A new shock struck many smartphone users around the world, after the recent announcement from Meta, which confirmed that the WhatsApp application had stopped working on a number of smartphones that downloaded an old version of the Android operating system.
Stop using WhatsApp on these phones.
After the recent announcement, many websites and international news agencies confirmed that the WhatsApp application will not work on Android versions 5.0 and later starting next month.
It is worth noting that the WhatsApp instant messaging application now works on any smartphone running Google’s Android version 4.1 or later, Apple’s iOS version 12 or later, or version 2.5.0. And, later, the KaiOS operating system, which was used by the JioPhone and JioPhone 2.
WhatsApp allocates resources to support the most recent systems.
WhatsApp management stated on the WhatsApp blog’s questions and answers page that Meta has confirmed that effective of October 24, 2023, the minimum support for its Android application would be version 5.0.
Meta stated that this new decision derives from WhatsApp’s efforts to keep up with the latest technological breakthroughs, which drives it to frequently discontinue support for the oldest operating systems in order to direct its resources to support the most recent platforms.
The WhatsApp app is designed to send messages and notifications to owners of smartphones running an old operating system, telling them that they need to upgrade their handsets in order to continue using the program.
WhatsApp is still available for iPhones.
Meta stated that the WhatsApp program will remain available for iPhones running the iOS 12 operating system.
Android 4.1 operating system smartphones
The following devices are still running the Android 4.1 operating system, according to the Meta report: (Galaxy S2), (LG Optimus G Pro), and (Motorola Droid Razr). In addition (Sony Xperia S2).
How to update WhatsApp
- For Android users: Tap Update after finding WhatsApp Messenger in the Google Play Store.
- For (iPhone): Open the Apple App Store and search for WhatsApp Messenger, then hit UPDATE.
How to Install WhatsApp
1- Go to the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search for WhatsApp Messenger. Select INSTALL.
2- Launch WhatsApp and proceed to the following screen by accepting our Terms of Service.
3- Set up your phone number.
4- If a backup of your conversation history was discovered and you want to restore it, select Restore. More information about recovering your conversation history can be found here.
5- Enter your name here. You can also modify this in WhatsApp later by going to More options > Settings and then tapping on your profile name.
Devices that can run the WhatsApp application
WhatsApp works with Android devices that match the following criteria:
- Android phone with OS 5.0 or higher.
- While validating your phone number, your Android phone might receive SMS or phone calls.
Smartphones shortlisted by WhatsApp app
- Apple iPhone 5
- Apple iPhone 5c
- HTC Desire 500
- Huawei Ascend D
- Huawei Ascend D1
- Huawei Ascend D2
- Huawei Ascend G740
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend P1
- Quad XL
- Lenovo A820
- Memo ZTE V956
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Samsung Galaxy S3 mini
- Samsung Galaxy Trend II
- Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2
- Sony Xperia Arc S
- Sony Xperia miro
- Sony Xperia Neo L
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Dark night ZT
- LG Enact
- LG Lucid 2
- LG Optimus 4X HD
- LG Optimus F3
- LG Optimus F3Q
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus F6
- LG Optimus F7
- LG Optimus L2 II
- LG Optimus L3 II
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L4 II
- LG Optimus L4 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5
- LG Optimus L5 Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L7
- LG Optimus L7 II
- LG Optimus L7 II Dual
- LG Optimus Nitro HD
- Archos 53 Platinum
- Grand S Flex ZTE
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
Old operating systems lack the functionality required to run the application
According to confirmations from the famous Cent website, the main reason why WhatsApp stops working on smartphones that still run old Android operating systems is that they lack the functions required to run WhatsApp.
The company decided to stop all old versions, like other technology companies, as the company regularly reviews the operating systems it supports and then makes updates.
