WhatsApp, owned by Meta, will stop supporting some older Android phones from January 2025. With the end of this support, users will no longer be able to use the messaging platform on devices running Android KitKat (Android 4.4).
If you are still using an Android device with Android 4.4 and want to continue using WhatsApp, it is useful to check whether your device supports a new Android version. If your device does not support a new Android version, unfortunately you will need to buy a new phone to use WhatsApp.
Since the release of Android 4.4, WhatsApp has received many updates and has gained many new features with these updates. Naturally, the requirements of WhatsApp have also increased with these features.
Recently, Meta also announced that WhatsApp will stop support for multiple iPhone models running iOS 15.1 or lower as of 5 May 2025. Affected devices include iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Now, multiple Android models will experience a similar situation, as Meta wants to implement new functionality, advanced AI features, improved security standards, and more.
Here are some popular Android devices where WhatsApp will reportedly be unavailable from 1 January 2025:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
- Motorola: Moto G (1st Generation), Razr HD, Moto E (2014)
- HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
From 1 January 2025, these devices will not support WhatsApp and all media and chat history will be deleted from WhatsApp. Therefore, it is useful to back up all your data before 1 January and transfer it to a newer device.
