WhatsApp users with older Android and iPhone devices could lose access to the messaging service as Meta prepares to restrict the app on devices running unsupported versions of Android and iOS.
The company is expected to begin warning users whose phones are running operating systems that are no longer supported by WhatsApp.
According to technology site WABetaInfo, the warnings will be linked to the device’s operating system rather than the version of WhatsApp installed.
Users will not be able to bypass the restriction by dismissing the warning. Once the block takes effect, they will need to update their phone’s operating system to continue using the service.
However, some older smartphones may not be compatible with newer operating systems. In such cases, users would need to move to a newer device.
Meta has not publicly confirmed the full list of operating systems that will be affected or provided a date for the new restrictions.
WhatsApp recently ended support for Android 5.0 and 5.1, meaning Android 6.0 is now the minimum supported version for the app.
For iPhone users, WhatsApp is expected to require iOS 15.5 or later from 30 November 2026.
Some users on unsupported devices may continue to have access to WhatsApp for a limited period. However, they could eventually lose access to the service once the restrictions are fully enforced.
Meta has yet to confirm when the new login restrictions will be implemented across all affected devices.
