WhatsApp to Drop Support for Older Android Phones From 8 September 2026 — Who Is Affected?
WhatsApp has officially announced that starting 8 September 2026, the app will no longer support Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and 5.1 (according to the official WhatsApp announcement). Users still on these older phones will need to upgrade their devices before that date to continue using WhatsApp.
Why is WhatsApp dropping support for older Android versions?
WhatsApp is ending support due to technical and security limitations on operating systems that are over 11 years old. Android 5.0 Lollipop was first released in November 2014 (according to official Google records). When a platform becomes too outdated, it becomes difficult to maintain new features, security patches, and consistent performance.
This decision allows WhatsApp to focus development resources on more modern and secure Android versions. According to StatCounter Global Stats, the percentage of Android 5.x users globally has dropped below 1% as of early 2026.
Which phones are affected by this change?
Affected devices include phones released around 2014-2015 that never received updates to Android 6.0 or higher. Here are some examples of potentially affected models:
Brand | Example Models | Original Android Version |
|---|---|---|
Samsung | Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4 | Android 5.0 |
LG | G3, G4 | Android 5.0 |
Sony | Xperia Z3 | Android 5.0 |
HTC | One M8 | Android 5.0 |
(List based on official update records from respective manufacturers)
If you are unsure about your Android version, check under Settings > About Phone > Android Version.
What should affected users do?
Users need to plan their device upgrade before 8 September 2026. Here are steps you can take now:
- Check your Android version under Settings > About Phone
- If your version is 5.0 or 5.1, start planning for a device replacement
- Back up all WhatsApp chats to Google Drive before switching phones
- Consider a phone with at least Android 12 for long-term support
How many users in Malaysia are affected?
Exact figures are not officially known, but according to StatCounter Global Stats, the percentage of Android 5.x users in Malaysia was already very low as of early 2026. However, for individuals still relying on older phones for WhatsApp — particularly seniors or users in rural areas — this change has practical implications.
WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in Malaysia, making device compatibility an important concern to address early.
FAQ
Are iPhones also affected?
Not in this announcement. This support cutoff only involves Android 5.0 and 5.1. The minimum iOS version for WhatsApp may change separately in the future.
Can I still use WhatsApp after 8 September without upgrading?
No. After that date, WhatsApp will not function on devices running Android versions below 6.0.
Will I lose my chats if I switch phones?
No, as long as you back up your chats to Google Drive before switching. The restore process can be done on your new phone during the initial WhatsApp setup.
