What You Need to Know About the Latest WhatsApp Update
In a move that could impact millions of users worldwide, Meta has announced that starting January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer support Android smartphones running on Android KitKat or older operating systems. This means that users with older devices will no longer be able to use the popular messaging app unless they update to a more modern phone.
For many, this news is not entirely unexpected. As WhatsApp continues to roll out new features and functionalities, the app requires more advanced hardware and software to run smoothly. Unfortunately, older smartphones, particularly those using outdated operating systems, often fail to support the demands of these updates. As a result, WhatsApp, like many apps, must phase out support for older devices to keep up with technological advancements.
The Full List of Affected Phones
If you’re using one of the devices listed below, your WhatsApp experience will come to an end in the new year. Check the full list of affected Android phones:
Samsung:
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Ace 3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola:
- Moto G (Gen 1)
- Razr HD
- Moto E 2014
HTC:
- One X
- One X+
- Desire 500
- Desire 601
LG:
- Optimus G
- Nexus 4
- G2 Mini
- L90
Sony:
- Xperia Z
- Xperia SP
- Xperia T
- Xperia V
For those still holding on to these older devices, the clock is ticking. After January 1, 2025, you will no longer be able to use WhatsApp on these phones, unless you upgrade to a newer model.
Why Is This Happening?
WhatsApp, like many other apps, must constantly evolve to keep up with the latest trends and technological shifts. As the world moves toward artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features and more complex functionalities, it requires more powerful hardware to run. This means that older smartphones, which are unable to keep up with these technological demands, can no longer support the app’s features.
This change is part of a broader trend where app developers phase out support for older devices and operating systems. While this can be frustrating for some users, it’s also a necessary step to ensure the app remains secure, functional, and capable of handling new features.
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
If you continue to use one of the older devices listed above, you will no longer be able to run WhatsApp once support is officially cut off. This means you will lose access to all your chat histories, media, and contacts. Unless you take action and back up your WhatsApp data, you risk losing all your valuable conversations and files.
To avoid this, it’s essential to back up your WhatsApp data to a newer device before the cutoff date. The process is relatively simple and can save you from losing precious memories stored in your chats.
How to Back Up Your WhatsApp Data on Android
Before January 1, 2025, it’s important to back up your WhatsApp data to a newer device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open WhatsApp on your current device.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
- Tap on Back Up to Google Drive and select your preferred backup frequency.
- Tap on Back Up to start the backup process.
Once your data is securely backed up, you can easily restore it to a new phone by following these steps:
- Install WhatsApp on your new device.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- When prompted, tap Restore to restore your chat history from Google Drive.
Once this is done, you’ll have all your WhatsApp data intact on your new device, and you can continue chatting without any interruptions.
What About iPhones?
In a similar move, Meta has also announced the end of support for iPhones running on iOS versions older than 15.1. However, this cutoff won’t happen until May 2025, giving iPhone users a bit more time to upgrade if they are still on an older operating system.
While the Android phones listed above are mostly quite old, WhatsApp’s move to drop support for these devices highlights the fast pace at which technology is advancing. Most users likely already own newer devices, but it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes so you can make the necessary upgrades in time.
A Small Impact, But Important to Be Aware
Although the end of support will primarily affect users with older devices, the impact is still worth noting. For the most part, the devices affected by this change are outdated and likely have already been replaced by newer models. However, there may still be a small group of users who rely on these phones for daily communication. For these individuals, it’s crucial to back up WhatsApp data and consider upgrading before the January 1 deadline.
While the change is unlikely to disrupt the majority of WhatsApp users, staying proactive about device upgrades will ensure you don’t lose your data and can continue using the app without any issues.
