Starting this April 15, WhatsApp will no longer be compatible with a series of smartphone modelsboth from Apple and Android. The measure is part of a technical update to guarantee the security of the platform.
The decision will affect devices released before 2014 or that cannot be updated. This will mean that millions of users – including a significant part of the technology park in Venezuela – will have to migrate to newer equipment if they want to retain access to the app.
Affected iPhone models
WhatsApp will require having iOS 15.1 or higher. The models that will be excluded are:
- iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
- iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and SE (first generation).
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.
Affected Android models
The application will stop working on computers that cannot be updated to at least Android 5.0 Lollipop:
- Motorola Moto E (first generation).
- Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy S4 mini.
- Sony Xperia M.
- LG Optimus L7 II.
With this update, phones that do not meet the requirements will not only lose access to new features, but will also no longer be able to open, download or update WhatsApp, leaving them permanently out of the service.
How to check device compatibility
Users can easily check if their phone will continue to be compatible with the app. On Android, you must go to “Settings”, select “About phone” and check the version in the software information section. If the device has Android 5.0 or higher, it will maintain access.
On iPhone, verification is done from “Settings”, then “General” and finally “iOS Version”. Only devices with iOS 15.1 or later will be able to continue using WhatsApp without restrictions.
What affected users should do
Given the loss of compatibility, the main recommendation is to migrate to an updated device before the service is disconnected. However, before the change it is essential to make a backup copy of the chats and stored files.
On Android, the backup is executed from WhatsApp in “Settings”, then “Chats” and “Backup”, where you can save the information to Google Drive. On iPhone, the procedure is carried out from “Settings”, within the application, selecting “Chats” and “Backup”, with the option to “Make a copy now” to store it in iCloud. This step is key, because once the device loses compatibility, access to information and conversations cannot be recovered on that same computer.
Reasons for the update
The decision of WhatsApp responds to the need to maintain higher security standards, improve application performance and ensure the protection of user data. At the same time, the company seeks to optimize the operation of the platform on devices that still receive active support from their manufacturers.
Likewise, keeping the application updated allows access to new functions, improvements in calls and video calls, greater stability and file management tools, which reinforces the user experience and compatibility between users. The update marks a new adjustment in the life cycle of older devices, which are progressively left out of the technological ecosystem of the main messaging applications.
