If you’re still using an older Android phone, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Meta has officially announced that WhatsApp will stop supporting devices running Android KitKat or older starting January 1, 2025. This change will affect smartphones that are more than a decade old, leaving users without access to the popular messaging platform.
WhatsApp: Why Is Support Being Dropped?
The decision comes as Meta continues to evolve WhatsApp with new features and technologies, including AI functionalities and other resource-intensive updates. These advancements require more modern hardware, rendering older devices incompatible.
Affected Devices
Here’s a list of some notable devices that will no longer support WhatsApp:
Samsung
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Ace 3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola
- Moto G (1st Gen)
- 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
If you’re still using one of these devices as your primary or backup phone, it’s essential to take action now.
How to Prepare for the Transition
To ensure you don’t lose your WhatsApp chats and media, here are some steps you should take:
- Backup Your Data: Use WhatsApp’s built-in backup feature to save your chat history and media to the cloud.
- Transfer to a Newer Device: Restore your WhatsApp data on a phone running a more recent version of Android.
Failing to migrate before the cutoff date will result in the loss of all WhatsApp data on the affected devices.
What About iPhones?
Meta previously announced a similar change for iPhones running iOS versions older than 15.1, but support for those devices will remain until May 2025.
Pokdepinion: As the popular messaging app continues to innovate, older devices simply can’t keep up with the app’s requirements. If you’re still holding onto an older Android phone, now is the time to upgrade and stay connected with the latest features and updates.
