WhatsApp Ending Support for Older iPhone and Android Devices from June 1
By Riki | 31 May 2025
Hey there, friends! In today’s local news and breaking updates, we’ve got a heads-up for anyone still rocking an older smartphone. WhatsApp—our community’s go-to messaging app—will stop working on many aging iPhones and Androids starting June 1, 2025. Let’s walk through everything you need to know so you don’t lose your chats, photos, or videos.
Key Highlights
- End Date:
• From June 1, 2025, WhatsApp won’t run on phones using outdated software.
• This affects devices still on iOS 15 or earlier, and Android 5.0 or older. - Why It’s Happening:
• WhatsApp (with over 3.5 billion users!) needs to roll out new features and security updates smoothly.
• Older operating systems can’t keep pace, so dropping support helps everyone enjoy a safer, faster app on modern phones.
• Originally set for May 2025, Meta extended the deadline to June 1 to give you extra time. - Affected iPhones (iOS Versions 15 or Earlier):
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6 & 6 Plus
• iPhone 6s & 6s Plus
• iPhone SE (1st Gen) - Affected Android Phones (Android 5.0 or Earlier):
• Samsung Galaxy S4
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3
• Sony Xperia Z1
• LG G2
• Huawei Ascend P6
• Moto G (1st Gen)
• Motorola Razr HD
• Moto E (2014) - Immediate To-Do List:
- Upgrade Your Device
• Move to any phone running iOS 16+ or Android 6.0+ to keep WhatsApp working. - Back Up Your Chats
• Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
• Tap Back Up Now to save your messages and media to iCloud or Google Drive.
• When you set up WhatsApp on a new phone, simply restore from the cloud.
- Upgrade Your Device
In-Depth Analysis
Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support?
WhatsApp is hands-down the world’s most popular instant messaging app, with over 3.5 billion users worldwide. But to roll out cool new features—think stickers, video calls, security patches—WhatsApp’s team needs to focus on devices that can handle the latest tech. Phasing out older operating systems lets them deliver better security and a smoother experience for our community.
You might be asking, “But my phone still works fine—why lose WhatsApp?” Fair question! Older phones often can’t support the under-the-hood updates WhatsApp needs. By extending the deadline from May to June 1, Meta gave everyone a bit more breathing room. But now, the countdown is on.
Which Phones Are Affected?
If your phone is running iOS 15 or earlier, say goodbye to WhatsApp on June 1. Here’s the full iPhone lineup that’s on the chopping block:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6 / 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s / 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st Gen)
For Android, if you’re on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or earlier, WhatsApp support ends too. The list includes some once-popular models like:
- Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Sony Xperia Z1
- LG G2
- Huawei Ascend P6
- Moto G (1st Gen)
- Motorola Razr HD
- Moto E (2014)
Sure, it stings if you’ve had your phone for years. But if it can’t update to iOS 16 or Android 6.0+, it simply won’t support WhatsApp’s newest features—and that could leave your data vulnerable.
How to Keep Your Chats, Photos, and Videos
We get it—your WhatsApp memories are precious. Here’s a quick, friendly reminder of what to do if your phone is on the list:
- Choose a New Phone
• Pick any recent model running iOS 16 (for iPhone users) or Android 6.0+ (for Android users).
• Almost every mid-range or flagship phone from 2022 onward will work. - Back Up Your WhatsApp Data
• Open WhatsApp on your current phone.
• Go to Settings (tap the three dots in Android or the gear icon in iOS).
• Tap Chats > Chat Backup.
• Hit Back Up Now—this saves everything to iCloud (iPhone) or Google Drive (Android).
• When you set up WhatsApp on your shiny new device, you’ll be prompted to restore from that backup. Easy! - Install WhatsApp on Your New Phone
• Download WhatsApp from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Verify your phone number.
• Tap Restore Chat History when prompted. All your messages and media come back intact.
Millions of users worldwide still rely on those older phones, so it’s crucial to act before June 1—or risk losing access to your messages and media forever.
What To Do?
- Have You Upgraded Yet?
If your phone is on the list, don’t wait until June 1. Think about which new device makes sense for you. Got a recommendation? Share it in the comments below! - Ready to Make the Switch?
Remember to back up your chats first. Then install WhatsApp on your new phone and restore. It’s that simple. - Join Our Community Conversation
What’s been your experience with WhatsApp on an older phone? Any hiccups setting up on a new device? Let us know—your tips might help someone else in our community stories section!