Beginning January 15, 2026a new policy update from WhatsApp This will leave a significant number of older phones unusable. The messaging app has already warned that it will no longer be compatible with certain models that do not meet the minimum software requirements, meaning that many users will lose access if they don't update their devices.
The decision, made by MetaThe platform's owner is primarily linked to the safety and performancePhones that fall behind in operating system updates cannot receive the latest features or the patches needed to protect data, something the company considers essential for daily use of the app.
In practice, this means that devices that already They do not receive official support. manufacturer They lack the necessary technical and security support To run the latest versions of WhatsApp reliably. Over time, the app stops updating on these phones and ends up running erratically or simply not opening at all.
Why WhatsApp will stop working on certain phones
The company has explained that maintaining compatibility with very old versions of Android and iOS This hinders the introduction of new features and security measures. These outdated systems are more vulnerable to malware, data theft, and identity theftin addition to experiencing frequent performance issues.
In practice, this means that devices that no longer receive official support from the manufacturer. They lack the necessary technical and security support To run the latest versions of WhatsApp reliably. Over time, the app stops updating on these phones and ends up running erratically or simply not opening at all.
WhatsApp needs to rely on modern versions of operating systems This allows for the implementation of more advanced encryption, new privacy tools, and features related to artificial intelligence or fraud detection. However, if compatibility with very old equipment is maintained, many of these improvements cannot be applied.
In addition, older phones often have limited hardware (less memory, slower processors), which causes unexpected app crashes, problems sending large files, and delays in calls and video calls. All of this weighs on the decision to gradually withdraw support.
Minimum requirements to continue using WhatsApp
Looking ahead to January 2026, WhatsApp has set some minimum operating system requirements that mark the line between the mobiles that will continue to function normally and those that will be taken out of service.
In the case of AndroidThe app requires at least a relatively recent version of the operating system. Some statements have indicated a minimum of [version number missing in original text]. Android 5.0while in other lists the requirement is raised to Android 6.0 or higherIn any case, devices that cannot reach these versions will be considered obsolete for the application.
For those who use iPhoneWhatsApp has indicated as a reference the need to have iOS 15.1 or higher in certain compatibility lists, while other internal sources indicate that, from 2026 onwards, the requirement could be placed even on more recent versions such as iOS 16Phones that cannot be updated to those versions of Apple's operating system will lose support.
If your phone doesn't support those versions, the app most likely won't work. It stopped opening and displayed constant errors. or you may see messages indicating that the device is no longer compatible. In many cases, it won't even be possible to download WhatsApp again from the official store.
List of mobile phones that will lose compatibility
The measure affects devices that carry years without receiving official updates by their manufacturers. They are models that were popular in their time, but they have already fallen behind the current technical requirements of the application.
Amongst the iPhone The following classic models, once widespread in Europe and Spain, are among those that will no longer be compatible:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
They will all lose access to the iOS versions that WhatsApp will require from the specified date, so the application It will stop updating and functioning normally on these devices.
In the ecosystem AndroidThe list includes several models from brands with a strong presence in Spain and the rest of Europe:
- HTC One M8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- LG G3
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Nexus 4
- Huawei Ascend Mate
This list also includes other old phones such as Samsung Galaxy S4 and S5, Note 3, Core Prime or J2as well as several generations of Motorola Moto G and Moto E of the first batch, and veteran Huawei models such as G740, D2 or P6They all share the same problem: they don't meet the minimum operating system requirements.
These phones stopped receiving new versions of Android a long time ago, so They cannot install the latest versions of WhatsAppAlthough some will continue to work for calls or basic browsing, they will be removed from the messaging app when the new policies are implemented.
What will happen if your mobile phone is among those affected?
If your phone is one of the listed models or doesn't meet the minimum system version, you'll notice changes gradually. Initially, the app may start to... show recurring ads asking you to update the system or the app itself, something that in many cases will not be possible.
As January 15, 2026 approaches and passes, WhatsApp is likely to begin suddenly shut down, stop sending messages, or prevent calls from being madeOn some devices, the app simply won't open, rendering it completely unusable.
Another consequence will be that you will no longer be able to Download or update WhatsApp from Google Play or the App StoreEven if you try to reinstall it, the store will detect that your device does not meet the requirements and will block the installation.
Meta usually notifies affected users in advance through notifications within the application itself, which inform about the imminent end of compatibility and recommend taking steps to avoid losing conversations or files.
How to know if your mobile phone is still compatible
Before giving up on your phone, it's a good idea to check what operating system version You have it installed. You don't need to be an expert to check this information, and it can clear up your doubts in a few seconds.
En AndroidThe process is usually similar for almost all brands: go to «Settings»Or«Configuration«, scroll down to the section «About of the phone» or «Device information» and look at the field «Android version"That number tells you if your mobile phone meets the minimum requirement."
In the case of iPhone, you must open «Settings«, click on «General admission«, enter «Information"and look for the line that says 'iOS Version'. If your device allows an update to a newer version, you should install it as soon as possible."
If after checking you see that your phone cannot update to the minimum required version, the reality is that it is considered a obsolete device for WhatsAppYou can still use it for other basic uses, but the messaging app will no longer be a viable option.
What to do if your phone loses WhatsApp
The first thing to do, before the app stops working, is to make sure you don't lose your conversations. WhatsApp offers options to do this. backups of chats, photos, and documents both on Android and iPhone.
On devices with the Google system, you can configure the backup in Google Drivewhile Apple phones use iCloudThis way, even if you change phones, you can restore your message history by logging in with your number on a new device.
If your phone still allows upgrading to a compatible operating system version, updating it may be enough to Continue using WhatsApp without interruptionsIn some models, a simple pending update resolves the problem.
When the hardware no longer supports newer versions, the only real alternative is switch deviceAlthough it involves an expense, opting for a recent Android phone or a modern iPhone guarantees several years of use without worries about this type of lock.
Meta reminds us that this purging of old models is a periodic policy This process is repeated periodically to maintain a stable and secure service for the majority of users. Therefore, if you rely on WhatsApp for work, study, or communicating with family, it's worth checking carefully whether your phone number will remain on the approved list.
WhatsApp's decision to stop working on certain mobile phones from January 15, 2026, is part of the natural evolution of technology: unsupported devices are left behind, while the application focuses on strengthening its support. security, stability and new featuresChecking your system version, making a backup, and considering a possible phone change are the key steps to avoid being disconnected from your chats when the deadline arrives.
