WhatsApp now requires Android 6 or newer as it ends support for smartphones running Android 5.0 and 5.1.
WhatsApp has ended support for smartphones running Android 5.0 and Android 5.1, effective September 8, 2026, raising the minimum Android requirement for the messaging platform to Android 6.0. The change affects older smartphones that have remained on Google’s Lollipop-era software, meaning users on these devices will need to upgrade their phone or move to a newer Android version to continue using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s official support documentation confirms that Android 5.0 and newer devices were previously supported, but from September 8, only Android 6 and newer versions will be supported. WhatsApp says it periodically reviews older operating systems and removes support for versions with fewer users or devices that may lack newer security updates and functionality required by the app.
The move is particularly relevant for India, where older smartphones often continue to be used as secondary devices or are passed down within households. While the actual number of active WhatsApp users on Android 5.0 and 5.1 is not disclosed by Meta, the change could push some users with ageing phones toward a device upgrade.
Android 5.0 and 5.1 Devices Are No Longer Supported
Android 5.0 Lollipop was released in 2014, followed by Android 5.1 in 2015. Smartphones running these versions are now more than a decade old, and many of the devices that remain on them are unlikely to receive modern Android software or security updates.
WhatsApp has been gradually communicating the upcoming compatibility change to affected users. Its support documentation says users are notified before support for an operating system ends and are reminded to upgrade their devices so they can continue using WhatsApp.
With the September 8 cutoff now in effect, Android 6.0 Marshmallow becomes the minimum Android version supported by WhatsApp. Users who already have Android 6 or a newer version do not need to take any action because of this particular change.
What Happens to WhatsApp Users on Android 5.0 and 5.1?
Users whose phones remain on Android 5.0 or 5.1 should expect WhatsApp compatibility to end rather than receiving continued support for the older operating system. The company recommends upgrading to a supported device or operating system to continue using the service.
Whether an affected phone can be upgraded depends on the manufacturer and model. Some older smartphones may have received an official Android update beyond Lollipop, while others may be permanently limited to Android 5.0 or 5.1 because the manufacturer no longer provides software upgrades.
This makes it important for users to check the Android version installed on their phone before buying a replacement. The Android version can generally be found in the device’s Settings menu under About Phone or Software Information, although the exact menu name varies between manufacturers.
Why WhatsApp Is Dropping Older Android Versions
WhatsApp says its operating-system support decisions are based partly on the age and usage of devices and whether older software has the security updates and functionality needed to support newer features. Maintaining compatibility with very old operating systems can also limit the platform’s ability to introduce newer capabilities across its supported device base.
This type of compatibility change is not unusual for large messaging platforms. As smartphone hardware and operating systems evolve, companies periodically raise minimum requirements to focus development and security support on newer platforms.
For WhatsApp, the move to Android 6.0 as the minimum version removes support for an operating-system generation that was released more than a decade ago. It also gives the company a more modern baseline for supporting current features and security requirements.
India Could See More Demand for Entry-Level Smartphones
The change has a potentially broader implication in India because older smartphones often remain in use well beyond their original replacement cycle. Devices that may no longer receive software updates can continue to be used for basic calling, messaging and other everyday tasks, particularly when handed down to family members.
For users affected by the WhatsApp cutoff, replacing an old handset may therefore become necessary even if the phone still works for basic functions. This could create incremental demand for affordable 4G smartphones, particularly among consumers who primarily need messaging, calling, payments and other essential applications.
The shift also reinforces the importance of software support when buying a low-cost smartphone. A device that receives longer Android and security updates can remain compatible with major applications for substantially longer than an older handset with limited software support.
WhatsApp’s Android Requirement Is Now Higher
With Android 6 now the minimum supported version, WhatsApp’s compatibility window has moved further away from the earliest Android smartphones still in circulation. The company continues to support newer Android versions while separately maintaining its iPhone requirements, which are also scheduled to change later this year.
WhatsApp’s official documentation currently states that Android 6 and newer versions are supported from September 8, 2026. It also says that iPhones will require iOS 15.5 or newer from November 30, 2026.
For Android users, the immediate priority is therefore to check the software version of any older phone used for WhatsApp. If the device is running Android 5.0 or 5.1 and cannot be upgraded, moving to a newer smartphone will be necessary to continue using WhatsApp.
What This Means for Older Phones
WhatsApp ending support does not mean that Android 5.0 or 5.1 smartphones suddenly stop functioning. Users can still use other applications and basic phone functions where those applications continue to support the older software.
The difference is that WhatsApp is no longer part of the supported software ecosystem on those Android versions. As more applications follow similar compatibility policies, however, the usefulness of very old smartphones could gradually decline, increasing pressure on users to replace devices that would otherwise remain usable for basic tasks.
For India’s smartphone market, the change is another reminder that the effective lifespan of a handset is increasingly determined not only by its hardware but also by the software and applications it can continue to run.
