Millions of WhatsApp users in Nigeria and around the world could soon lose access to the app, as WhatsApp plans to stop supporting older phones.
Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, has announced that from May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer work on smartphones that run outdated operating systems. The move is part of Meta’s effort to improve security and app performance.
Why Is This Happening?According to Meta, older phones don’t meet the new security and performance standards needed to keep WhatsApp running smoothly. The company explained that as technology changes, it must stop supporting outdated phones to keep users’ data safe and the app running properly.
Which Phones Will Be Affected?iPhones: WhatsApp will no longer work on iPhones that are running below iOS 15.1. These include:
iPhone 5s
iPhone 6
iPhone 6 PlusThese phones can’t be updated past iOS 12.5.7, so they won’t be able to run WhatsApp after the deadline.
Android Phones: WhatsApp also stopped working on phones with Android 4.4 (KitKat) as of January 1, 2025. Affected models include:
Samsung: Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini
Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), Razr HD
HTC: One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
LG: Optimus G, L90
Sony: Xperia Z, SP, T, V
Nexus 4
What Should You Do?To keep using WhatsApp:
Upgrade to a phone that supports at least iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 (Lollipop).
Before switching devices, back up your WhatsApp chats so you don’t lose any messages, photos, or files.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings