WhatsApp is dropping support for millions of Android phones

WhatsApp will stop working on all Android phones running version 5 (Lollipop) from September 8, which will prevent millions of users worldwide from accessing the application, according to Google's report of three billion active Android devices and StatCounter data that shows Android 5 still powers 0.7% of active devices.

The deadline for best-selling phone owners to maintain their devices requires them to make software updates or face complete service suspension.

WhatsApp Android 5 support leaves these devices

The cut-off affects all Android 5-based flagship and mid-range devices which were released as original equipment. The most commonly used devices which will lose access to WhatsApp include the following:

• Samsung Galaxy S4 (Android 5.0.1)
• Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini (Android 5.1.1)
• Google Nexus 4 (Android 5.1.1)
• LG G2 (Android 5.0.2)
• HTC One M7 (Android 5.0.2 / 5.1)
• Sony Xperia Z (Android 5.1.1)

WhatsApp will send multiple in-app alerts to users who have been affected before they reach the cutoff time. The app will stop receiving new updates and security updates after the cut-off time expires. WhatsApp has the ability to terminate access to its login servers anytime, which will render the application completely useless instead of simply providing outdated features.

The minimum operating systems required to run WhatsApp after September 8 require users to have Android 6 (Marshmallow) or higher and iOS 15.1 or higher. The iOS threshold was already raised in June 2025, which ended WhatsApp support for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 / 6 Plus.

Users who meet the minimum requirement on a primary device can still link secondary linked devices, but those only work in conjunction with an active WhatsApp account on a supported phone.

The first step requires users to examine their phone settings to find any system updates that need installation. Some devices running Android 5 may have a path to Android 6 or higher that owners have simply skipped.

Those who have no upgrade path and rely on WhatsApp daily will need a newer handset; budget Android phones that support Android 6 and above are widely available for under $100.