WhatsApp will stop working on all Android phones running version 5 (Lollipop) starting September 8, blocking millions of users worldwide from accessing the application, according to Google’s report of three billion active Android devices and StatCounter data, which shows Android 5 still powers 0.7% of active devices.
As per the deadline for maintaining their devices for the top-selling phone owners will have to update the software or face complete service suspension.
WhatsApp Android 5 support ends on these devices
The cut-off affects all Android 5-based flagship and mid-range devices that were released as basic devices. The most commonly used devices that will lose access to WhatsApp include the following:
- Samsung Galaxy S4 (Android 5.0.1)
- Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini (Android 5.1.1)
- Google Nexus 4 (Android 5.1.1)
- LG G2 (Android 5.0.2)
- HTC One M7 (Android 5.0.2/5.1)
- Sony Xperia Z (Android 5.1.1)
WhatsApp will send several in-app alerts to users who are affected before the cutoff time is reached. After the cut-off time expires, the app will stop receiving new updates and security updates. WhatsApp has the ability to terminate access to its login servers at any time, which would render the application completely useless, rather than providing legacy features.
The minimum operating system to run WhatsApp after September 8 requires users to have Android 6 (Marshmallow) or higher and iOS 15.1 or higher. The iOS limit was already extended in June 2025, ending WhatsApp support for the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6/6 Plus.
Users who meet the minimum requirement on the primary device can still link secondary linked devices, but they only work in conjunction with an active WhatsApp account on a supported phone.
The first step requires users to check their phone settings to find any system updates that require installation. Some devices running Android 5 may have a path to Android 6 or higher that owners have simply missed.
Those who don’t have an upgrade path and rely on WhatsApp daily will need a new handset; Budget Android phones that support Android 6 and above are widely available for less than $100.
