WhatsApp will stop supporting Android 5 devices in September 2026, requiring users to upgrade to Android 6 or newer.

Image: Dimitri Karastelev/Unsplash

Android phones have long shelf lives, especially in markets where replacing a device is no small expense. But for WhatsApp users still hanging onto older handsets, the clock is now ticking.

Starting Sept. 8, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1, raising its minimum requirement to Android 6.0. The cutoff gives affected users time to update, switch devices, or back up their chats before they lose the ability to send and receive messages on one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps.

Support cutoff raises minimum requirements

WABetaInfo noted that WhatsApp will require 6.0 or newer starting in September 2026, ending compatibility with older versions.…