WhatsApp ends support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 this month

WhatsApp is dropping support for some older Android versions as of September 8, 2026, while iPhones face a new minimum software requirement later this year.

Android 5.0 and 5.1 affected

Users still on Android 5.0 or 5.1 will lose access to WhatsApp. The app is raising its minimum requirement to Android 6.0. Unlike newer devices, no software update can bring these phones up to the required version, so affected users will need to move to a newer handset.

iPhones have until November 30

On Apple's side, the deadline is November 30, 2026 to be running a supported iOS version. Apple released iOS 15.8.8 in May 2026 for devices including the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 and the first-generation iPhone SE — a version already newer than WhatsApp's upcoming iOS 15.5 requirement.

What to do before switching phones

• Back up your chats via Google Drive (Android) before migrating.
• A local backup can also be transferred to a newer Android device.
• Check your Android version in your phone's settings.

Sources

• Trusted Reviews — WhatsApp is ending support for a bunch of phones this month