LAGOS, Nigeria — Starting from May 5, 2025, WhatsApp go stop to work for old mobile phones wey no fit handle new updates. Dis move dey happen as Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, dey try maintain security and performance for beta devices dem wey fit run latest version of the app.
Dis decision go affect both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business apps because dem dey share the same system requirements. Meta talk say dem need to phase out old devices to make sure the app dey run well and dey secure for all customers. Na only small number of users go dey affected, especially those wey still dey use phones wey don pass 10 years.
For iPhone users, WhatsApp no go work on devices wey dey run iOS version wey dey earlier than 15.1. Dis mean say the following iPhone models go dey affected:
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Even though some older iPhone fit upgrade to later iOS versions, di one wey dey listed above dey stuck on iOS 12.5.7, wey no reach di new requirement. Di iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus all don dey around since 2013 and 2014.
Earlier dis year, WhatsApp don already stop support for Android devices wey dey run Android KitKat (version 4.4) and earlier from January 1, 2025. Some phones wey dey run KitKat fit still use WhatsApp if dem fit update their operating system, but for phones wey no dey get manufacturer updates again, e fit no possible without unofficial methods, wey fit be risky.
Di following Android models don become WhatsApp incompatible since January 1, 2025:
- Samsung Galaxy S3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Ace 3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola Moto G (1st Generation)
- Moto E (2014)
- Razr HD
- HTC One X
- One X+
- Desire 500
- Desire 601
- LG Optimus G
- G2 Mini
- L90
- Nexus 4
- Sony Xperia Z
- Xperia SP
- Xperia T
- Xperia V
Users wey dey on these devices dey advised to upgrade to newer smartphones wey go fit run latest operating systems if dem wan continue to dey use WhatsApp.
As technology dey move forward, e mean say some of di old devices go need to follow di trend or make way for newer ones. Users wey dey affected no need to panic, just ensure say dem backup their chats, check software updates, and if necessary, consider upgrading to a new phone.
