A recent warning has been issued to WhatsApp users, alerting them that failure to take action now could result in losing access to the app later this year. WABetaInfo, known for discovering upcoming updates, revealed that the popular chat app might no longer be compatible with older Android devices.
This change is due to Meta, the app’s parent company, planning to discontinue support for outdated versions of the Google-operated system. This decision could potentially affect a significant number of users who rely on WhatsApp.
According to WABetaInfo, devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting on September 8, 2026. While this adjustment may not sit well with some users, it is expected to impact a relatively small portion of the Android user base.
Although Android 6 was launched back in 2015, with the current version being Android 16, data from Statcounter indicates that approximately 0.69% of global Android devices are still operating on Android 5. Despite this seemingly low percentage, it translates to around 3 million devices among the 4 billion Android users worldwide.
If you are using a phone that is nearly a decade old, it may continue to operate normally for now. However, after September 8, WhatsApp could cease to function on these devices. The most viable solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device, which is advisable for enhanced security and compatibility with modern applications.
In addition to the announcement, WABetaInfo shared a preview image from a future WhatsApp version displaying a warning message stating, “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device.” Therefore, it is recommended to check your Android device’s software version promptly. If you suspect that your device is affected, you still have a few months to address the situation.