As the start of 2025 approaches, WhatsApp is set to stop supporting millions of Android phones still running on old Android versions. The Meta-owned messaging platform continues to cull devices from its support list, including iPhones, as it evolves and adds new features that require modern operating systems and hardware.
One such device that’s losing support is the Android KitKat, which debuted over 10 years ago. As of January 2025, WhatsApp will no longer support devices running this outdated operating system, meaning that if you’re still using a phone with the KitKat version, it’s time to upgrade and purchase a new smartphone to continue using WhatsApp.
While it may seem surprising that anyone is still using a phone with an Android KitKat version, the fact that WhatsApp still supports this OS suggests that there’s still value in doing so. However, the start of 2025 will change that, and it’s time to make the upgrade.
WhatsApp is dropping support for a number of popular Android phones, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and HTC, which were once among the most popular smartphone brands. Here are some of the specific models that will no longer be supported:
* Samsung: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S4 Mini
* HTC: One X, One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
* Sony: Xperia Z, Xperia SP, Xperia T, Xperia V
* LG: Optimus G, Nexus 4, G2 Mini, L90
* Motorola: Moto G, Razr HD, Moto E 2014
It’s also important to back up your WhatsApp chat and data via your Google Drive storage. WhatsApp tends to make these changes frequently, not just limited to Android, and the messaging app now supports a host of features, including Meta AI that requires modern and latest hardware to run. As a result, WhatsApp needs to remove older models from the list that don’t need their attention anymore.
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