WhatsApp to Cease Functionality on Millions of Devices Starting October 31
Table of Contents
Meta Description: Find out if your phone is on the list of devices WhatsApp will no longer support after October 31, due to updated EU safety standards.
WhatsApp is preparing to discontinue service for users on a range of mobile devices beginning October 31, a move initially announced months ago to ensure compliance with evolving European Union safety standards. The impending update will render the popular messaging application unusable on select smartphones, prompting users to check compatibility.
Which Phones Will Be Affected?
According to WhatsApp’s website, the messaging service currently supports devices running Android OS 5.0 and later versions. Consequently, all older models will lose access to the application after the October 31 deadline. A significant number of devices are impacted, including:
- Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Note 2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Trend, Galaxy S5
- Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V, Xperia Z2
- Huawei: Ascend Mate 2
- Motorola: Moto G (first generation), Moto E (2014)
- LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, LG G3
- HTC: One M8
Apple users are also affected. WhatsApp will remain available on iPhones running iOS 15.1 and subsequent versions. However, the following older iPhone models will be unsupported:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Why is WhatsApp Dropping Support for These Devices?
WhatsApp maintains that the constant evolution of devices and software necessitates periodic reviews of supported operating systems to facilitate relevant updates. “We will update this page regularly to ensure that the latest operating systems we support appear here,” a company release stated. One analyst noted that the company annually assesses which devices are the oldest and have the fewest active users. Furthermore, WhatsApp warns that older devices may lack the necessary security updates and functionality to reliably run the application.
What Should Affected Users Do?
Users with unsupported devices will receive notifications within the WhatsApp application alerting them to the impending loss of service. These notifications will serve as reminders to update their operating systems, if possible.
