WhatsApp ends support for Android 5.0 and 5.1, users must upgrade to Android 6.0

WhatsApp has officially stopped working on smartphones running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1. The change took effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and applies to both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business.

The minimum Android version required for WhatsApp is now Android 6.0, also called Marshmallow. WhatsApp first announced the move in April, giving affected users several months to prepare.

What has changed

Users on Android 5.0 or 5.1 received an in-app notification saying WhatsApp would eventually stop working on their devices. That warning allowed time to check for a software update or consider buying a newer phone.

Now that the cutoff is in effect, affected users can no longer use WhatsApp unless their device can be upgraded to Android 6.0 or newer. Many of these phones are several years old and may no longer receive software updates from manufacturers.

The number of affected users is relatively small compared with WhatsApp's overall user base. Still, older Android phones remain in use across several markets, including parts of Africa, Asia and other emerging markets. For users whose phones cannot receive a newer Android version, replacing the device may be the only option.

Check your phone before it is too late

Users should first check which Android version their phone is running. On many devices, this is under Settings > About phone or Settings > System > About phone, although the exact menu can differ by manufacturer.

If an official system update is available, users can upgrade and see if the phone supports Android 6.0 or newer. If not, a newer compatible smartphone will be needed to continue using WhatsApp.

Users moving to a new device should back up their WhatsApp chats before switching. Depending on previous backup settings, chat history may be available through Google Drive or local storage. After installing WhatsApp on the new phone, sign in with the same phone number and follow the restoration process if a compatible backup is detected. Do not delete WhatsApp or wipe the old device before confirming that important chats and media are backed up.

Why WhatsApp is doing this

WhatsApp periodically ends support for older operating systems so it can focus development and testing on newer platforms. Supporting outdated Android versions can limit the features and security improvements developers want to introduce. Older operating systems may also lack technical capabilities required by newer versions of the app.

As of September 8, WhatsApp no longer supports Android 5.0 and 5.1. Users running Android 6.0 or newer need to take no action and can continue using WhatsApp normally.

For Nigerian users still on Android 5.0 or 5.1, the practical effect is straightforward. To keep using WhatsApp for business or personal chats, you need to move to a device running Android 6.0 or newer. With many affordable phones in the Nigerian market shipping with newer Android versions, the main challenge is for anyone holding onto an old device. That group now has to plan a switch or lose access to the platform.