List of phones that will stop running WhatsApp starting in May

In an expected move with accelerating technological development, the popular messaging app WhatsApp will stop working on a range of older smartphones starting May 5, 2025.

This move will force users who still have these outdated devices to keep up with modern technology or lose their favorite messaging service.

Meta, the app's owner, announced that this step is part of its regular updates to ensure user security and efficient performance. Support will be discontinued for phones running outdated operating systems that are no longer capable of keeping up with the app's modern requirements.

The most prominent devices affected by this decision are:

- iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus from 2013 and 2014.

- Any iOS devices older than version 15.1.

Android wasn't immune to these changes, as WhatsApp previously stopped supporting some older devices at the beginning of 2025, including:

Samsung: Galaxy S3, Note 2, S3, S4 mini.

Motorola: Moto G (1st generation), Razr HD, Moto E (2014).

HTC: One X, One X Plus, Desire 500, Desire 601.

LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90.

Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V.

Meta explains that this step is necessary to maintain the security of user data and provide an optimal experience compatible with the capabilities of modern devices. It notes that the number of those affected by this decision is very limited, as it does not exceed the percentage of those still using phones that are more than a decade old.

These changes apply to both the regular WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, as they share the same system requirements.

For users who find themselves in this category, their options are limited: either upgrade the operating system if the device supports it, switch to a newer, more modern phone, or risk using unofficial means to run the app.