- From February 1, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on mobile phones that do not meet the minimum system requirements.
- The app will only be compatible with Android 5.0 or higher and iOS 15.1 or later, leaving out many older models.
- Among those affected are the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and several classic Androids such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Moto E (1st gen.).
- Meta recommends backing up your data, trying to update your system, or switching to a different phone to avoid losing access to chats and features.
The calendar is already marked: the February 1th 2026 It will be the date on which WhatsApp will stop working on a good number of old mobiles This change affects the entire world, including Spain and the rest of Europe. It's not related to the platform shutting down, but rather to a further reduction in the list of compatible devices.
The Meta-owned messaging app will limit service to mobile phones that meet certain requirements. minimum operating system requirementsThis means that many phones, especially those that haven't been updated in years, They will lose access to WhatsAppThey will not be able to open the app, send messages, or receive notifications.
What changes in WhatsApp from February 1, 2026
The adjustment that comes into effect in 2026 is part of the standard maintenance policy from WhatsApp. Every year, the company reviews which versions of the operating systems are still viable and which have become so outdated that they no longer guarantee safe or stable use.
Meta has set two clear requirements: in AndroidThe app will only continue to be compatible with Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or later; In iPhoneIt will be mandatory to have iOS 15.1 or higherEverything below those versions, such as certain older mobile phone models, will lose official support.
In practice, this means that a user with a very old mobile phone, although it still works for calls or basic browsing, You will not be able to use WhatsApp normallyIn some cases the application will stop opening; in others, it will not even be possible to install or update it from the official store.
The company insists that the decision is not based on a simple whim, but on a combination of technical compatibility, security and technological evolutionKeeping very old versions active complicates the development of new features and also opens the door to potential security flaws.
iPhones that will lose WhatsApp in 2026
In the Apple ecosystem, the requirement is clear: WhatsApp will only work on iPhones with iOS 15.1 or higherAny model that cannot be updated to that version will automatically be out of the game.
The main ones affected are the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plusas well as all previous models. These devices, once widespread in Spain and still used as replacement phones or by the elderly, They can no longer install iOS 15.1Therefore, the app will no longer be usable on them.
On older iPhones (like the iPhone 5s, 5c, or earlier generations), the situation is even clearer: many could no longer install recent versions of WhatsApp, and in many cases, the app itself couldn't be installed. It doesn't even open or update to the latest editions.
WhatsApp reminds users that compatibility on iPhone depends not only on being able to download the app, but also on system features such as... Apple push notifications, the use of iCloud for backups or integration with Face ID and Touch ID for biometric application locking.
Android: Models and versions that lose compatibility
On Android, the cut is fixed at Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop)All phones that remain on older versions, such as 4.4 Android KitKat, Android 4.3 and 4.2 Jelly Bean, Android 4.1 and older editions, they will no longer be able to use WhatsApp.
Most of these devices are mobile phones launched before 2014These devices have long since stopped receiving official updates. In many cases, even if they still power on and can perform basic tasks, their hardware and software are too limited to support the app's latest features.
Representative Android models that will lose support include:
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Sony Xperia M
- LG Optimus L7 II
- Huawei Ascend G510
- HTC Desire 500
- Motorola Moto E (first generation)
These devices do not have an official way to update to Android 5.0Although in some cases there may be custom ROMs or unofficial solutions, WhatsApp relies on manufacturer-guaranteed support.Therefore, for practical purposes, the application will no longer be usable on these devices.
In Spain and other European countries, it's still common to see these types of phones used as a second phone or as a budget-friendly option, especially among users who only use them for calls and messaging. With the new change, those who rely on these models will have to seriously consider a replacement if they want to stay connected via WhatsApp.
Why does WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
Meta usually justifies these decisions based on three main pillars: security, compatibility and technological progressAs the application incorporates new features, it needs to rely on Modern APIs and in hardware with a certain minimum power.
Older mobile phones usually have less RAM, slower processors and chips that don't properly support advanced encryption or high-quality video calls. Forcing support on these devices can result in crashes, constant errors, and, in the worst-case scenario, security holes.
In addition, many of those phones no longer receive manufacturer's security patchesWithout an updated operating system, it becomes more difficult to ensure that communications remain well protected against malware, espionage attempts, or targeted attacks.
Meta performs periodic analysis to identify which versions of Android and iOS have a very small user baseWhen a system is practically abandoned and without official support, it goes on the list of those that they are no longer compatible with the messaging app.
How will WhatsApp notify you and what steps does it recommend?
To prevent users from being left without service overnight, WhatsApp explains in its Help Center that sends notifications within the application itself when it detects that a device is about to lose compatibility.
These alerts repeatedly emphasize the need to update the operating system or, if that is not possible, switch deviceThe goal is to allow ample time to make decisions without losing access to the chats.
Among the general recommendations, the platform suggests:
- Check the system version in the "About device" section (Android) or "Information" section (iPhone).
- Try Update to the latest available version of the operating system.
- Rate the upgrading to a newer phone if updates are no longer offered.
- Verify that the new device complies with Android 5.0 or higher o iOS 15.1 or later.
For those forced to change phones, the priority is avoiding data loss. That's why WhatsApp insists that a full backup of chats and multimedia files before the deadline arrives.
Backups and migration of chats to a new mobile phone
One of the biggest concerns for those changing phones is what will happen to their conversations. WhatsApp reminds users that It is possible to back up your data to the cloud. to restore it later on another compatible device.
On Android, backups are usually performed in Google Drive, while on iPhone they are stored in iCloudFrom the app settings, in the chats section, you can schedule a manual or automatic copy, including or excluding multimedia files.
The basic recommendation before February 1, 2026 is to perform an updated backup, check that it has been completed correctly and only then proceed to migrate the data to a new or recently updated mobile device.
Those who do not take this step risk losing conversation histories, photos, videos, and shared documentsThis is especially sensitive in the case of work groups, family chats, or communications related to important matters.
New "strict account settings" for greater security
The reduction in compatibility comes hand in hand with another relevant development: the progressive implementation of the "strict account adjustments", an option designed to strengthen user security against cyberattacks and malicious uses.
This feature is being rolled out gradually for Android and iOSFor those who already have it available, it can be found on the route Settings > Privacy > Advanced options within the application
By enabling these settings, the app automatically applies a series of advanced protection measuresdesigned to reduce exposure to unknown contacts and potentially dangerous content.
The changes introduced by the "strict account adjustments" include:
- Media file blocking sent by senders who are not in the address book.
- Disabling link previews to reduce the risk of malicious pages.
- Automatic call silencing originating from unregistered numbers.
- Severe restrictions on group invitations from unknown contacts.
- Mandatory activation of two-step verification to protect account access.
- Additional IP address protection by forwarding calls through WhatsApp servers.
These measures fit with the platform's overall strategy: prioritize safety even at the cost of leaving out devices that can no longer support these more demanding functions.
Given this situation, February 1, 2026, doesn't mark the end of the app, but it does represent a turning point for those still using very old mobile phones. Devices with Android OS 5.0 or higher and iOS 15.1 and later They will be able to continue using WhatsApp normally and benefit from the new privacy tools, while models like the iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S3, or first-generation Motorola Moto E They will have to pass the baton. Anticipating this, checking which system version is installed, and preparing a backup in time will be key to not to be left without service nor lose the chats accumulated over years.
