- From January 1, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on older mobile phones with Android 5.0 or earlier and iOS 15.1 or earlier.
- The measure affects widely used models such as iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus and numerous Samsung Galaxy, LG, Huawei, Sony, Motorola and HTC devices.
- Meta cites reasons of security, performance, and compatibility with new features such as advanced encryption and more modern tools.
- It is recommended to back up your chats and, if your phone cannot be updated, switch to a more modern device.
The new year doesn't just bring toasts, grapes, and congratulatory messages; it also comes with a serious warning for many users: WhatsApp will stop working on a long list of mobile phones starting January 1, 2026The popular messaging app from Meta is tightening its technical requirements again and will exclude phones that are stuck on older versions of Android and iOS.
In Spain and the rest of Europe These models are still common in homes, among elderly people, or as a "backup mobile phone".For all of them, January 1st marks a turning point: if the device does not reach the minimum required operating system version, the app will first stop updating and, over time, may stop opening or allowing the sending and receiving of messages.
Which mobile phones will lose WhatsApp support from January 1st
The company has set a clear boundary: Only phones with Android 6.0 or higher and iOS 16 or higher will remain compatibleAnything below Android 5.0 and iOS 15.1 will lose access to the service unless the device can be updated to a newer version.
In practice, this means that Phones released a decade ago, which no longer receive manufacturer support, will lose WhatsAppEven so, many still work for calls, SMS or basic messaging, so the impact will not be less significant for users who haven't upgraded their phones in years.
On iOS, the affected models are those that remain on iOS 15.1 or earlier.a list that includes devices that were very popular at the time:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
These devices cannot upgrade to iOS versions compatible with the new requirements. So, its owners will see WhatsApp stop offering support and, later on, stop working normally..
In the case of Android, All mobile phones that remain stuck on Android 5.0 Lollipop or earlier versions will also lose access.The list is not exhaustive, but there are numerous models that are repeatedly cited in various specialized reports and lists:
Samsung (Android 5.0 or earlier):
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 4
- Samsung Galaxy Trend
- Samsung galaxy core
- Samsung Galaxy J2
Huawei (Ascend range and similar):
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend D2
LG (old Optimus and Nexus families):
- LG Optimus L3
- LG Optimus L3 II
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L7
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Nexus 4
- LG G3
Sony (classic Xperia range):
- Sony Xperia M
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia Z3
Motorola:
- Moto G (first generation)
- Moto E (first generation)
HTC:
- HTC One M8
- HTC Desire 500
- Other older models without the possibility of system upgrades
In all these cases, The common denominator is the same: the operating system no longer meets the minimum requirements of WhatsApp.Although they may still be valid for basic uses, the app will gradually stop supporting them.
Why does WhatsApp stop working on certain phones?
Meta justifies this move with a combination of reasons of security, technical performance and the need to incorporate new featuresEach year, the WhatsApp team reviews which operating systems still have a significant number of users and which have become obsolete.
Very old telephones They no longer receive security patches from their manufacturers.This makes it difficult for the app to guarantee a secure environment for conversations, especially when it comes to maintaining robust end-to-end encryption or avoiding known vulnerabilities that are no longer patched on those devices.
In addition, the latest versions of WhatsApp incorporate more demanding functions in terms of processing and memoryFeatures include video calls with effects, special animations for holidays, improved file sharing, AI tools, and interface changes, among others. All of this requires a hardware and software base that many older phones can no longer provide without glitches.
The platform itself insists that Maintaining compatibility with very outdated systems means working with old code.This hinders development and stifles innovation. Therefore, the company prefers to concentrate its resources on devices that meet current standards, even at the cost of excluding a minority of terminals.
This type of technological “cleaning” is not new: WhatsApp periodically performs a cleanup of supported operating systemsOver the years, the list of affected mobile phones has grown, especially among models that came out before 2014 and have not received major updates since then.
How will you know if your phone stops being compatible?
The good news is that the change doesn't come without warning. Users of devices nearing the end of support typically receive notifications within the application itself., warning that their operating system version will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp on a specific date.
These messages appear in the form of recurring warnings, in which You are encouraged to update your operating system or change your device.If your mobile device supports an update to a newer version of Android or iOS, simply installing it will extend the app's usability for a longer period.
In cases where the manufacturer no longer offers updates, the margin for maneuver is more limited. Users will be able to continue using WhatsApp as long as the app continues to function, but will stop receiving new versions and patches.This implies security risks and potential errors in the near future.
As January 1, 2026 approaches, it will become more common to see these notices on older mobile phones, especially in Europe and Spain. where many mid-range and low-end devices are still in use despite their age.
What will happen to your phone when WhatsApp stops providing support?
When a mobile phone crosses the compatibility line, the process is usually gradual. First, the app stops being updated from Google Play or the App Storeso the user is left with the latest version installed for their system, without any further improvements.
Over time, that version becomes outdated with respect to the changes that are implemented on WhatsApp servers. That's when problems can start: failures to send or receive messages, call errors, unexpected shutdowns, or inability to access certain recent features.
In a later phase, The application may refuse to log in or connect to the service.displaying a clear warning that the phone is no longer compatible. From that moment on, the user loses normal access to their chats from that device.
It is true that some users resort to temporary solutions, such as Use WhatsApp Web linked to another phoneHowever, this solution is limited: it requires a second compatible device to scan the QR code and keep the session open, and it doesn't offer the same experience as the native app, in addition to not being a long-term solution.
In any case, The key point is that, once the support is cut, the data is not guaranteed.That's why it's so important to get ahead and prepare a backup before that scenario happens.
How to back up and not lose your chats
For those who use WhatsApp daily to coordinate work, family, or groups of friends, Suddenly losing access to years of conversations and files can be a problemFortunately, the app offers several tools to protect your information before switching phones.
On Android, the procedure is relatively simple: From Settings > Chats > Backup, you can enable automatic backup to Google DriveThe user can choose the frequency (daily, weekly, monthly) and whether to also include videos, which usually take up more space.
On iPhone, the process is similar but using iCloud. In WhatsApp Settings, under Chats, you'll find the Backup option.where you can make a manual backup right then or schedule regular backups. It's important that your mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi network and that there is enough cloud storage space.
Once the copy has been created, the next step will be to install WhatsApp on a new compatible device. By logging in with the same phone number, the app will detect the backup in Google Drive or iCloud and allow you to restore all chats and files.so that the transition is as painless as possible.
It's best not to leave this process until the last day, because If the old phone starts to malfunction or stops opening the app, recovering the information can become complicated.Making a backup with some margin reduces the risk considerably.
Options if your mobile phone cannot be updated
If after checking the phone settings you confirm that It is not possible to upgrade your Android or iOS version.The alternatives basically involve renewing the device or accepting the limitations.
The most widespread recommendation among experts is Take advantage of this time to plan the switch to a mobile phone that actually meets the minimum requirementsThere's no need to go for the top-of-the-range: many current mid-range models already guarantee several years of security updates and compatibility with key apps like WhatsApp.
For those who do not want to or cannot renew in the short term, there is the option of Explore other messaging applications that still work on older systemsHowever, this has an obvious limitation: most contacts are concentrated on WhatsApp, so convincing everyone to switch platforms is not usually easy.
In any case, if you decide to stick with the old device, it is essential Inform your contacts of any changes to your phone number or app. And above all, make sure that your important data (conversations, photos, documents) is properly backed up.
This WhatsApp compatibility setting makes clear something that many users already suspected: In the digital age, the obsolescence of mobile phones and operating systems is just a matter of time.From January 1, 2026, anyone still using a phone with Android 5.0 or earlier, or with iOS 15.1 or earlier, will have to decide whether to upgrade to a more modern device or resign themselves to losing access to the most used messaging app in Spain and much of Europe.
