WhatsApp users with older Android smartphones are set to lose access to the messaging app as Meta has decided to end support for older Android operating systems.
According to reports, WhatsApp will no longer be available on smartphones running Android versions earlier than Android 6, including Android 5 and Android 5.1, from September 9, 2026.
Users with affected devices may no longer be able to send or receive messages or use other WhatsApp features after the support ends.
WhatsApp regularly introduces new features, updates its user interface and improves privacy and security settings. These updates require newer operating systems to work properly, which is one of the reasons the company is ending support for older Android versions.
The move is aimed at improving user security and privacy while maintaining the app’s performance and reliability. Users with affected smartphones may need to upgrade to a device running a newer Android version to continue using WhatsApp.