Archive · 8 Sep 2026
WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
WhatsApp has stopped supporting some very old Android phones.
The change affects phones using Android 5.0 or 5.1.
It began on September 8.
People with these phones were warned earlier this year.
Some phones can receive an update to Android 6.0 or newer.
If an update is available, installing it should allow WhatsApp to keep working.
If no update is possible, the user will need a newer phone.
WhatsApp says supporting fewer old systems gives it more room to develop features.
Most people with newer Android phones should not notice any change.
WhatsApp ended support for phones running Android 5.0 and 5.1 on September 8.
Affected users had received in-app warnings earlier this year about the change.
Some phones may continue running WhatsApp if they can upgrade to Android 6.0 or newer.
Users can check for software updates through their phone’s Settings menu.
Phones that cannot upgrade beyond Android 5.0 or 5.1 will need replacement to keep using WhatsApp.
- Who
- WhatsApp users with phones running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1.
- What
- WhatsApp ended support for those Android versions.
- When
- The change took effect on September 8.
- Where
- On Android smartphones using Android 5.0 or 5.1.
- Why
- To reduce compatibility limits from older software and hardware and focus on newer Android versions.
- Affected versions
- Android 5.0 and Android 5.1
- Effective date
- September 8
- Possible solution
- Upgrade the phone to Android 6.0 or newer, if available
- How to check
- Open the phone’s Settings menu and look for a software update
- If no update exists
- A newer phone will be needed to continue using WhatsApp
- Expected reach
- The number of affected users is expected to be relatively small