ЁЯЫС Breaking News: WhatsApp Pulls the Plug on Legacy Devices from June 1, 2025
In a significant but expected move, WhatsApp has officially ended support for a range of older iPhones and Android smartphones starting June 1, 2025. If you’re still using an older device, thereтАЩs a real chance you may no longer be able to send or receive messages via the worldтАЩs most widely used messaging platform.
ЁЯУ▒ WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones and Android Devices тАФ Full Details and What You Can Do
As confirmed by multiple reports from The Economic Times, India Today, Times of India, Zee News, and Forbes, the Meta-owned company has listed several devices that will permanently lose access to WhatsApp unless updated to newer operating systems or replaced altogether.
ЁЯУЛ Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Phones?
WhatsApp, like most modern apps, relies on up-to-date security protocols, efficient system performance, and compatibility with the latest OS features. As operating systems evolve, maintaining legacy support becomes increasingly resource-intensive. The app has to phase out older systems in order to:
Ensure data security and end-to-end encryption.
Support new features such as multi-device login, HD media sharing, and advanced group management.
Improve app performance and reduce bugs and crashes.
ЁЯУЖ Timeline: When Did Support End?
Final support date: May 31, 2025
Effective from: June 1, 2025, affected devices can no longer access WhatsApp, including logging in or sending/receiving messages.
ЁЯУ▒ Affected iPhones and Android Devices
WhatsApp has specified that devices running outdated operating systems will lose support.
ЁЯзК iPhones
Devices running iOS 11 or older will no longer be compatible.
ЁЯФ╗ Examples of affected iPhone models:
iPhone 5
iPhone 5c
iPhone 5s (if not updated beyond iOS 11)
iPhone SE (1st Gen, without iOS update)
ЁЯЫая╕П Solution: Update your iPhone to iOS 12 or later, if supported. If your device is not compatible with iOS 12+, itтАЩs time to consider an upgrade.
ЁЯдЦ Android Phones
Devices running Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier are now unsupported.
ЁЯФ╗ Examples of Android models likely affected:
Samsung Galaxy S4
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
HTC One M7
Sony Xperia Z
LG Optimus G
Motorola Moto X (1st Gen)
Lenovo A6000
Huawei Ascend Mate 2
Google Nexus 7 (2012 edition)
ЁЯЫая╕П Solution: Update your device to Android 5.1 or higher if possible. If not, consider migrating to a newer handset.
ЁЯТм What Happens If You Keep Using WhatsApp on an Unsupported Device?
Login Issues: You may be unable to verify your phone number.
App Crash or Freeze: The app might not open or crash during use.
Security Risks: YouтАЩll be vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations.
Feature Lock-Out: New features will not be available; messages may stop syncing.
ЁЯУж Will You Lose Your Chats and Media?
If you’re switching devices, you wonтАЩt lose your chats if you take the following steps:
For iPhone to iPhone:
Backup chats via iCloud.
Restore them on the new iPhone using the same Apple ID and phone number.
For Android to Android:
Use Google Drive backup under WhatsApp settings.
Restore it during setup on the new Android phone.
iPhone to Android (or vice versa):
Use тАЬMove to iOSтАЭ or WhatsApp’s Chat Transfer Tool (recently enhanced by Meta).
Note: Transfer between platforms may have limitations on chat history or media.
ЁЯЪи How to Check If YouтАЩre Affected
Step-by-step instructions:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > General > About
Check the Software Version
If below iOS 12 тЖТ Upgrade if possible, else replace the device
On Android:
Go to Settings > About Phone
Tap Software Information
If Android version is 5.0 or below тЖТ Try updating or replacing
ЁЯУ▓ Recommended Minimum Requirements for WhatsApp (as of June 2025)
iPhone: iOS 12 and above
Android: Version 5.1 (Lollipop) and above
Devices must support receiving SMS or calls for verification
ЁЯФР Pro Tips for a Safe Transition
тЬЕ Backup Now: Even if your phone still works, backup your data immediately
тЬЕ Turn On Cloud Backup: Enable automatic daily backups via iCloud or Google Drive
тЬЕ Consider a New Phone: For best security and feature access, devices released in the last 5 years are highly recommended
тЬЕ Check Compatibility Lists: Refer to WhatsApp FAQ for real-time updates
ЁЯУМ Final Thoughts
The end of WhatsApp support for older devices is not surprising, but itтАЩs an important reminder of how technology evolves quickly. Holding on to older phones may feel practical, but the security vulnerabilities and lack of support could risk your privacy and messaging functionality.
If you’re affected, now is the time to upgrade, backup, and move on тАФ securely.
