WhatsApp will stop functioning on a number of older phone models starting March 10th. The change is due to an update in the platform’s technical requirements, which will no longer support devices that do not receive operating system updates or meet current security standards.
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The move is part of periodic updates made by the Meta Platforms-owned application to improve performance, enhance security, and enable the incorporation of fresh features. As messaging apps evolve, maintaining compatibility with older systems becomes increasingly challenging.
Several models launched more than a decade ago, and no longer supported by their manufacturers, are among the phones that will lose access to WhatsApp.
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Phones That Will No Longer Support WhatsApp
For Android devices, some of the affected models include:
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy S4 mini
- Sony Xperia M
- LG Optimus L7 II
- Motorola Moto E (1st generation)
Within the Apple ecosystem, some devices that cannot be updated to recent versions of iOS will also be excluded:
These devices no longer meet the minimum requirements needed for the application to function correctly.
Why WhatsApp is Ending Support
Starting in 2026, WhatsApp will only function on devices with Android 5.0 or higher and iOS 15.1 or later. Many of the phones listed above cannot be updated to these versions, resulting in a loss of official support.
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devices that no longer receive security patches can pose risks to user privacy and data protection, which is why technology platforms often discontinue support for excessively old equipment.
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What Affected Users Should Do
Experts recommend that users of these phones:
- Check if the device can update its operating system.
- Back up chats before support ends.
- Consider upgrading to a newer smartphone compatible with the latest versions of the application.
