WhatsApp stops working on these Android phones from August 2026

Meta has raised the minimum requirements for WhatsApp to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or a later version. Consequently, devices that cannot update their operating system to that level will become incompatible. This measure is related to the need to maintain the security and performance of the application, as well as to incorporate features that older versions of Android no longer allow.

The official announcement states that devices with Android 4.x will stop receiving WhatsApp updates from August 10, 2026. In practice, the limit affects phones that cannot run Lollipop: when it takes effect, they will no longer be able to access chats or make calls via the application. The decisive criterion is the Android version, not just the age or commercial name of the phone.

The difference between stopping updates and losing access is important: the announced change implies that phones not meeting the required minimum will not be able to continue using WhatsApp normally. Checking the installed system allows users to know if their phone is below the threshold before the specified date.

The official list includes several Samsung models: Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Core, and Galaxy Trend Lite. It also lists the LG Optimus L3 II, the Sony Xperia M, and the Motorola Moto G 1st generation. The list gathers phones from different brands, but the technical requirement they share is the inability to run Android 5.0 or higher.

These devices were popular during the last decade, but they no longer receive official patches or operating system updates. This limits their ability to meet the current requirements of the application and explains why Meta considers them incompatible with the new security policy. The inclusion of a model in the list serves as a reference, although the most useful step for each user is to check which Android version their own device can run.

A phone appearing in the relation does not change the general criterion: WhatsApp will stop working on devices that cannot reach the minimum version. Therefore, if the model has different variants or the user is unsure of the installed version, it is advisable to review the system information directly in Settings.

To verify compatibility, open Settings and go to About phone. There, you can consult the installed Android version and compare it with the minimum requirement. If the device uses Android 4.x or a version prior to Lollipop, it will not be compatible with WhatsApp from the announced date.

The check focuses on the operating system version, not the version of WhatsApp you have installed. If the phone allows updating Android, check if an update is available; if it cannot run Android 5.0 or higher, installing a newer version of the application will not resolve the system incompatibility.

If the mobile already has Android 5.0 or a later version, it can continue using WhatsApp according to the communicated requirement. Nevertheless, it is recommended to install the latest available firmware patch for that device. Keeping the system updated helps to have the improvements published by the manufacturer and can reduce the risk of future compatibility cuts, although it does not guarantee that the device is exempt from later changes.

The names of the options may vary depending on the manufacturer, but the indicated route allows locating the important information: the Android version. Once identified, it is enough to compare it with the Lollipop minimum to determine if the device is within or outside the requirement.

When the update takes effect, users of incompatible devices will not be able to send or receive messages from WhatsApp. They will also not be able to make calls or video calls through the application or access files shared in it. The change therefore affects several forms of communication and consultation that depend on continuing to use WhatsApp on that phone.

The limitation is not restricted to new conversations: access to the application's functions on the incompatible device will also be lost. This makes it especially important to check in advance if the mobile meets the requirement and, if it does not, decide how to continue before August 10, 2026.

In addition, the application will stop accepting new accounts on those devices. Consequently, it will not be possible to create an account with a new number from a phone that is no longer compatible; to do so, it will be necessary to change devices. The incompatibility affects the use of WhatsApp on the mobile, it does not modify the technical threshold that Meta has set for supported devices.

If the phone does not meet the requirement, one option is to use WhatsApp Web or the desktop version from a browser on a compatible PC or tablet. This allows accessing WhatsApp from another device, provided it is suitable for that alternative. This possibility offers a different route to using the application on the affected mobile, but it does not make the old phone compatible.

The other indicated option is to migrate data to a new device that does meet the minimum requirements. Before making the change, Meta recommends making a complete backup. Preparing it before August 10 helps avoid the loss of chats and files when stopping the use of the incompatible phone.

The backup and migration respond to different needs: the first allows safeguarding chats and files, while the second transfers the use of WhatsApp to a device that meets the requirement. If the user chooses to stay connected from another device, WhatsApp Web or the desktop version are the mentioned alternatives to access from a compatible PC or tablet.

In summary, the first step is to check the Android version in Settings. If the phone cannot run Android 5.0 or higher, it is advisable to prepare for the change: save the data before the deadline and choose between using WhatsApp from a compatible device or migrating to a mobile that meets the requirements.