WhatsApp to End Support for Android 5 Devices in September 2026

Key facts

• WhatsApp will stop working on Android 5 and 5.1 from September 8, 2026.
• Users must upgrade to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher to continue using the app.
• Android 5 (Lollipop) was first released in November 2014.
• Approximately 1.66% of global devices still run on Android 5.
• The move is expected to disproportionately affect users in markets like South Africa with many budget and second-hand phones.
• Popular devices like the Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G4, and Google Nexus 6 originally ran on Android 5.
• WhatsApp will notify affected users within the app multiple times before the deadline.

Millions Face WhatsApp Disconnection Over Android Version

Millions of smartphone users worldwide are on the verge of losing access to WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging platform, as the company prepares to discontinue support for older Android operating systems. Effective September 8, 2026, the application will cease to function on devices running Android 5 and its subsequent version, 5.1. This significant shift mandates that users must upgrade their devices to at least Android 6.0, also known as Marshmallow, to maintain connectivity. For many, this requirement presents a stark choice: upgrade their current device or face disconnection from a platform that has become central to global communication. The move underscores a growing trend in the tech industry to phase out support for legacy software, pushing users towards newer hardware and, by extension, newer operating system versions. While the percentage of affected devices may seem modest on a global scale, the implications are substantial given WhatsApp's vast user base, estimated at around three billion individuals. The decision is particularly resonant in regions where the cost of newer technology is a barrier, such as South Africa, where older, budget-friendly, and second-hand Android phones remain prevalent.

The End of an Era for Android 5 Users

Android 5, codenamed Lollipop, was initially launched in November 2014, bringing a suite of visual and functional enhancements to the Android ecosystem. For years, its relatively low system requirements made it a cornerstone for app compatibility, including WhatsApp, which historically supported versions as low as Android 5.0. This broad compatibility has been a key factor in WhatsApp's dominance as the go-to messaging app across numerous countries. However, data from Statcounter GlobalStats indicates that approximately 1.66% of all active devices still operate on Android 5. While this figure represents a small fraction of the total, it translates into millions of users globally who will be impacted by this upcoming change. The decision reflects an ongoing effort by Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to streamline its development and ensure its application can leverage the latest features and security protocols available on more recent operating systems. Users currently running Android 5 or 5.1 are being strongly advised to back up their chat histories and begin exploring options for device upgrades. WhatsApp has confirmed that affected users will receive multiple in-app notifications leading up to the September 2026 deadline, providing a window for action.

Devices and Demographics at Risk

The decision to sunset support for Android 5 is poised to affect a specific segment of the user base, particularly those relying on devices that were released during the mid-2010s. Iconic smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S6, the LG G4, and Google's own Nexus 6, all of which originally shipped with Android 5, are among the models likely to be rendered incompatible with WhatsApp. This technological cutoff has significant social and economic implications, especially in developing markets and for users who prioritize affordability. In countries like South Africa, where a substantial number of individuals depend on older, cost-effective smartphones for daily communication and access to digital services, the requirement to upgrade could pose a considerable financial challenge. The move highlights the widening digital divide, where access to essential communication tools is increasingly tied to the ability to maintain up-to-date technology. As WhatsApp continues to evolve, its minimum system requirements are also advancing, reflecting the broader technological landscape.

Beyond Android 5: Evolving Features and Future Plans

The impending discontinuation of Android 5 support is occurring against a backdrop of continuous development within the WhatsApp application itself. In parallel, the platform is gradually phasing out its avatar feature, a tool introduced in December 2022 that allowed users to create personalized 3D avatars for profile pictures and stickers. This feature's removal, occurring across both Android and iOS, suggests it did not achieve the widespread adoption anticipated by its developers. Simultaneously, WhatsApp is actively testing new functionalities designed to enhance user experience and expand its capabilities. One notable development is a proposed in-app chat backup option. This feature would enable users to store their message history directly on WhatsApp's servers, diverging from the current reliance on cloud storage services like Google Drive. Early indications suggest this new backup system could offer users 2GB of complimentary storage, with an option to upgrade to a 50GB plan for a fee. Crucially, if implemented, this feature is slated to incorporate end-to-end encryption, thereby bolstering the security and privacy of user data stored on WhatsApp's infrastructure.

Navigating the Upgrade Path

For users uncertain about their current Android version, the process to check is straightforward. By navigating to the device's 'Settings' menu and scrolling to the 'About phone' section, users can readily identify the operating system version their smartphone is running. This simple step is crucial for determining whether an upgrade is necessary before the September 8, 2026, deadline. WhatsApp's commitment to informing its user base is evident in its promise to deliver multiple reminders within the app. These notifications are intended to serve as a clear call to action, urging users to take the necessary steps to either update their device's software or consider acquiring a new one that meets the minimum Android 6.0 requirement. The company aims to minimize abrupt disconnections by providing ample warning. The transition period leading up to September 2026 will be critical for millions. It necessitates proactive engagement from users and potentially a significant market response in terms of device sales, particularly in regions where older phones are commonplace. The long-term impact will depend on user adoption of newer devices and the continued evolution of WhatsApp's feature set.

The bottom line

• WhatsApp's support for Android 5 and 5.1 will end on September 8, 2026.
• Users must update their devices to Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer to continue using WhatsApp.
• The change will affect millions globally, with a notable impact expected in markets like South Africa.
• Devices originally released with Android 5, such as the Samsung Galaxy S6, may become incompatible.
• Users are advised to back up their chats and check their device's Android version via settings.
• WhatsApp will send multiple in-app notifications to alert affected users before the deadline.