WHATSAPP will soon stop working on over 50 phones.
If you’re a regular user of the beloved chat app, you should check your device isn’t on the list.
WhatsApp is removing support for over 50 phone models in November.
This WhatsApp block will affect millions of iPhone and Android users.
The changes will come into effect on November 1, 2021.
That means if you have one of the affected devices, you will need to update your software or invest in a new phone to keep using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp claims phasing out support for older models can help keep the app secure and safe.
What should I do?
Be aware that some models can be easily updated to new software that will allow WhatsApp to work.
That includes the iPhone 6S.
For Android users, you’ll need to be running Android 4.1 or later.
That means many popular phones will lose access, including the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the Huawei Ascend Mate.
Find out how to check your Android version.
For Apple, you’ll lose access to an iPhone 4S or older.
That’s because iOS 10 can’t be installed on the iPhone 4S or earlier.
And if you’ve never updated your iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, or iPhone SE (2016) – or iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 variants – you’ll lose access until you update.
That’s because they launched on iOS 9 or older.
But you can update all three models to iOS 15 – the latest version – and keep access to WhatsApp.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update to find your iOS version.
The phones losing WhatsApp support
Here are 52 of the affected devices…
- Galaxy Trend Lite
- Galaxy Trend II
- Galaxy SII
- Galaxy S3 mini
- Galaxy Xcover 2
- Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Ace 2
- Lucid 2
- Optimus F7
- Optimus F5
- Optimus L3 II Dual
- Optimus F5
- Optimus L5
- Best L5 II
- Optimus L5 Dual
- Best L3 II
- Optimus L7
- Optimus L7 II Dual
- Best L7 II
- Optimus F6, Enact
- Optimus L4 II Dual
- Optimus F3
- Best L4 II
- Best L2 II
- Optimus Nitro HD
- Optimus 4X HD
- Optimus F3Q
- ZTE V956
- Grand X Quad V987
- Grand Memo
- Xperia Miro
- Xperia Neo L
- Xperia Arc S
- Alcatel
- Ascend G740
- Ascend Mate
- Ascend D Quad XL
- Ascend D1 Quad XL
- Ascend P1 S
- Ascend D2
- Archos 53 Platinum
- HTC Desire 500
- Caterpillar Cat B15
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight
- Lenovo A820
- UMi X2
- Run F1
- THL W8
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
Why is WhatsApp blocking old phones?
Tech companies regularly stop supporting older devices.
Google did just that with old Android phones for Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps.
Sometimes it’s because it’s simply not cost-efficient to keep apps working on very old versions of iOS or Android.
That’s especially the case if only a small percentage of users are running these old software versions.
Using outdated software can also be a huge security risk – so it’s important you update or upgrades if you can’t.
Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks
Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…
In other news, check out our iPhone 13 review and iPhone 13 Pro review.
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