Meta has announced that it will discontinue WhatsApp support for Android devices running on the outdated KitKat operating system or earlier versions.
This change will take effect on January 1, 2025, impacting smartphones that are over a decade old. The move aligns with Meta’s push to introduce advanced features and functionalities to WhatsApp, including artificial intelligence (AI) integrations and other demanding technologies. These upgrades require modern hardware capabilities that older devices cannot provide.
Affected Devices
A wide range of popular smartphones from various brands will lose WhatsApp compatibility, including:
Samsung:
Galaxy S3
Galaxy Note 2
Galaxy Ace 3
Galaxy S4 Mini
Motorola:
Moto G (1st Gen)
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
While many of these devices are no longer in widespread use, some users may still rely on them as secondary or backup phones. Meta advises such users to transfer their WhatsApp data to a newer device to prevent loss of chat history and media files.
Transition Recommendations
To avoid disruption, users of these older Android phones should:
Backup Data: Use WhatsApp’s backup feature to save chat histories and media to Google Drive.
Upgrade Hardware: Switch to a newer Android device capable of supporting WhatsApp’s latest features.
Meta’s decision is part of a broader strategy. Earlier this year, the company also announced plans to phase out WhatsApp support for iPhones running iOS versions older than 15.1 by May 2025.
As technology evolves, Meta continues to prioritize delivering a secure and feature-rich experience, which sometimes necessitates discontinuing support for outdated systems. For users still holding onto legacy devices, now is the time to prepare for the change.