By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: WhatsApp Will Stop Working on These Phones Starting May 5, 2025 – Full List
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
Explainer

WhatsApp Will Stop Working on These Phones Starting May 5, 2025 – Full List

Okay.ng
By Okay.ng
Published: April 17, 2025
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Meta has announced that WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will stop functioning on select older smartphones beginning May 5, 2025. This move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance security, improve app performance, and ensure compatibility with newer technologies.

Contents
Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Devices?WhatsApp Minimum Requirements Starting May 5, 2025Apple Devices That Will Lose WhatsApp SupportAndroid Phones Losing WhatsApp AccessAffected Android PhonesWhatsApp Compatibility Requirements TableWhat Can Affected Users Do?Why This Matters

If you or someone you know is using an older device, now might be the time to check if your phone is on the list and consider upgrading.


Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Devices?

Meta (formerly Facebook) says the decision to drop support for outdated smartphones is based on the following:

  • Security: Newer operating systems receive regular security patches. Older ones are vulnerable to data breaches and malware.
  • Performance: Outdated hardware cannot efficiently handle new WhatsApp features and updates.
  • User Experience: The app works more reliably and smoothly on modern devices.

This means that devices running software versions that can no longer be updated to meet WhatsApp’s minimum requirements will lose access to the app starting May 5.

- Advertisement -


WhatsApp Minimum Requirements Starting May 5, 2025

To continue using WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, your smartphone must meet the following minimum system requirements:

  • Apple iPhones: Must run iOS 15.1 or later
  • Android smartphones: Must run Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later

Apple Devices That Will Lose WhatsApp Support

These iPhone models cannot be updated beyond iOS 12.5.7 and will no longer support WhatsApp:

  • iPhone 5s
  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus

If you’re using one of these iPhones, you will need to upgrade to at least an iPhone running iOS 15.1 or newer.


Android Phones Losing WhatsApp Access

Many Android devices running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older will lose WhatsApp support permanently. These include older models across brands such as Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, and Sony.

- Advertisement -

Affected Android Phones

Samsung

  • Galaxy S3
  • Galaxy Note 2
  • Galaxy Ace 3
  • Galaxy S4 Mini

Motorola

  • Moto G (1st Gen)
  • Moto E (2014)
  • Razr HD

HTC

  • One X
  • One X+
  • Desire 500
  • Desire 601

LG

  • Optimus G
  • G2 Mini
  • L90
  • Nexus 4

Sony

  • Xperia Z
  • Xperia SP
  • Xperia T
  • Xperia V

WhatsApp Compatibility Requirements Table

PlatformMinimum OS RequiredUnsupported Devices (Examples)
iOSiOS 15.1+iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus
AndroidAndroid 5.0+Galaxy S3, Moto E 2014, LG Optimus G, Xperia T

What Can Affected Users Do?

If your device is on the list:

  • Backup your chats before May 5 using Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
  • Consider upgrading to a newer smartphone that supports current OS updates.
  • Transfer your WhatsApp data to your new device during setup.

Why This Matters

WhatsApp is a daily communication tool for millions of users globally. Losing access to it could affect everything from personal chats and media sharing to business communications and customer engagement.

By keeping your device updated, you not only retain access but also gain access to new WhatsApp features — including enhanced privacy tools, media sharing improvements, and seamless device syncing.

If you rely on WhatsApp for communication or business, now is the time to double-check your phone’s operating system. Meta’s May 5 update will officially render dozens of older smartphones incompatible with both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.

Keeping your device up to date is not just about accessing apps — it’s also about staying secure, connected, and future-ready.

Stay tuned to Okay.ng for more tech updates and device compatibility guides.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:Whatsapp
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByOkay.ng
Follow:
Okay.ng launched under OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING (RC Number: 2993580) in the year 2012 is an independent digital news platform with thousands of page views and unique visitors every month
Previous Article Chidinma Ojukwu Tells Court How She Found Super TV CEO Ataga Dead in Lekki Apartment
Next Article 50 Good Friday 2025 Messages, Wishes & Prayers

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 4 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Super Eagles Rally to Draw Against Russia in International Friendly
Sport
Manchester United Raises Annual Core Profit Forecast to Between £180m and £190m After Europa League Boost
Sport
Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham Hotspur Part Ways with Ange Postecoglou Despite Europa League Glory
Sport
Dangote Names Main Refinery Access Road “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road” in Honor of President
News
L-R: Ify Okoye, Digital Creator; Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Actress; Stella Erebor, Head Internal Audit, Nigerian Communications Commission; Emanuella Samuel, Comedienne/Actress, Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), Meta, and Nicole Chikwe, founder of The Mummy Summit, during the launch of Instagram teen accounts in Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Meta Launches Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria to Enhance Online Safety for Young Users
Tech
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

News

President Tinubu and Top Officials Attend Eid-el-Kabir Prayers in Lagos, Emphasize Peace and Progress

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
International

Elon Musk’s Net Worth Plummets $34 Billion Amid Explosive Feud with Donald Trump

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
PoliticsTop stories

BREAKING: Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno Defects from PDP to APC in Strategic Political Shift

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 6, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?