WhatsApp Will No Longer Support These Older Android Phones From Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Meta's widely used messaging service WhatsApp will no longer work for Android phones running Android KitKat or previous versions of the operating system.

WhatsApp has been adding new features, such as artificial intelligence-powered tools and functionalities, and sophisticated messaging capabilities, which call for more powerful hardware that older Android KitKat devices—which were first released in 2013—cannot offer.

The move is consistent with Meta's strategy to phase away support for obsolete devices. The company had declared earlier this month that iPhones running iOS 15.1 or earlier would see a similar schedule, with support ending in May 2025.

The move will prevent WhatsApp from working on a number of well-known Android phones of their times, such as:

• Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy S4 Mini

• Sony: Xperia T, Xperia V, Xperia Z, and Xperia SP

• Motorola: Moto G (1st Generation), Moto E 2014, and Razr HD

• LG: Optimus G, G2 Mini, Nexus 4, and L90

• HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, and Desire 601

For users who still have these smartphones, it is imperative that they back up their WhatsApp conversations and media before Jan. 1, 2025. Chat history and media files will be lost if this isn’t done.

Earlier this year, Google had also stopped supporting Android KitKat OS, underscoring the need for users to update their devices if they wish to experience advanced features and AI tools.