A recent alert has been issued to users of WhatsApp, warning that failure to take action soon could result in losing access to the app later this year. The popular messaging platform may no longer be compatible with older Android devices, as Meta, the app’s parent company, is expected to discontinue support for outdated versions of the Google-owned operating system. This move could potentially impact millions of users overnight.
According to insights from WABetaInfo, devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting from September 8, 2026. While this change may not sit well with some users, it is anticipated that the majority will remain unaffected. Android 6 was initially released in 2015, with the current version being Android 16.
Despite the age of Android 5, Statcounter data reveals that approximately 0.69% of Android devices globally still operate on this version. Although this percentage appears small, it equates to around 3 million devices among the more than 4 billion Android users worldwide.
If you are using a phone that is nearly a decade old, it may continue to function for now. However, come September 8, WhatsApp could cease to operate on such devices. The most viable solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device, which is advisable given that phones running outdated software are devoid of recent security updates and may struggle with modern apps.
In addition to the announcement, WABetaInfo shared an image from an upcoming WhatsApp version displaying a warning message: “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device.” Therefore, it is advisable to verify the software version on your Android phone and take necessary actions if you might be affected.