Beginning February 1th 2026Millions of users will be forced to carefully check which operating system version they have installed on their phones if they want to continue using WhatsApp normally. The popular messaging app will no longer be compatible with a number of operating systems. iPhones and older Android phones that no longer meet the minimum technical requirements set by Meta.
The update will primarily affect devices released more than a decade ago, many of which still function but are stuck on older versions of iOS and Android. For these devices, There will be no official alternative.If they cannot update the system to the minimum required version, WhatsApp will simply stop working on them.
What's changing in WhatsApp from February 2026
The key to this change lies in the new operating system requirementsFrom February 1, 2026, the application will only work on:
- iPhone to iOS 15.1 or later.
- Android phones to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher.
All mobile phones that fall below these minimum versions will see WhatsApp stop updating and, eventually, They lose access to chats, calls, and new featuresIt's a gradual process, but with a clear cut-off date set for early February.
Meta reminds you that this compatibility review is a periodic policyEach year, an analysis is conducted to determine which operating systems continue to receive security patches, how many users they have, and whether they can support the app's latest features. Those that fall behind are removed from the list.
iPhones that will lose WhatsApp
In the case of Apple, the cut occurs in the version iOS 15.1That means all iPhones that are not capable of installing at least that version of the operating system. will lose compatibility with the messaging app.
The following models, which were very widespread in Spain and Europe at the time, are directly affected:
- iPhone 6
- 6 iPhone Plus
- Previous models (such as iPhone 5s, 5c, 5 and earlier generations)
These devices are officially stuck on versions like iOS 12 or earlier and no longer receive updates from Apple. Since they cannot be upgraded to iOS 15.1, WhatsApp will eventually stop opening or functioning correctly. in them.
In practice, many of these iPhones are still used as a second phone, for basic use, or by people who haven't upgraded their device. For all of them, this measure will represent a End of support in the most used messaging application.
Android phones that lose compatibility
On Android, the situation is similar, but it affects an even wider variety of brands and models. WhatsApp will now require at least Android Lollipop 5.0Any device that remains in Android 4.4 KitKat or earlier versions will no longer be compatible.
Representative models that are often affected include many phones released before 2014, which were very popular in their day in Europe and Latin America:
- Samsung Galaxy mini S4
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Sony Xperia M
- LG Optimus L7 II
- Huawei Ascend G510
- HTC Desire 500
- Motorola Moto E (1nd generation)
The vast majority of these phones cannot officially install Android 5.0. This means that, even though the phone still turns on, WhatsApp will stop working and it will not be possible to update the app from the store.
In some cases, custom ROMs or unofficial solutions might exist, but WhatsApp insists that it only guarantees functionality in standard and manufacturer-supported versionsnot in modified systems.
Why does WhatsApp stop working on older phones?
The question many users are asking is obvious: Why remove compatibility if the phone still works? Meta is clear on this point and refers to three main factors: security, compatibility, and technological evolution.
First, older operating systems stop receiving security updates by Apple, Google, and various manufacturers. Without these patches, the risk of vulnerabilities increases, which could compromise message privacy and service stability, such as... zero-click on iOS and macOS.
Secondly, the new features of WhatsApp —from the advanced video calls Even enhanced backups, surveys, and moderation tools rely on Modern and more powerful APIs which don't exist in older versions of iOS and Android. Maintaining compatibility with very limited hardware forces us to slow down development for everyone.
Finally, the company reviews each year which systems have a very small active user baseKeeping the application running on a minimal percentage of devices involves maintenance and testing costs that, according to the company, no longer compensate for the benefit of continuing to advance in new features.
How to know if your mobile phone will lose WhatsApp
To check if your phone will still be compatible, the quickest way is to check the operating system version installed:
- En iPhoneSettings > General > About > iOS Version.
- En Android: Settings > About phone > Android version (the exact menu name may vary depending on the manufacturer).
If the device is below iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0The next step is to check if there are any update available from those same settings menus. If the manufacturer no longer offers new versions for your model, it's very likely that the device is no longer supported.
In addition, WhatsApp will be showing notifications within the application itselfThese messages provide advance notice of the end of support for that specific device. They serve as a reminder so users can prepare a backup and plan for a possible phone upgrade.
What to do if your mobile phone will no longer be compatible
If you already know that your device cannot reach the minimum required version, it's advisable to follow a series of steps to avoid losing your data. The first step is to perform a chat backup from the WhatsApp settings, either in iCloud (iPhone) or in Google Drive (Android).
Then, the company's own recommendation is to evaluate the upgrading to a newer phone that meets the requirements. It doesn't have to be a high-end device; it just needs to be able to run iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 or later and still receive security updates.
If your phone is theoretically compatible with those versions, but is still on an older version of the system, it's worth trying. full software updateIn many cases, upgrading to the latest available version extends the lifespan of WhatsApp on the device by a few years.
In any case, keeping a mobile phone without security support or access to the latest versions of the most used apps ends up being a problem sooner or later. For those who use WhatsApp daily for work, study, or coordinating their day-to-day activities, anticipate the change of phone It can prevent more than one scare.
New 'strict account adjustments' and more security
This reduced compatibility comes with new features designed to enhance privacy. Among them is the option to “strict account adjustments”, an advanced setting that WhatsApp is gradually rolling out on iOS and Android.
To activate it, you have to go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced options within the application. Once activated, the feature automatically applies a series of additional barriers against fraud attempts, unknown contacts, and cyberattacks.
Among the measures activated by these strict adjustments is the blocking files and multimedia content Sent by people who are not on the agenda, the removal of the preview of suspicious links and the muting calls from numbers that are not saved.
They also harden restrictions for adding to groupsTwo-step verification is being promoted and calls are now relayed from WhatsApp's own servers, which helps to hide the user's real IP address.
With all these changes, WhatsApp is taking another step towards an environment focused on relatively recent mobile phones, with up-to-date operating systems and modern security features; users with older devices will have to consider whether it's worth continuing to extend the life of their phone or making the jump to a compatible model to keep their chats, calls, and privacy options running smoothly.
