WhatsApp has started applying a new change to its Android operating system requirements, raising the minimum supported version to Android 6.0. The move means smartphones still running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 will fall outside the supported range if they cannot be upgraded to a newer version. Users of affected older devices could consequently lose the ability to continue using WhatsApp to send and receive messages once their operating system is no longer supported.

The change is part of WhatsApp’s periodic approach to ending support for older devices and operating systems. This allows the service to focus on newer versions that provide more suitable security and technical capabilities for running the application while maintaining the required level of performance. WhatsApp previously supported smartphones running Android 5.0 and later versions, but Android 6.0 has now become the minimum operating system required to run the application.

The update will not affect Android users whose smartphones are already running Android 6.0 or a newer operating system, as those devices remain within the supported range. The situation is different for smartphones still using Android 5.0 or Android 5.1. For owners of these older devices, the key question is whether an official operating system upgrade is available, making it important to check the Android version currently installed on the phone.

Users with older smartphones should review their device settings to identify the installed Android version and check whether an official system update is available. If a smartphone running Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 can be upgraded to Android 6.0 or later, installing the available update can help keep the device compatible with WhatsApp’s new requirements. The age of the smartphone alone is therefore not the determining factor, as the installed operating system and its upgrade options are what ultimately matter.

If an older smartphone cannot be upgraded to Android 6.0 or any later version, it will no longer meet WhatsApp’s minimum Android requirements. Users who want to continue accessing the messaging service may therefore need to consider moving to a device running a newer version of Android. Checking the operating system version and available official updates is particularly important for anyone still using Android 5.0 or Android 5.1 and uncertain whether their smartphone will remain compatible with WhatsApp.