A recent warning has been issued to WhatsApp users, indicating that failure to take action promptly could result in losing access to the app later this year. Meta, the parent company of the app, is expected to discontinue support for older Android devices, potentially affecting millions of users. According to WABetaInfo, devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting September 8, 2026.
While this decision may inconvenience some users, it is unlikely to impact most individuals, as Android 6 was launched in 2015, and the current version is Android 16. However, data from Statcounter reveals that approximately 0.69% of Android devices globally are still operating on Android 5, which could equate to around 3 million devices out of over 4 billion Android users worldwide.
Users with devices dating back a decade may still be able to use WhatsApp for now, but after September 8, the app could cease to function on these devices. The most practical solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device, especially considering that older devices are no longer receiving security updates and may struggle with modern applications.
In addition to the announcement, WABetaInfo shared an image from a future WhatsApp version displaying a warning message stating, “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device.” Therefore, it is advisable to check the software version running on your Android phone to determine if you may be affected. You have a few months to address any potential issues before the changes take effect.