WhatsApp Will Not Work on These Popular iPhones, Samsung, LG, and Other Android Phones From May

• WhatsApp will discontinue support for several iPhone and Android models in less than a month, affecting users worldwide
• Owners of affected devices will need to upgrade their smartphones to maintain WhatsApp connectivity with friends and family
• As the world's most popular messaging platform with about 2 billion monthly active users, this change will have a significant impact

Starting Monday, May 5, 2025, owners of certain older Android and iPhone models will no longer be able to use WhatsApp, as Meta implements changes to the app's operating system compatibility requirements.

The messaging platform, which is owned by Meta, has announced that devices unable to meet the new minimum operating system requirements will lose support, rendering the app unusable on these older smartphones.

The announcement, as reported by Metro UK, read:

"Currently, we provide support for and recommend using devices that run Android OS 5.0 or newer, as well as iPhones running iOS 12 or newer. However, starting May 5, 2025, only iOS versions 15.1 and newer will be supported."

Read also

Discover what's new on Hulu in April 2025 -The Handmaid's Tale finale and more

It added that affected users will receive several notifications to upgrade before the due date.

"Before we stop supporting your operating system, you’ll receive notifications in WhatsApp and be reminded several times to upgrade. We’ll continue to update this page regularly to ensure that the latest supported operating systems are listed."

The Meta-owned company explained that the changes were part of regular updates designed to maintain the app's security and functionality while optimising performance for newer devices.

Phones that won't support WhatsApp from May

Among the affected models are iPhones released in 2013 and 2014, Android phones that cannot update to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) - This includes Samsung, LG, HTC, and Sony phones, and KaiOs feature phones.

See the full list of affected phones below:

Read also

Discover what's new on Amazon Prime in April 2025 - Thrilling premieres you can't miss

Many of the above-listed Android phones are KitKat (Android 4.4) versions, which became outdated for WhatsApp in an earlier update on January 1, 2025.

However, some of the models can be updated to Lollilop (Android 5.0) or a newer operating system.

How to check your device's compatibility

Users with affected phones who wish to upgrade may have to check their operating systems.

• On an iPhone: Go to Settings, tap ‘General,’ then ‘Information,’ and select ‘iOS Version.’
• On an Android phone: Open Settings, go to ‘About phone,’ and tap ‘Android Version.’

Sam George meets iPhone technician Kwame Lighter

Meanwhile, an iPhone repair specialist who went viral met Sam Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology & Innovation.

As previously reported by YEN.com.gh, the Kumasi-based technician was privileged as the NDC politician hailed and introduced him to his powerful colleagues.

A video of the interaction between the iPhone specialist and Sam George stoked a frenzy on social media.

Read also

The most expensive phone in the world: The top 15 expensive phone models ranked

The minister later announced a collaboration between the government and Lighter to train other youths in the field.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh