If you’re still holding on to an older iPhone or feature phone, you might want to check your device — Meta’s own WhatsApp is planning to stop supporting certain models starting May 5, 2025.
In a move aimed at improving performance and security, WhatsApp will no longer work on a number of devices that can’t keep up with newer updates. Top on the list are some older iPhones like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. These models can’t be updated past iOS 12.5.7, and WhatsApp now requires iOS 15.1 or later to keep running smoothly.
It’s not just iPhones that are affected. A handful of feature phones running on KaiOS will also lose access to the messaging app. This includes popular models like the JioPhone and several Nokia phones, including:
Nokia 800 Tough
Nokia 2720 Flip
Nokia 2760 Flip
Nokia 2780 Flip
Nokia 6300 4G
Nokia 8000 4G
Nokia 8110 4G
WhatsApp regularly phases out support for older operating systems so it can focus on rolling out new features and ensuring user data stays protected. If your device is on the list, you’ll need to upgrade to a newer model — either one running iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 and above — to keep using WhatsApp without interruption.
To avoid losing your chats, it’s a good idea to back them up to iCloud or Google Drive. You can also export important conversations via email before making the switch to a new phone.
So, if you rely on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family, this is your early heads-up: check your phone and consider an upgrade if needed.
