WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 Users

WhatsApp has officially stopped supporting smartphones running Android versions 5.0 and 5.1 as of September 8, 2026. This change follows an announcement made by WhatsApp in April, which informed users that they would need to upgrade to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer to continue using the app.

Users with devices on the outdated operating systems received in-app notifications, prompting them to check for software updates or consider purchasing newer smartphones. The update affects older devices that cannot run beyond Android 5.0 or 5.1, which are often several years old and may no longer receive updates from manufacturers.

Users unable to upgrade their devices will need to replace them to continue using WhatsApp. It is recommended that users back up their chat history before switching devices, as this can be done through Google Drive or local storage.

WhatsApp periodically ends support for older operating systems to focus on newer platforms, enhancing features and security.