WhatsApp won't work on some ‘older’ smartphones in 2020

Millions of smartphones will lose the ability to access and use WhatsApp as the company removes support of older iphones, android devices and all Windows phones. 

The new requirements for the world's most popular instant messaging application will only function on devices capable of running at least iOS 9 or Android 3.0. All Windows phones will also lose support as of December 31, 2019.

The WhatsApp team constantly works to integrate new features that are often 'stolen' from sister applications, mostly frequently, Instagram, in order to optimise the user experience. WhatsApp is one of the most useful apps on the market for communicating with friends and family or for work purposes. This is why we think it’s important to know that from 2020 WhatsApp will no longer support certain devices.

Devices affected

WhatsApp will stop working on millions of phones in the coming months as the company withdraws support for some older mobile platforms. “As of February 1, 2020, any iPhone with iOS 8 or earlier will no longer be supported, along with any Android device with version 2.3.7 or earlier," said Facebook, the social media giant who purchased WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014.

The devices that will be affected include iPhones older than iPhone 5, all Microsoft Lumia devices, HP Elite smartphones and virtually all Android smartphones that were released around 2010 or earlier, such as Google Nexus One, Samsung Epic 4G and Motorola Droid X and some models with the KaiOs 2.5.1 operating system, including JioPhone and JioPhone 2.

Facebook explains: "Users of these operating systems will no longer be able to create new WhatsApp accounts or re-verify existing accounts”. WhatsApp will retire support for all Windows phones as of December 31, 2019, the same month Microsoft ends support for its Windows 10 mobile operating system.

The changes that are to be made mean, in theory, it will be possible to continue to use WhatsApp on most affected devices if you already have an account, but on a limited basis. Some features may stop working sporadically. Though, for those who use the Windows Phone operating system, they will not receive any support from WhatsApp as of January 1, 2020.

Devices incompatible with WhatsApp from 2020

Android Gingerbread 2.3.7 and earlier (as of February 1, 2020)

iPhone 4

iPhone 3GS

iPhone 3G

Original iPhone

Phones requiring system updates in 2020

iPhone 5

iPhone 5C

iPhone 5S

iPhone 6

iPhone 6 Plus

WhatsApp will be completely revamped in 2020

WhatsApp opts to remove support from certain operating platforms each year due to the reducing numbers of people actually using the application from these platforms. It is also difficult to implement new features compatible with older operating systems.

Facebook commented: "This was a difficult decision for us to make, but it's the right one to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family and loved ones who use WhatsApp.”

To recap: If you have a device installed with Android 4.0.3 or above, iOS 9 or above, or KaiOS 2.5.1 or above, you should have no problem using WhatsApp as we sail in 2020. If you’re device is running with an older operating system and you’d like the option to use WhatsApp - you may want to consider purchasing a new smartphone.