Top News

News India Live, Digital Desk: There is a big and important news for crores of users of instant messaging app WhatsApp. The company that owns Meta has announced that 8 September 2026 From now on, WhatsApp will stop working on smartphones with older Android versions. From time to time, the company removes support for older software to support better security and new features.

Which phones will be affected?

WhatsApp has clarified that now there is a minimum minimum requirement to run the app. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) It will be mandatory to have a version above that. This means that devices running the following versions will become useless after September 8:

Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Android 5.1 (Lollipop)

Note: This change will not affect iPhone users. Currently for Apple users iOS 15.1 It is necessary to have a version above that.

Why did WhatsApp take this decision?

According to the company, older operating systems do not have the ability to support new security updates and latest features (such as advanced privacy settings, AI features). To keep the app secure and smooth, it becomes necessary to leave behind old hardware and software.

Some popular older models that may be affected (potentially):

Although the exact list depends on your phone’s operating system, some popular older phones running Android 5.0 or 5.1 may include:

Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Core Prime

HTC One M8, Desire 816

Sony Xperia Z3, Xperia M2

Motorola Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E

LG G3, G Pro 2

What should affected users do now?

If your phone is also in this list, then you have only two options:

Check Software Update: Go to your phone’s ‘Settings’ > ‘About Phone’ > ‘System Update’. If an update to Android 6.0 or higher is available, install it immediately.

Get a new device: If your phone can’t be updated, you’ll need to get a new smartphone to continue using WhatsApp.

Be sure to take a backup: of your chat before 8th September Google Drive But definitely take a backup, so that the data can be easily transferred to the new phone.