April 27, 2026, 10:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes
WhatsApp is adjusting the minimum requirements for using the messenger app on Android smartphones. This is common practice, as older versions of iOS and Android often aren’t compatible with modern features or pose a security risk due to missing patches.
Increasing the minimum requirements means smartphones with unsupported operating systems will no longer receive updates and security patches. Typically, a warning appears when opening the messenger, but usage is still possible. The app becomes unusable after a while because it can’t support newer features without updates. Additionally, WhatsApp may sever the connection to the login servers, rendering the app useless.
WhatsApp Ends Support for Millions of Smartphones
On September 8, WhatsApp is raising the minimum requirements for Android smartphones to Android version 6 (Marshmallow). This is detailed in the updated WhatsApp help section.
According to StatCounter, Android 5 still runs on 0.7 percent of all devices with the Google operating system. With more than three billion devices actively in use according to Google, several million smartphones will lose access to WhatsApp. Among the affected devices that can’t update to newer Android versions are once immensely popular models:
- Samsung Galaxy S4 (Android 5.0.1)
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini (Android 5.1.1)
- Google Nexus 4 (Android 5.1.1)
- LG G2 (Android 5.0.2)
- HTC One M7 (Android 5.0.2/5.1)
- Sony Xperia Z (Android 5.1.1)
WhatsApp states in the help section that affected users will receive multiple reminders to update their devices to newer operating systems or use a newer smartphone.
The messenger last adjusted the Android minimum requirements in 2023. Since then, Android 5 (Lollipop) has been required. In June 2025, however, the company raised the entry barrier for iPhones. Currently, an iPhone must have at least iOS 15.1 installed to use WhatsApp. As a result, iPhone 6/6 Plus and iPhone 5S have lost access to the messenger.
Also interesting: How expensive the new WhatsApp subscription is expected to be
The New System Requirements for WhatsApp
- Android with OS version 6 and newer
- iPhone with iOS 15.1 and newer
If this requirement is met, phone number verification for messenger activation is possible. WhatsApp also offers the ability to use numerous other “linked devices.” These only work in conjunction with an already established WhatsApp account on a supported smartphone.
WhatsApp will soon no longer work on these iPhones
Why Most Android Smartphones Are Insecure
What Users Can Do Now
First, affected users should check their smartphone for any available system updates that upgrade to a newer operating system version. Those who have resisted new updates may have to bite the bullet.
Those who can no longer use WhatsApp with their old smartphone have many affordable alternatives to choose from. You can find the list of the best smartphones guaranteed to be WhatsApp-compatible here:
These Operating Systems No Longer Supported by WhatsApp
As of 2026, an iPhone or Android smartphone is required to use WhatsApp. Until February 2025, it was still possible to use devices like the JioPhone with KaiOS. Long before, WhatsApp had already ended support for Symbian, BlackBerry OS, and all mobile Windows operating systems.
Owners of affected smartphones can no longer create new WhatsApp accounts or reverify an existing account. WhatsApp stated that additional features can be shut down at any time, as they are no longer actively developing for these systems.