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 9, 2026.
Yes, Meta has decided to end WhatsApp support for older Android phones, particularly smartphones running Android 5 or 5.1.
According to a report, smartphones running operating system versions older than Android 6 will no longer be able to access WhatsApp from September 9.
WhatsApp continuously improves 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, which require more advanced hardware.
The report said that Meta will end WhatsApp support for Android phones running operating systems older than Android 6 from September 8, 2026.
This means that millions of older Android phones will lose access to WhatsApp.
After September 8, WhatsApp will only be usable on phones running Android 6 or later versions.
If you are using these older smartphones, you will need to transfer your WhatsApp data to a new device; otherwise, after September 8, all your WhatsApp media and chat history will be deleted.
According to the report, the purpose of this move is to improve users’ security and privacy while also keeping the app’s performance stable.
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