Starting today, several smartphones will lose WhatsApp support. Check for your device. WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, will no longer support certain Android devices and older versions of iPhones starting from October 24, 2023. The following smartphones will lose WhatsApp support: Samsung Galaxy S2, Nexus 7, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, Archos 53 Platinum, Grand S Flex ZTE, Grand X
The move is part of WhatsApp’s strategy to focus on developing new features for users on more recent operating system versions, along with taking advantage of the latest security features and technological advancements.
WhatsApp has cited technical limitations and the need to provide a secure and reliable experience as the primary reasons behind discontinuing support for certain Android devices.
If your phone is one of the smartphones losing WhatsApp support today, it is better to update your device. WhatsApp is supported on devices meeting the following criteria:
- JioPhone and JioPhone 2
- Android phones with OS 4.1 and above
- iPhones with iOS 12 and later
- KaiOS 2.5.0 and above
If your smartphone is to lose WhatsApp support, you will get a notification in advance to inform you that, “your device’s operating system will no longer be supported”. Without receiving necessary upgrades, the devices will still work but will be more at risk of security risks, which might lead to hacking.
List of Smartphones to Lose WhatsApp Support
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Nexus 7
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Grand S Flex ZTE
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
- HTC Desire 500
- HTC Onem
- HTC Sensation
- Huawei Ascend D
- Huawei Ascend D1
- Huawei Ascend D2
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend P1
- Quad XL
- Lenovo A820
- LG Enact
- LG Lucid 2
- LG Optimus 4X HD
- LG Optimus F3
- LG Optimus F3Q
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus F6
- LG Optimus F7
- LG Optimus G Pro
- LG Optimus L4 II Dual
- LG Optimus L4 II Tri
- LG Optimus L4 II
- LG Optimus L5 Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L7 II Dual
- LG Optimus L7 II P713
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus L7 P700
- LG Optimus L9 II
- LG Optimus L9 P760
- LG Phoenix
- Motorola Droid Razr
- Samsung Galaxy Nexus
- Sony Xperia S2
- Sony Xperia Z
- ZTE Grand X
- ZTE V790
- ZTE V880G/H
- ZTE V9815 Grand Memo
To check the Android OS version of your smartphone, navigate to Settings > About phone > Software information, where you will find your Android version listed under the “Version” category.
If your smartphone is on the list of losing WhatsApp support, upgrading to a newer device is advisable, as many applications, including WhatsApp, have ceased supporting older operating systems.