A recent warning has been issued to WhatsApp users, alerting them that failure to take action now could lead to potential loss of access to the app later this year. WABetaInfo, a reliable source for upcoming updates, has identified that the popular chat app might no longer be compatible with older Android devices.
This change is anticipated due to Meta, the parent company of the app, planning to discontinue support for outdated versions of the Google-operating system. This decision could result in a sudden inability for millions of users to use WhatsApp overnight.
As per WABetaInfo, devices running on Android 6 or earlier will face restrictions starting from September 8, 2026. While this adjustment may not be well-received by some users, it is expected that the majority will be unaffected. Android 6 was introduced back in 2015, and the current version is Android 16.
Statistics from Statcounter reveal that approximately 0.69% of Android devices globally are still operating on Android 5. Although this percentage may seem insignificant, it could represent around 3 million devices out of the over 4 billion Android users worldwide.
If you are still utilizing a phone from nearly a decade ago, it may continue to operate for now. However, after September 8, WhatsApp may cease to function on such devices. The most viable solution would be to upgrade to a more recent Android device, especially considering that phones with outdated software lack security updates and may struggle with newer applications.
In addition to the announcement, WABetaInfo shared an image from a forthcoming WhatsApp version displaying a cautionary message stating, “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device.” It is advisable to check the software version running on your Android device to ensure compatibility. If you suspect that your device is affected, you still have a few months to address the situation.
