Do you use WhatsApp in your daily life? If so, you might want to check the version of the operating system of your smartphone, because WhatsApp announced some new changes in the compatibility requirements for the app. In this article, we will explain to you what these changes are and how they affect WhatsApp users.
What are the new changes?
According to a blog post by WhatsApp support, the app will only work on devices that run Android 5.0 or higher as of October 24, 2023. Previously, the app supported version 4.1 of the Android operating system, but the requirements were raised to improve the security and performance of the app.
The devices that run iOS 12 and later versions will be able to support WhatsApp app, and for KaiOS system, version 2.5.0 or higher will be required.
How do you know if your device is compatible?
If you don’t know the version of the operating system of your smartphone, you can simply go to the settings and check the “About phone” section to see if your device runs the required version or not. If your device uses an older version of Android, you will need to upgrade your device or replace it with a new one to continue using WhatsApp.
What will happen if your device is not compatible?
If your device is not compatible with the new WhatsApp requirements, you will receive a notification from the app telling you that WhatsApp service will stop working on your device soon. You will need to back up your messages and chats before the deadline, or you will lose them. You will also lose access to all the new and improved features that WhatsApp constantly develops.
List of devices banned from using WhatsApp
Here is a list of some of the devices banned from using WhatsApp after October 24, 2023
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Grand S Flex ZTE
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
- HTC Desire 500
- Huawei Ascend D
- Huawei Ascend D1
- Huawei Ascend D2
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend P1
- Quad XL
- Lenovo A820
- LG Enact
- LG Lucid 2
- LG Optimus 4X HD
- LG Optimus F3
- LG Optimus F3Q
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus F6
- LG Optimus F7
- LG Optimus L2 II
- LG Optimus L3 II
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L4 II
- LG Optimus L4 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L5 Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L7
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus L7 II Dual
- LG Optimus Nitro HD
- Memo ZTE V956
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Samsung Galaxy S3 mini
- Samsung Galaxy Trend II
- Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2
- Sony Xperia Arc S
- Sony Xperia miro
- Sony Xperia Neo L
What do you do if you use one of these devices?
If your device is old and does not meet these conditions, you will lose the ability to use WhatsApp after October 24, 2023. Therefore, you need to check the type of operating system that runs on your device and whether it matches the requirements of WhatsApp or not. If it does not match, you have to choose between updating the operating system to the appropriate version, if possible, or buying a new device that supports WhatsApp. You also need to save a backup copy of your messages and conversations before you lose access to WhatsApp on your old device. In this way, you will ensure the continuity of your communication with WhatsApp and benefit from its services without interruption.