WhatsApp officially ended support for smartphones running Android 5.0 and 5.1 on September 8, 2026, cutting off users of older devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4, Google Nexus 4, and HTC One M7. The messaging platform now requires Android 6.0 or higher, according to a report by Legit.ng.
The change affects devices that cannot be upgraded to Android 6 or newer, meaning those users can no longer access the app. WhatsApp's move is part of its ongoing policy to retire outdated operating systems that cannot reliably handle newer features and security updates. Android 5.0 and 5.1 are over a decade old and no longer receive regular software or security patches.
31 Android Devices No Longer Supported
Because Android devices come from many manufacturers, WhatsApp has not published a single official model-by-model list. However, Legit.ng reports that 31 devices are known to have stopped at Android 5.0 or 5.1 and are therefore no longer supported. These include:
- Google Nexus 4 and Nexus One
- Samsung Galaxy S4, S3, S1, Alpha, and Xcover
- Motorola Moto G (1st Generation) and Backflip
- HTC One M7, One X+, and Desire 628
- LG G2
- Sony Xperia Z, Z1, and Ericsson Xperia Play
- Xiaomi Mi 1, Redmi 1S, and Redmi 2 Prime
- Huawei Honor U8860, Honor 2, Honor 3X, Honor Bee, and U8100
- Oppo Find 5
- Vivo X3
- ZTE Racer II, Blade III, and Grand S
- QMobile Noir Z6
- Goophone X
The Google Nexus 4 and first-generation Moto G both stopped at Android 5.1, while the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One M7 stopped at Android 5.0.
How to Check Your Phone's Operating System
Users can verify their device's operating system version easily. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap 'General,' then 'Information,' and select 'iOS Version.' On an Android phone, open Settings, go to 'About phone,' and tap 'Android Version.'
iPhone users face a separate deadline. WhatsApp currently supports iPhones running iOS 15.1 and above, but from November 30, 2026, the minimum requirement will rise to iOS 15.5. Phones expected to be affected include the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and the first-generation iPhone.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Stronger Security Features
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that WhatsApp rolled out a batch of new security features, giving its more than 3 billion users stronger tools to protect their accounts from unauthorised access and scam attempts. The most notable changes include support for multiple passkeys and an upgrade to the platform's two-step verification system. Previously, users could link only one passkey to their WhatsApp account for biometric logins using fingerprint, Face ID, or a screen lock code.
