🛑 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, there’s a real chance you may no longer be able to send or receive messages via the world’s most widely used messaging platform.
📱 WhatsApp Ends Support for Older iPhones and Android Devices — 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.
📋 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:
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Ensure data security and end-to-end encryption.
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Support new features such as multi-device login, HD media sharing, and advanced group management.
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Improve app performance and reduce bugs and crashes.
📆 Timeline: When Did Support End?
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Final support date: May 31, 2025
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Effective from: June 1, 2025, affected devices can no longer access WhatsApp, including logging in or sending/receiving messages.
📱 Affected iPhones and Android Devices
WhatsApp has specified that devices running outdated operating systems will lose support.
🧊 iPhones
Devices running iOS 11 or older will no longer be compatible.
🔻 Examples of affected iPhone models:
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iPhone 5
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iPhone 5c
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iPhone 5s (if not updated beyond iOS 11)
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iPhone SE (1st Gen, without iOS update)
🛠️ Solution: Update your iPhone to iOS 12 or later, if supported. If your device is not compatible with iOS 12+, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
🤖 Android Phones
Devices running Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier are now unsupported.
🔻 Examples of Android models likely affected:
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Samsung Galaxy S4
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Samsung Galaxy Note 3
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HTC One M7
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Sony Xperia Z
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LG Optimus G
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Motorola Moto X (1st Gen)
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Lenovo A6000
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Huawei Ascend Mate 2
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Google Nexus 7 (2012 edition)
🛠️ Solution: Update your device to Android 5.1 or higher if possible. If not, consider migrating to a newer handset.
💬 What Happens If You Keep Using WhatsApp on an Unsupported Device?
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Login Issues: You may be unable to verify your phone number.
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App Crash or Freeze: The app might not open or crash during use.
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Security Risks: You’ll be vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations.
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Feature Lock-Out: New features will not be available; messages may stop syncing.
📦 Will You Lose Your Chats and Media?
If you’re switching devices, you won’t lose your chats if you take the following steps:
For iPhone to iPhone:
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Backup chats via iCloud.
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Restore them on the new iPhone using the same Apple ID and phone number.
For Android to Android:
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Use Google Drive backup under WhatsApp settings.
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Restore it during setup on the new Android phone.
iPhone to Android (or vice versa):
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Use “Move to iOS” or WhatsApp’s Chat Transfer Tool (recently enhanced by Meta).
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Note: Transfer between platforms may have limitations on chat history or media.
🚨 How to Check If You’re Affected
Step-by-step instructions:
On iPhone:
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Go to Settings > General > About
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Check the Software Version
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If below iOS 12 → Upgrade if possible, else replace the device
On Android:
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Go to Settings > About Phone
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Tap Software Information
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If Android version is 5.0 or below → Try updating or replacing
📲 Recommended Minimum Requirements for WhatsApp (as of June 2025)
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iPhone: iOS 12 and above
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Android: Version 5.1 (Lollipop) and above
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Devices must support receiving SMS or calls for verification
🔐 Pro Tips for a Safe Transition
✅ Backup Now: Even if your phone still works, backup your data immediately
✅ Turn On Cloud Backup: Enable automatic daily backups via iCloud or Google Drive
✅ Consider a New Phone: For best security and feature access, devices released in the last 5 years are highly recommended
✅ Check Compatibility Lists: Refer to WhatsApp FAQ for real-time updates
📌 Final Thoughts
The end of WhatsApp support for older devices is not surprising, but it’s 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 — securely.
