At the end of February 2026, WhatsApp will no longer be available on a wide variety of Android phones and iPhones that use older operating systems.The measure, promoted by Meta, responds to the need to maintain the security, efficiency and compatibility of the application.
As a result, millions of users who have devices released before 2014 or without access to recent updates will lose the ability to open, download or update their messaging app.
The main reason why WhatsApp eliminates access on certain devices is the lack of compatibility with current security and operating standards.As operating systems evolve, the application needs to adapt and take advantage of new features and protections.
Phones that cannot be updated to recent versions often lack the security patches and technical resources necessary to support new WhatsApp features.
Every year, the company reviews which platforms have the lowest number of active users and which have stopped receiving support from their manufacturers.Devices that no longer have official updates present a risk to privacy and data integrity, and are therefore excluded from the compatibility list.
In the case of Android, the application will stop working on all devices that do not have at least Android OS 5.0 (Lollipop).This includes models such as Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, Samsung Galaxy S3, Sony Xperia M, LG Optimus L7 II and Motorola Moto E (1st generation), among others.Many of these phones, released before 2014, can no longer be updated and have been left unprotected from vulnerabilities.
For Apple users, WhatsApp will only remain available on iPhones running iOS15.1 or higher.This means that models such as iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and earlier will lose access due to the inability to install the minimum required version.Users will receive advance notifications to back up their messages and consider migrating to a compatible device.
The removal of support means that those using affected phones will not be able to open or update WhatsApp, and will no longer receive new features and security patches.
Meta recommends backing up messages to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS) before the deadline, and updating the operating system if possible.If your computer does not allow the update, the only alternative will be to migrate to a newer model.
Meanwhile, those with phones running recent versions of Android or iOS will continue to have access to new features.One of the latest additions is the ‘strict account settings’ mode, which strengthens privacy and security by blocking files from unknown senders, silencing calls from unregistered numbers, and restricting group invitations.
This function can be activated from Settings > Privacy > Advanced Options, and is part of Meta’s commitment to protecting its users against cyberattacks and fraud.
With this adjustment, WhatsApp not only optimizes the experience and protection of the community, but also ensures that the resources and development of the application are focused on the most secure and widespread operating systems on the market.
To use WhatsApp without your contacts knowing that you are online, you can modify several privacy options and adopt some simple tricks.Here are different ways to keep your activity more discreet within the app:
These settings and tricks will allow you to browse and communicate on WhatsApp with greater privacy and without leaving a trace of your online activity.
