WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has announced that it will stop working on some Android and iOS devices from October 24. This is because the app will no longer support the older versions of the operating systems that run on these devices. Users who have these devices will need to update their software or switch to a compatible device to continue using WhatsApp.
What are the affected devices?
According to the official website of WhatsApp, the app will stop supporting Android smartphones running Android OS 5.0 or below. This includes devices from Samsung, Google, Sony, LG, and other brands. Some of the models that will be affected are:
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Google Nexus S
- Sony Xperia M
- LG Optimus F7
- HTC Desire 500

The app will also stop working on iPhones running iOS 12 or earlier. This includes devices such as:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5
The app will continue to work on phones with KaiOS 2.5.0 and above, including JioPhone and JioPhone 2.
Why is WhatsApp ending support for these devices?
WhatsApp updates its compatible devices list or operating system version every year to keep the user experience intact and secure. The app requires the latest software updates to run smoothly and offer new features. The older versions of the operating systems may not be able to support the app’s functionality and security.
WhatsApp also notifies users in advance and reminds them a few times to upgrade their software or device before ending support. Users who do not upgrade will not be able to use the app after October 24.
How to check your device’s operating system version?
To check if your device is compatible with WhatsApp or not, you need to know your operating system version. You can do this by following these steps:
- For Android devices, go to Phone Settings > About phone > Software information. You will see the Android version number there.
- For iOS devices, go to Settings > General > About. You will see the iOS version number there.
If your device is running on an older version of the operating system, you can try to update it if possible. You can do this by following these steps:
- For Android devices, go to Phone Settings > System > System update. You will see if there is any update available for your device.
- For iOS devices, go to Settings > General > Software update. You will see if there is any update available for your device.
If your device is not eligible for an update or there is no update available, you will need to switch to a compatible device to use WhatsApp.
What are the alternatives to WhatsApp?
If you do not want to switch your device or update your software, you can also use other messaging apps that are compatible with your device. Some of the popular alternatives to WhatsApp are:
- Telegram: Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, bots, and more. It works on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, Mac, Linux, and web browsers.
- Signal: Signal is a privacy-focused messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, disappearing messages, and more. It works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Hike: Hike is an Indian messaging app that offers group chats, voice and video calls, stickers, games, news, payments, and more. It works on Android and iOS.
You can download these apps from the Google Play Store or the App Store and register with your phone number.