A recent alert has been issued to WhatsApp users, warning that failure to take action promptly could result in losing access to the app later this year. The renowned messaging platform might no longer be supported on older Android devices, as Meta, the app’s parent company, is expected to discontinue support for outdated versions of the operating system. This decision could impact millions of users, particularly those using devices running on Android 6 or older, as the block is set to begin on September 8, 2026.
While the move may disappoint some users, it is expected to have a limited impact as Android 6 was introduced back in 2015, and the current version is Android 16. However, data from Statcounter reveals that approximately 0.69% of Android devices globally are still operating on Android 5, which could translate to around 3 million devices among the more than 4 billion Android users worldwide.
For individuals still using devices from a decade ago, their phones may continue to function for now, but after September 8, WhatsApp may cease to operate on them. The most practical solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device, especially considering that older devices are no longer receiving security updates and may struggle to support other modern applications.
In addition, WABetaInfo has shared a preview image from a forthcoming WhatsApp version displaying a warning message stating, “Later this year, WhatsApp won’t work on this device.” Therefore, it is advisable to check the software version running on your Android device to determine if you will be affected by this change. Users have a few months to address this issue before the impending block takes effect.