WhatsApp has officially ended support for smartphones running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop. The messaging platform now requires Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer for WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Users whose phones cannot be upgraded beyond Android 5.x may need to switch to a newer smartphone to continue using WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
- Which Android Versions Are Affected?
- Which Phones Could Be Affected?
- How to Check Your Android Version
- What Should Android 5.0 Users Do?
- Back Up WhatsApp Chats Before Switching Phones
- Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Android Versions?
- What the Support Change Means for Users
- WhatsApp Support Change: Key Details
- Technology Changes, Spiritual Knowledge Endures
- FAQs on WhatsApp Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
WhatsApp Ends Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
WhatsApp has dropped support for smartphones running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop. Starting today, the platform requires Android 6.0 Marshmallow or a newer version to continue using both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business.
The company first announced the change in April, giving affected users several months to prepare. During this period, WhatsApp displayed in-app notifications informing users that support for older Android versions would end in September. With the deadline now in effect, devices that cannot be upgraded beyond Android 5.x will no longer be able to access the app.
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The supplied information identifies September 8, 2026, as the effective date. The referenced Moneycontrol report, published on September 9, 2026, states that support has officially ended starting today. The supplied WhatsApp Help Center information also states that Android 5.0 will no longer be supported from September 9, 2026 onwards.
Which Android Versions Are Affected?
The change affects Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop. Android 6.0 Marshmallow and newer versions remain supported.
| Android version | WhatsApp support |
| Android 4.0 and older | Not supported |
| Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Support ends September 8, 2026; from September 9, WhatsApp will not be supported |
| Android 5.1 (Lollipop) | Support has ended |
| Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Supported |
| Android 7 and newer | Supported |
| Latest Android versions | Supported |
The affected apps are WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Users running Android 6.0 or above can continue using WhatsApp under the stated requirements.
Which Phones Could Be Affected?
Most affected devices are smartphones released more than a decade ago that never received an official software update beyond Android 5. These handsets are still in use in some regions, including India, Brazil, Pakistan, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.
If a phone cannot be updated to Android 6.0 or later, WhatsApp will no longer function on the device. Users whose smartphones are still running Android 5.0 or below therefore need to check whether an official software update is available.
Also Read: WhatsApp Business Updates 2026: How Meta Is Turning WhatsApp Into an AI-Powered Business Platform
The supplied information states that WhatsApp regularly reviews the operating systems and devices it supports, considering which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users.
How to Check Your Android Version
Users who are unsure which Android version their phone is running can check it through the device settings. The exact menu names can vary depending on the phone manufacturer.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Look for About phone or About device.
- Find Android version.
- Check the number displayed there.
If the phone is running Android 6.0 or higher, it meets the stated minimum Android requirement. If it is running Android 5.0 or less, the device may no longer be able to use WhatsApp with official support.
What Should Android 5.0 Users Do?
If Android 5.0 or an older version appears on the phone, users should first check whether the device can receive an update to Android 6.0 or above. If an update is available, it should be installed before opening WhatsApp again.
If the phone has reached the end of software support and cannot receive the required Android upgrade, users may need to replace the current handset with a newer device.
WhatsApp says users running discontinued operating systems will be alerted in the app and reminded multiple times to upgrade their device. The supplied information also advises users to check for a software update before purchasing a new phone.
Back Up WhatsApp Chats Before Switching Phones
Users who need to move to another smartphone are advised to back up their WhatsApp chats before switching devices. The supplied Moneycontrol report recommends backing up chats to Google Drive or local storage.
After installing WhatsApp on a new Android smartphone and signing in with the same mobile number, users can restore their chat history from the backup. The supplied information also advises Android 5.0 users to make sure their WhatsApp chats and messages are backed up within their email ID.
Why Is WhatsApp Ending Support for Older Android Versions?
According to WhatsApp, maintaining compatibility with outdated Android versions limits the development of new features and security improvements. By raising the minimum requirement to Android 6.0, the company can focus on delivering newer capabilities while improving overall performance and protection for the vast majority of users.
Older devices may also lack the latest security updates or the functionality required to support newer WhatsApp features. Ending support for older Android versions allows WhatsApp to concentrate on newer operating systems while maintaining security and compatibility.
What the Support Change Means for Users
The support change primarily affects phones that remain on Android 5.x and cannot be upgraded. Android 6.0 Marshmallow and newer versions continue to meet the stated requirement for WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. Users of affected phones can first check for an available software update and, if none is available, consider moving to a newer handset after backing up their chats.
WhatsApp Support Change: Key Details
The key change is that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is now the minimum supported Android version stated in the supplied information. Android 5.0 and 5.1 devices are affected, while newer Android versions remain supported. Users should check their software version, install an available update where possible, and back up chats before changing devices.
Technology Changes, Spiritual Knowledge Endures
The WhatsApp support change highlights how technology continuously evolves and older systems eventually become outdated.
In a broader spiritual context, the teachings associated with Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj emphasise that technological progress alone does not fulfil the purpose of human life. His primary teachings describe spiritual knowledge as important for understanding the purpose of human existence and attaining spiritual peace and salvation. For this purpose technology is very useful.
To know more about the spiritual knowledge given by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, take out some time to rediscover the hidden truth inside our holy scriptures through the discourses of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
FAQs on WhatsApp Support for Android 5.0 and 5.1
1. Which Android versions has WhatsApp stopped supporting?
WhatsApp has ended support for Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1 Lollipop.
2. What is the minimum Android version required for WhatsApp?
Android 6.0 Marshmallow is the minimum supported Android version stated in the supplied information.
3. How can I check my Android version?
Go to Settings, select About phone or About device, and find Android version.
4. What should Android 5.0 users do?
Check for an update to Android 6.0 or newer. If unavailable, consider switching to a newer smartphone.
5. Should I back up WhatsApp chats before changing phones?
Yes. Users are advised to back up chats to Google Drive or local storage before switching devices.
