WhatsApp to Stop Working on Older iPhones, Android Phones from June 1: Full List Inside

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New Delhi, 1st June 2025: Starting June 1, WhatsApp will no longer function on select older iPhones and Android smartphones, as the messaging platform rolls out its minimum system requirement update. Originally scheduled for May 2025, the move was delayed slightly, giving users more time to upgrade their devices.

This change is part of Meta’s regular update cycle aimed at improving user security and performance standards across devices.

Devices That Will Lose WhatsApp Support

WhatsApp will stop working on:

iPhones running iOS 15 or older
Android smartphones running Android 5.0 or earlier

Full List of Affected Devices:

iPhones:

iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 Plus
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE (1st Gen)

Android Phones:

Samsung Galaxy S4
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Sony Xperia Z1
LG G2
Huawei Ascend P6
Moto G (1st Gen)
Motorola Razr HD
Moto E (2014)

Before discarding an older device, users are advised to check for software updates. If a phone can still be upgraded to iOS 15.1 or Android 5.1, WhatsApp will continue to work.

Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Phones?

The primary reason is security. Devices running outdated operating systems no longer receive regular security patches from Apple or Android, making them vulnerable to data breaches and malware.

“With evolving digital threats, ensuring user privacy and data protection is critical,” WhatsApp stated in a note to users. By phasing out older operating systems, the platform can ensure newer encryption standards and safety tools function reliably.

What You Should Do If Affected

If your phone is on the list or hasn’t been updated:

Back up your chats before June 1.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Link your Google account (for Android) or iCloud (for iPhone) to save chat history.
Switch to a newer device and reinstall WhatsApp.
Restore the backup during setup to continue using your account seamlessly.

New Privacy Tools Rolled Out Recently

WhatsApp has recently introduced privacy-first features, many of which require the latest OS versions:

Chat Lock: Secure individual chats with password, fingerprint, or Face ID.
Disappearing Messages: Auto-delete chats after a chosen duration.
Content Protection: Prevents screenshots or copying of messages, images, and videos in group and private chats.

These features aim to prevent the misuse of sensitive information and enhance user control over their conversations.

Bottom Line

If you’re using an old smartphone, now’s the time to update or upgrade. While WhatsApp remains free to use, maintaining updated software and hardware is essential for a safe and seamless messaging experience.