Full list of phones that WhatsApp will no longer work on in May 2025

WhatsApp support for older smartphone models is dwindling (Picture: ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)

Phone users eager to stick to their trusty mobiles will have to bid farewell to WhatsApp in May as the messaging tool will stop working on certain models.

Changes to WhatsApp’s compatibility with operating systems mean some older smartphones will no longer be able to run the popular app.

The number of people affected by this will not be particularly large – only those with enough talent for technological TLC to have kept their devices in working condition for more than 10 years need worry.

But if you’re using a device that old, it’s worth reading on to see if it is named on the list.

Meta, which owns WhatsApp, says the changes are part of regular updates to ensure the app stays secure and functional while working with newer phones.

Here are the models that will no longer support WhatsApp from May 5, 2025.

iOS versions earlier than 15.1 iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

While some iPhone users with older iOSes can simply update their phones, some which are still in use can only be updated to iOS 12.5.7.

The iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were all released in 2013 and 2014.

The first WhatsApp compatibility update came on January 1, 2025, when WhatsApp stopped supporting Android’s KitKat OS in addition to any older versions.

Some users who still have KitKat on their phones will still be able to use WhatsApp provided their device can be updated to a more recent OS.

However, there are a number of older phone models which are no longer provided with official updates by their maker.

This means they can’t be updated to a more recent OS unless the user attempts certain types of DIY tinkering, which would void the phone’s warranty and insurance and risk ‘bricking’ it (rendering it inoperable.)

The following Android phones became WhatsApp incompatible on January 1, 2025

Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini Motorola: Moto G (1st Gen), Razr HD, Moto E 2014 HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601 LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90 Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V

These changes affect both the regular WhatsApp application and WhatsApp Business, which has the same system requirements.

This article was first published on December 29, 2024.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.