WhatsApp Forces Upgrade: Older Versions of Android Left in the Dark

WhatsApp is set to discontinue support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 devices on September 8, 2026, impacting around 3 million users worldwide, as reported by Tech Advisor. This decision comes as older Android versions lack necessary security updates and are unable to accommodate WhatsApp’s new features that require modern operating systems.

Affected users are advised to back up their chats using Google Drive before the deadline and upgrade to Android 6 or higher to ensure continued access to the messaging platform.

WhatsApp is known for its continuous introduction of new features, such as the upcoming subscription model WhatsApp Plus. Developers must ensure these features are compatible across all devices and operating systems, leading to the periodic discontinuation of support for older Android versions.

From September onwards, only devices running Android 6 or higher will be supported by WhatsApp, leaving users of Android 5.0 and 5.1 out of the loop. Despite their declining usage, with Android 5.0 having a global market share of just 0.69% in March 2026, there are still an estimated 3 million users worldwide.

Given that older Android versions do not receive software and security updates, they pose a potential risk and should be upgraded to newer versions. It is recommended that users transition to Android 16, with Android 17 expected to be released in the upcoming summer.

WhatsApp will notify affected users with a pop-up message in the app warning them of the impending end of support. Users are encouraged to back up their chats before September 2026, either through Google Drive or locally, and then transfer them to a new device running a supported Android version.

For those considering an upgrade, recommendations for budget phones, mid-range phones, and overall best phones are available. This article was originally published on PC-WELT and has been adapted from German for English-speaking audiences.