Is your cell phone old? See the models that will be without WhatsApp in December

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This is not a new procedure in the Meta application: it is modified periodically so that operating systems can support updates and receive updates as well splatter (Corrections, in Portuguese) Security.

Why does WhatsApp stop working on some mobile phones?

WhatsApp analyzes which devices have the oldest software and have the fewest users to determine whether they will still be supported. This is not just a simple whim of the app, but rather a response to the constant updating of smartphones.

When a cell phone has outdated software, it is unable to receive updates, let alone new application functions. Another result is decreased performance, slowing down the device or causing malfunctions, such as unexpected shutdowns. But the biggest risk is a security issue, as the device is exposed to viruses, malware, and other types of attacks that threaten the privacy of stored data.

However, in your Help CenterThe app specifies that “before it stops supporting your operating system, you will receive a notification on WhatsApp and will be reminded several times to update it.” In this way, the goal is to prevent users from becoming isolated from the outside world.

When you receive this alert, you need to update the software to check if the device is outdated. You can also check the device version directly in the section “About device”on Android, or “Information”on iPhone.

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Find out which mobile phones will no longer have WhatsApp as of December 2025

Currently, the compatible operating systems for WhatsApp are Android OS 5.0 and above, as well as iPhones from iOS 15.1 onwards. In this sense, these are the models that will no longer be able to use the application as of the last month of the year:

• iPhone 5
• iPhone 5C
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

What to do if your cell phone is on the list?

The ideal solution is to have a newer model to receive updates and perform all WhatsApp functions. However, if that’s not possible, you can still use the desktop or browser version, although they don’t offer the same benefits as the app.