WhatsApp Will Stop Working on Some Phones in May 2025—Here’s What You Need to Know

WhatsApp is our primary social platform, like our second home. From family gossip and work updates to group chats that never sleep, it’s where a lot of our lives happen. So, when we hear that WhatsApp will pull the plug on some phones in May 2025, it’s enough to cause a small panic.If your phone is not on the list, lucky you! If your phone is, don’t panic, there’s always a way out. READ ALSO: The 10 Best Camera Phones You Can Buy Right Now What’s the News? Starting 5 May 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on certain smartphones, particularly those running outdated operating systems that can no longer keep up with the app’s latest features and security standards.It’s not the first time they’ve done this; WhatsApp regularly phases out older devices to keep things running smoothly for the rest of us. Think of it as your phone’s way of “ageing out” certain software. Why Is WhatsApp Doing This? In simple terms, it is for security, speed, and performance. Older phones can’t handle the updates as WhatsApp adds new features (like multi-device support, AI integration, improved privacy, and media sharing). Rather than force new technology into old phones, WhatsApp stops support and focuses on improving the experience for newer devices. Who’s Affected? Now this is the part to check carefully.iPhone Users: If you’re using an old model of iPhone that can’t go beyond iOS 15.0, WhatsApp won’t work for you after 5 May. That includes:iPhone 5siPhone 6iPhone 6 PlusThese devices are stuck on iOS 12.5.7 and can’t be upgraded any further. So even if the phone still works fine for calls, WhatsApp will soon say its final goodbye. Android Users: For Android users, the deadline came earlier, 1 January 2025, to be precise. WhatsApp stopped supporting phones running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or older. Some affected models include:Samsung:Galaxy S3Galaxy Note 2Galaxy Ace 3Galaxy S4 MiniMotorola:Moto G (1st Gen)Moto E (2014)Razr HDHTC:One XOne X+Desire 500Sony:Xperia ZXperia TXperia VLG:Nexus 4Optimus GG2 MiniIf you’re unsure which version of Android or iOS you’re running, go to your Settings -> About phone (or General -> About on iPhones) to check your current OS version. How Do You Know If You’re Safe? If your phone can update beyond iOS 15 (for iPhone) or Android 5.0 (for Android), you’re 100% safe for now. WhatsApp will continue to work, and you’ll keep getting all the new features. But if your phone is on the borderline, or you haven’t updated in years, it’s time to check before May catches you off guard. What Should You Do If Your Phone Is Affected? Backup Your Chats: Before anything else, back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). That way, your chats will move with you when you switch devices.Check for Software Updates: Some older phones can still update to a newer OS version. Check your settings to see if a software update is available. If you can bump up to a supported version, you’re safe.Consider Upgrading: If your phone can’t be updated anymore, it might be time to say your final goodbye (it’s okay, we cried too). Some affordable phones still support WhatsApp and won’t stress your budget. READ ALSO: Looking for Value? These Samsung Phones Under ₦200,000 Have It All Want a list of affordable phones that support WhatsApp in 2025? You can Check The 7 Cheapest Redmi Phones You Can Buy Right NowSo, if you know your dad still uses an iPhone 5s or your cousin still uses an old Samsung, now’s the time to spread the word and help them prepare for May 2025. Technology keeps moving forward and sometimes, that means letting go of what used to work just fine. WhatsApp’s latest update is more about protecting users and less about punishing those with older phones.If you’re affected, don’t panic. Backup your chats, explore your options, and if you need help picking a new phone that won’t break the bank, check The Best Android Phones To Buy For 200,000 Naira And Below