WhatsApp is ending support for older Android phones in September 2026

WhatsApp will stop working on Android devices running versions older than Android 6 in September 2026, giving owners of older phones a limited window to upgrade or switch devices before they lose access to the app.

September 2026 cutoff for Android 6-and-below devices

The support change affects phones still running Android 5.0 or 5.1, along with any other Android version below Android 6. It is a WhatsApp support cutoff, not a broader Android policy change, and it targets older smartphones rather than current Android devices.

The practical result is straightforward: once the cutoff arrives, devices below Android 6 will no longer be able to run WhatsApp.

Older-phone users face an upgrade deadline

For people still using legacy Android phones, the change is not just about missing future updates. Access to WhatsApp itself is at stake.

Users on affected devices will need to upgrade their operating system if their phone still supports it, or move to a newer device to keep using the messaging app. The scale could still be significant. The cutoff is expected to touch millions of older smartphones, though the exact number of affected devices will vary by market and handset age.

Device list and rollout details still need confirmation

What remains less clear is which specific models will be affected. No full model-by-model list has been provided, so users should check the Android version on their own phone rather than rely on a brand name alone.

The exact day in September 2026 is also unclear from the available details. For now, the key point is the month: WhatsApp’s support floor is moving to Android 6, and devices below that level are on notice.

Any language about exceptions or a temporary grace period should be treated cautiously until WhatsApp sets out the rollout more precisely. For anyone still on an older Android phone, the safe move is to check the software version now and plan for an upgrade before support ends.