By Osordi Ayomide
Millions of WhatsApp users across the world may soon lose access to the messaging platform as it prepares to discontinue support for older Android smartphones.
The company has announced that, effective September 8, 2026, the app will no longer function on devices running versions older than Android 6.0. That means smartphones still on Android 5.0 and 5.1 will be locked out of both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business after the deadline.
WhatsApp says the move is to enhance security, improve performance, and support newer features that older operating systems can’t handle. Industry observers add that keeping outdated software alive limits innovation and opens users to security risks.
The impact will hit hardest in places like Nigeria, where many people still use older smartphones that stopped getting updates years ago.
While WhatsApp has not released an official list of affected devices, several older models are likely to be impacted. These include Samsung Galaxy S6 and Note 4 and 5, Sony Xperia Z3 to Z5 series, OnePlus One and OnePlus 2, Asus Zenfone 2 series, Lenovo K3 Note and A7000, as well as some older Honor devices.
Findings show WhatsApp has already started sending in-app alerts to affected users, telling them to act before the cutoff. The options: update your phone’s software if possible, or switch to a newer device that meets the minimum requirement.
To avoid losing chats, photos, and contacts, the company is urging users to back up their data now. That can be done via Google Drive or local storage, then restored on a new phone.
For now, iPhone users are safe. WhatsApp will continue to support devices running iOS 15.1 and above.
This is part of a wider tech trend: older devices are being phased out for systems that are faster and more secure.
For many Nigerians who run businesses, close deals, and share news on WhatsApp, September 8, 2026, is the deadline to upgrade or get cut off.