It’s official: WhatsApp will stop working on old Android phones in September 2026—are you at risk?

May 3, 2026

It’s official: WhatsApp will stop working on old Android phones in September 2026—are you at risk? © Kurgenc – iStock

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Major change ahead: On September 8, 2026, WhatsApp stopped working on Android phones running version 5.0 or 5.1. While most users were unaffected, those still using these older devices—especially in emerging markets—needed to make plans to continue accessing the app. iPhone users did not have to worry, as this cutoff did not impact them.

It’s Official: WhatsApp Pulls the Plug on Old Androids as of September 2026

WhatsApp officially ended support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 smartphones on September 8, 2026. Users on these devices began seeing warning messages when launching the app well before the cutoff. This change applied to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, offering no workaround for business users tied to older phones.

Who Was Affected?

The move had a minimal effect in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. The largest number of users still on Android 5 were reportedly in India, Brazil, Pakistan, and various nations in Africa and Southeast Asia, where older phones are still widely circulated. Users with affected devices were strongly urged to back up their WhatsApp conversations to Google Drive before losing access, or to transfer their chats via local backup when migrating to a newer phone.

No Impact for iPhone and iPad Users

iPhone users were not affected by this update. WhatsApp continues to run on Apple devices with iOS 15.1 or newer, and on iPad with iPadOS 15.1 and newer. The recent changes targeted Android only.

Why Did WhatsApp Make This Change?

The decision to end support for older Android versions reportedly came from the increasing technical demands of new features under development. For example, WhatsApp tested notification bubbles and floating icons that let users access chats without switching away from other apps. These features require capabilities not available on Android 5.0 or 5.1.

This update arrived during a period of accelerated change at WhatsApp. The app has been preparing to launch usernames so users can communicate without sharing their phone number, testing a paid WhatsApp Plus subscription for €2.49 per month (about $2.70/month as of the cutoff date), and recently discontinued the creation of custom avatars. Meta’s approach appears to focus on core features while streamlining the platform, as it aims to monetize its user base and maintain its technological edge against competitors like Telegram and Signal.

Ethan Collins Author

Ethan Collins is a London-based tech journalist specializing in digital innovation, smartphones, and the Android ecosystem. Passionate about new technologies for over a decade, he analyzes market trends, tests the latest devices, and breaks down the impact of emerging tools on everyday life. Before joining the editorial team, he collaborated with several UK media outlets and tech startups, where he developed strong expertise in mobile ecosystems and SaaS solutions. Curious, detail-oriented, and always on the lookout for what’s next, Ethan is committed to delivering clear, reliable, and accessible articles for both tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.