WhatsApp to end support for older Android phones from 2026

ISLAMABAD:  If you are using a 10 or 11 year old Android phone, it is better to replace it, otherwise it will not be possible to use WhatsApp from September 2026.

Yes, Meta has decided to end WhatsApp support for older Android phones.

Especially those smartphones that are running on Android 5 or 5.1.

According to a report, smartphones running on operating system versions before Android 6 will not be able to access WhatsApp from January 1.

WhatsApp is constantly improving its user interface and privacy settings, for which features are introduced that are compatible with the latest operating systems from Apple and Android.

This is why the company often ends support for older operating systems.

Meta is working on more advanced features, including features based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology that require more advanced hardware.

The report said that Meta will end WhatsApp support for Android phones running operating systems earlier than Android 6 from September 8, 2026.

This means that access to WhatsApp on millions of older Android phones will be lost.

After September 8, WhatsApp will only be available on phones running Android 6 or later.

If you are using these older smartphones, you will have to transfer your WhatsApp data to a new device, otherwise all WhatsApp media and chat history will be deleted after September 8.

According to the report, the move is aimed at improving user security and privacy while also maintaining stable app performance.