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Millions of users in Nigeria and globally risk losing access to WhatsApp as the messaging platform prepares to discontinue support for outdated smartphones.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced that, effective May 5, 2025, the app will cease to function on certain older devices that no longer meet the platform’s minimum security and performance criteria. This update will impact not only individual users but also small businesses that depend on WhatsApp Business for communication.
The company explained that the decision is part of a broader effort to enhance user safety, maintain app performance, and align with the technical demands of newer operating systems. Meta emphasized that phasing out older devices allows it to focus on delivering a more secure and efficient experience for users across its platforms.
“As technology advances, phasing out support for older hardware is necessary to maintain app functionality and security,” the company stated.
WhatsApp will soon stop functioning on iPhones running iOS versions earlier than 15.1. This means that older Apple devices such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus will no longer support the messaging app. These models are unable to upgrade beyond iOS 12.5.7, making them incompatible with WhatsApp’s latest requirements.
This update is part of a broader move by Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, to phase out support for outdated operating systems that no longer meet modern security and performance standards. The decision also follows WhatsApp’s earlier discontinuation of support for Android 4.4 (KitKat), which took effect on January 1, 2025.
Several Android devices are affected by this change. These include older models from Samsung such as the Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, and S4 Mini. Motorola devices like the Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), and Razr HD are also on the list.
Other impacted phones include HTC’s One X+, Desire 500, and Desire 601; LG’s Optimus G and L90; the Nexus 4; and Sony’s Xperia Z, SP, T, and V models.
To continue using WhatsApp, users are advised to upgrade to smartphones running at least iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 (Lollipop). Meta also recommends backing up chat histories before switching to a new device to avoid losing important data or conversations.
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