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WhatsApp has announced that starting 8 September, it will no longer support devices running Android versions older than 6.0
This means that if a smartphone is still running Android 5.0 or 5.1, its user would be unable to run the messaging application after that date.
According to WABetaInfo, the move aims to maintain app stability while clearing the path for modern features that require newer systems.
Affected users are expected to receive in-app warnings soon, giving them a chance to prepare before the service ends
They are also advised to back up their chat history on Google Drive or to internal storage before switching to a newer device.
While Android users face this hardware hurdle, those on iOS remain safe for now as WhatsApp will continue supporting iPhones and iPads running iOS 15.1 or later versions.
Here's how you can check your current Android version on your device
If you're unsure which version your phone is running, checking is simple:
- STEP 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your Android device.
- STEP 2: Tap on 'About phone' or 'About device'.
- STEP 3: Look for 'Software information' to find your specific Android version number.
This shift is expected to impact many WhatsApp users in Southeast Asia, India, and Brazil.
If your screen shows anything older than version 6.0, it is likely time for an upgrade.
