WhatsApp Pulls Plug On Older Smartphones: Check If You’re Among Millions To Lose Access Starting May 5

Millions of WhatsApp users around the world may soon find themselves cut off from the popular messaging platform, as Meta rolls out a new system update that will no longer support outdated smartphones.

Effective May 5, 2025, WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business will cease to function on a range of older devices that no longer meet the app’s updated security and performance standards. The move, according to Meta, is aimed at ensuring a faster, safer, and more reliable experience for users.

The upcoming change will particularly impact phones operating on legacy software, especially devices released more than a decade ago. For iPhone users, any device running iOS versions earlier than 15.1 will no longer be compatible.

This follows an earlier phase-out in January 2025, when WhatsApp discontinued support for Android 4.4 KitKat and below.

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Devices Most Affected by the May 5 Update Include:

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

Sony

Xperia Z, SP, T, V

Google

Nexus 4

Meta is urging users to upgrade to newer smartphone models that support Android 5.0 and above or iOS 15.1 and above to avoid disruption. Those who fail to do so risk losing access to essential features such as messaging, voice and video calls, and business communication tools.

As smartphone technology continues to evolve, companies like Meta are increasingly phasing out support for older systems that pose potential security and performance risks.

Bottom line: If you’re still using a decade-old device, it may be time to say goodbye — or get left behind.