WHATSAPP TO STOP WORKING ON MILLIONS OF ANDROID PHONES BY SEPTEMBER 2026

April 28, 2026 • Dons Eze • 3 min read

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WhatsApp has announced a major update that will affect millions of Android users across the world, especially in countries where older smartphones are still widely used.

Starting from September 8, 2026, WhatsApp will officially stop working on devices running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1. This means that only smartphones operating on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and above will be able to continue using the app.

This change applies to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, as they both rely on the same system requirements.

What Exactly Is Changing?

Currently, WhatsApp still supports Android 5.0 and above, but with this new update, support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 will be completely discontinued.

Once the deadline passes:

Users on affected devices will no longer be able to open or use WhatsApp
The app may stop functioning entirely or prompt users to upgrade
Updates and new features will no longer be available

Why Is WhatsApp Making This Decision?

As smartphones and apps continue to evolve, newer features require stronger system capabilities, better security, and improved performance.

Older Android versions lack the ability to support many of these modern features. Keeping support for outdated systems can slow down development and limit innovation.

By dropping support for older versions, WhatsApp can:
Improve app performance
Enhance user security
Introduce more advanced features without limitations

Who Will Be Affected the Most?

This update is expected to affect users in regions where older devices are still common, including parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.

Many people still use phones that cannot upgrade beyond Android 5.0 or 5.1 due to hardware limitations.

If your phone falls into this category, you will not be able to continue using WhatsApp after the deadline unless you upgrade your device.

What Should You Do Now?

If you are currently using an older Android phone, you are advised to take action before September 2026.

Here are your options:
Check your Android version in your phone settings
Upgrade your device software if an update is available
If your phone cannot be updated, consider getting a newer device

Don’t Lose Your Chats – Backup Is Important
WhatsApp has also warned users to back up their chats before support is discontinued.

You can do this by:

Backing up to Google Drive through WhatsApp settings
Using local storage backup on your phone
Failing to back up your chats could result in permanent loss of important conversations, media, and files.

What About iPhone Users?

This change does not affect iPhone users. WhatsApp will continue to support devices running iOS 15.1 and above, so Apple users will not experience any disruption from this update.

Final Note

Although WhatsApp says only a small percentage of users are still on Android 5.0 and 5.1, the impact could still be significant in developing regions where older devices are more common.
With the deadline set for September 8, 2026, users still have time to prepare, upgrade, and secure their data.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.