If you thought WhatsApp and your old phone would be together forever, here I am Aliana Rodriguez —tech passionate founder of MundoVirtual— to tell you that reality is different. In this article, I’ll share all the details about the new measure that, starting in February 2025, will leave several smartphones out of action. And believe me, there will be no exceptions this time.
Did you know it’s crucial to keep your device updated so you don’t lose basic (and sometimes critical to digital security) features?. Indeed. This major move focuses on WhatsApp ensuring top performance and a robust system, especially regarding encryption and security patches. But, before diving into the complete list of phones that will lose support, let me give you a clear overview of what I’m talking about.
Table 1: Overview of the Measure
| Main Measure | Start Date | System Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| End of compatibility with certain smartphones | February 2025 | Android 5.0 or later / iOS 15.1 or later |
This table I just showed you summarizes the big news: WhatsApp will stop working on devices that do not reach Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1. When did you discover your smartphone might not be updatable?. If yours is on the tightrope, don’t worry: I’ll share alternatives and insights from my experience and MundoVirtual’s viewpoint further down.
Why Is WhatsApp Making This Decision?
From my perspective as a tech analyst, WhatsApp (a subsidiary of Meta) doesn’t want to fall behind on security and performance. By requiring users to keep their devices on more recent OS versions, they:
- Ensure continuous encryption updates.
- Reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
- Offer new features without technical limitations.
In other words, this is a natural step in the evolution of any app that aims to be secure and functional, especially for a giant like WhatsApp.
Android Devices Losing WhatsApp in 2025
Let’s be clear: any phone unable to reach Android 5.0 is out of the game. And it’s not as small a group as you might think. Here’s the official list of those which, like it or not, will not be able to keep using WhatsApp from February 2025:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 (some variants)
- LG: Optimus G, Optimus L5, L7, L9
- Sony: Xperia M, Xperia Z, Xperia S
- Motorola: Moto E (1st generation), Moto G (1st generation)
- Huawei: Ascend P6, Ascend Mate
- HTC: One X, One S
- ZTE: Grand S Flex, Grand X Quad V987
Table 2: Specific Android Models
| Brand | Incompatible Models | Minimum Version |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 (certain variants) | Android 5.0 |
| LG | Optimus G, Optimus L5, L7, L9 | Android 5.0 |
| Sony | Xperia M, Xperia Z, Xperia S | Android 5.0 |
| Motorola | Moto E (1st gen), Moto G (1st gen) | Android 5.0 |
| Huawei | Ascend P6, Ascend Mate | Android 5.0 |
| HTC | One X, One S | Android 5.0 |
| ZTE | Grand S Flex, Grand X Quad V987 | Android 5.0 |
When did you learn that your smartphone could be at immediate risk? I get it: for many users, these models still serve their purpose, but in light of this update, they’ll be left without support and without messaging.
iPhone Models That Don’t Meet the New Requirements
Apple is also affected. This measure isn’t just about Android: if you have an iPhone that can’t update to iOS 15.1, you’ll lose access to WhatsApp. Here’s the detailed list:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 5S
- Earlier models (iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, etc.)
Why all the fuss? Because a significant part of Apple’s user base still has these “vintage” versions. Nonetheless, the Cupertino giant can’t guarantee full compatibility of its operating systems forever either.
How to Check Your Operating System Version
On Android
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll to About Phone or Device Information.
- Check the Android Version section to see if it’s Android 5.0 or above.
On iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select About to see the Software Version.
If you can’t meet these minimums, it might be time to face the facts, as my grandmother would say.
What If My Phone Can’t Be Updated?
The million-dollar question. If your phone, due to hardware limitations or age, can’t make the jump to Android 5.0 or iOS 15.1, you have several options:
- Use WhatsApp Web on your PC:
- Even without the mobile app, as long as you keep your session synced, you can send and receive messages from your computer.
- Use another compatible device:
- If you have a second smartphone or tablet that’s up to date, you could transfer your account there.
- Switch to another messaging app:
- Telegram is one popular alternative that still supports somewhat older versions of Android and iOS. However, in the long run, it too will raise its requirements.
- Upgrade your device:
- Let’s be honest: if you can’t install security updates or basic apps anymore, it might be time to look at more modern options.
The Risk of Falling Behind on Updates
An outdated phone without security patches is a magnet for hackers and cybercriminals, not to mention the functions that gradually stop working. Eventually, you won’t be able to use even basic apps beyond WhatsApp, so moving to a new device becomes almost mandatory if you want a complete and secure experience.
MundoVirtual’s Perspective
From the MundoVirtual standpoint, I’ve always believed users must stay one step ahead in tech updates, not just for fashion or convenience, but for security and productivity. The world moves so quickly that using an outdated device leaves you behind in terms of apps, services, and —most importantly— data protection. Did you know that many of these outdated devices no longer receive critical security patches, exposing your personal information?
That’s the major lesson we encounter daily at MundoVirtual: innovation doesn’t wait for anyone. To ensure you don’t miss the boat, it’s essential to regularly check the requirements for your most-used apps.
User Opinions… What Are They Saying?
I’ve read and heard many reactions in social media and forums. Some people are upset because “their phone still works perfectly” and don’t understand why they “have to lose WhatsApp.” On the other hand, many acknowledge that the tech gap widens over time, and at some point, official support is cut off for logical development and security reasons.
. When did you discover you were going to lose messaging?How did you feel? Tell me in the comments — I want to hear your experience.
Are You Ready for What’s Coming?
Remember, this happens in February 2025, but the time to make decisions is now. If you want updated information, I recommend that you subscribe to my social networks and this page, because at MundoVirtual, we don’t miss a single detail about WhatsApp’s next moves, or anything else in the digital universe.
Have you already decided what you’ll do if your phone becomes obsolete?
Join the conversation!. Share your thoughts, and let’s talk about the best alternatives for your situation. I’m here to listen and guide you through this technological evolution that, believe me, has no turning back.
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