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WhatsApp Ends Support For Android 5.0 And 5.1, Android 6 Now Required
Updated on Tue, Sep 8, 2026
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WhatsApp has ended support for devices running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1 from September 8, 2026, raising the minimum operating system requirement to Android 6.0 for users who want to continue using the messaging platform.
TL;DR
- WhatsApp now requires Android 6.0 or newer after ending support for Android 5.0 and 5.1.
- Users with phones that cannot upgrade to a supported Android version may need to move to a newer device.
- WhatsApp says affected users receive in-app notifications and upgrade reminders before support ends.
WhatsApp Raises Minimum Android Requirement
As announced through its official supported operating systems page, WhatsApp has raised its minimum Android requirement from Android 5.0 to Android 6.0.
“Starting September 8, 2026, only Android version 6 and newer will be supported,” WhatsApp states.
This means devices still running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1, commonly associated with older Android Lollipop-era smartphones, are no longer officially supported by the messaging service.
WABetaInfo reports that the change applies to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business, meaning users of either application need a device running Android 6.0 or newer.
WhatsApp regularly drops support for older operating systems as devices and software evolve. According to the company’s supported devices guidance, this allows it to support newer systems while keeping up with advances in technology and security.
Who Is Affected By The WhatsApp Android Cutoff?
The change specifically affects users whose smartphones remain on Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 and cannot be updated to Android 6.0 or newer.
Users with phones that support a newer version of Android should check whether a software update is available. Those using devices that cannot be upgraded may need to switch to a newer smartphone to continue receiving supported WhatsApp access.
WhatsApp says users are notified inside the app when support for their operating system is due to end and are reminded several times to upgrade.
The cutoff was also highlighted by Tech Advisor in its September 8 report, although WhatsApp itself has not disclosed an official figure for the number of users affected by the change.
Topics For More Insights
What Should Affected WhatsApp Users Do?
Users planning to change devices should secure their chat history before moving away from an older phone.
WhatsApp allows Android users to back up their chat history using a Google Account. The company notes that chats and media can be restored from the most recent successful backup when moving to another compatible Android device.
WhatsApp also provides a dedicated Chat Transfer feature for moving conversations and media between Android phones. However, its current requirements state that Android 6 or newer must be installed on both devices when using this method.
Users should therefore check their Android version, available system updates, and WhatsApp backup status before replacing an affected device.
For WhatsApp, ending support for ageing operating systems is an ongoing process rather than a one-time change. For users still relying on Android 5.0 or 5.1, however, September 8 marks the point at which upgrading the operating system or moving to a supported device becomes necessary for continued official support.
First published on Tue, Sep 8, 2026
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