WhatsApp will stop supporting phones with Android 5.0 and 5.1 starting Tuesday, September 8. From that date onward, only devices with Android 6 or a later version meet the official requirements of the app. The change does not indiscriminately affect all old phones, but specifically those running Android 5.0 or 5.1.
Before replacing the phone, users should check whether an official system update is available that allows installing Android 6 or later. The installed version can be checked through the device's "Settings," going to "About phone" and then "Android version." If the manufacturer no longer provides updates for that model, it will be necessary to switch to a compatible device.
It is advisable to create a recent backup of conversations before updating the system or switching phones. On Android devices, WhatsApp allows saving chat history and media files to a Google account. To restore the history on another device, it is necessary to use the same phone number and the same Google account that were used to create the backup.
Starting November 30, WhatsApp will also become incompatible with iOS 15.1, requiring iOS 15.5 or a later version on Apple phones. WhatsApp regularly reviews compatible operating systems and annually analyzes which devices and programs are the oldest and have the fewest users, which may no longer receive security updates or lack the necessary features to properly run the service.
