Android, the barrier is located at Android 5.0 (Lollipop)Devices that still work with older versions, such as Android 4.4 KitKat or Jelly Bean and previous versions will no longer be compatible. Although these are very old systems, there are still users who continue to use them, especially on entry-level devices.
As Meta explains in its Help CenterThese reviews are carried out regularly, taking into account how many people are still using each version and whether they are still receiving manufacturer's security patchesWhen a system is abandoned, its maintenance becomes a privacy risk and for the proper functioning of the service.
In Europe and Spain, the impact will be especially noticeable among those who still keep a mobile phone from a decade ago as a second phone or for very specific uses, because in those cases WhatsApp will stop opening altogether. or it will display warnings that the device is no longer supported.
iPhones that will lose WhatsApp
The new requirement of iOS 15.1 This excludes all iPhones that don't reach that operating system version. Apple stopped updating several very popular models years ago, so they will no longer be able to use WhatsApp Starting in February.
Amongst the affected models include:
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 4s and previous models
These terminals, released between approximately 2011 and 2015, can no longer install iOS 15.1By remaining stuck on older versions, they no longer meet the minimum requirements set by WhatsApp, so the app will not be executed in them once the change comes into effect.
In practice, this will primarily affect users who still own an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus as their main phone or as a backup device. While these phones may still be functional for calls, basic browsing, or music, they will not be able to use WhatsAppwhich in daily life means, for many, losing their main means of communication.
Android phones that will lose compatibility
In the Android ecosystem, the list is much longer, as there are more manufacturers and product ranges. The requirement is clear: Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higherAny device that falls below that version will no longer be supported.
This implies the release of mobile phones that operate with 4.4 Android KitKat and previous generations (4.3, 4.2, 4.1, etc.), present mainly in devices released before 2014. Many of them no longer receive any kind of official update or security fixes.
Amongst the examples of affected models that are frequently cited include:
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 4
- Sony Xperia M
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus L3 II
- Huawei Ascend G510
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- HTC Desire 500
- Motorola Moto E first generation
These terminals do not have an official way to reach Android 5.0Therefore, even though they continue to turn on without problems, WhatsApp will stop working In some cases, the app will first stop updating and later display a message indicating that the phone is no longer compatible.
In European countries where many of these phones still circulate on the second-hand market or as company devices, the experts' recommendation is quite clear: if the phone is stuck on versions prior to Lollipop, We'll have to think about renewing it if you want to continue using WhatsApp normally.
Reasons why WhatsApp stops working on older phones
Meta justifies these types of cuts on three main points: compatibility, security and technological evolutionMaintaining support for very old systems limits the possibility of introducing new features and complicates the deployment of security improvements.
Phones that no longer receive updates from the manufacturer stop incorporating critical patches against vulnerabilitiesThis can pose a risk to both users and the platform. If a portion of the mobile device fleet cannot be adequately protected, the company prefers to remove them from the list of supported systems.
Furthermore, many of WhatsApp's recent tools, from advanced privacy options to more demanding multimedia features, rely on hardware with greater processing capacity and modern operating systems. On very old phones, these features not only perform worse, but can also cause crashes and constant freezes.
For all these reasons, Meta conducts an annual review of how many users are still on older versions and what level of support manufacturers maintain. When a system becomes clearly outdated and has a very small user base, it is discontinued. Remove from compatibility list to concentrate resources on more current platforms.
How to know if your mobile phone will lose WhatsApp
The most direct way to check if a phone is at risk of losing support is to check the operating system version installed. The process varies slightly between Android and iOS, but it's quite simple in both cases.
On an Android device, you need to go to Settings > About phone > Android versionIf the indicated version is lower than 5.0, the device will lose access to WhatsApp when the measure comes into effect, unless there is a pending update that allows the jump to Lollipop or higher.
On an iPhone, the path goes through Settings > General > Information > Software VersionIf the device does not reach iOS 15.1 If no update appears in the software update section, it will be one of the models that will lose compatibility.
As indicated by the WhatsApp Help CenterUsers with affected mobile phones will receive notifications within the application itself In the weeks leading up to the deadline, these messages will remind users that their device will no longer be supported and that it's advisable to update the system or switch to a new device.
What to do before WhatsApp stops being supported
Those with a mobile phone that will be discontinued should take some precautions to avoid losing their data. The first and most important is to perform a chat backup and the associated multimedia content.
On Android, this backup can be activated from the application settings, by linking it to an account. Google DriveOn iPhone, saving is done in iCloudYou can also do this from the WhatsApp settings menu. This way, if you change phones, it will be possible restore chat history on the new device.
Before giving up on your current mobile phone, it's worth checking if there are any pending system updateSome more modern phones, although older, could still upgrade to a supported version and continue using the app without problems.
If the device no longer supports newer software versions, the only alternative to maintain access to the application will be upgrade to a newer phoneMaintaining an unsupported device also implies greater security risks in general, not just in relation to messaging.
New “strict account adjustments” to strengthen security
Alongside this cleanup of old systems, WhatsApp is rolling out a feature designed for those who want an extra level of protection: “strict account adjustments”This is a set of measures designed to reduce the risk of fraud and targeted attacks.
The option will be activated gradually for users of Android and iOS in Europe and the rest of the regions. To enable it, you have to enter the route Settings > Privacy > Advanced options within the application itself, where the new section will appear.
By turning on these stricter settings, WhatsApp will apply a more restrictive security profile: this will occur automatic blocking of files and multimedia content sent by people who are not in the contact list and will be deactivated link preview potentially suspicious.
The tool also allows silence calls from unknown numbers, impose stricter restrictions on the invitations to groups and demand the two step verification to access the account. In addition, calls can be routed through WhatsApp servers, which helps to hide the user's IP address and reduces the exposure of their data.
With all these measures, the messaging platform is adjusting its operation to current times: on the one hand, abandon devices that can no longer guarantee a minimum level of security On the other hand, it strengthens privacy options for phones that remain on the compatibility list. Those still relying on older phones will need to check their operating system version as soon as possible and decide whether it's worth sticking with a limited device or upgrading to a more modern model to continue using WhatsApp without any issues.
