WhatsApp will soon no longer be accessible for some mobile phone models due to updates that will limit compatibility with older operating systems. This measure will affect a series of devices that do not meet the minimum operating system requirements necessary to support the new security versions implemented by the platform.
Regular app updates not only add new features and improvements, but also introduce more advanced privacy and security requirements. This implies that devices with older versions of iOS and Android, specifically lower than iOS 10.0 or Android 4.1they will gradually lose the ability to run the messaging platform effectively.
Starting in July 2024, a list of devices will no longer be able to access the appwhich may affect a significant number of users who still depend on older models of mobile phones and will have to look for solutions to communicate with family and friends.
Among the cell phones that will be excluded from WhatsApp starting in July include a variety of models from different brands such as Samsung, Apple, LG, Huawei and Lenovo. These devices, due to their outdated operating system versions, will not be able to receive the necessary updates to continue using the application optimally.
Below is the complete list of mobile phone models that will lose access to WhatsApp starting in July 2024:
Samsung:
- Galaxy S3 Mini
- Galaxy X Cover 2
- Galaxy Trend Lite
Manzana:
- iPhone S
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6S Plus
- iPhone 5
- Iphone 6
LG:
- Optimus L3 II Dual
- Optimus L5 Dual
- Optimus L7 Dual
- Optimus F3Q
- Optimus L2 II
- Optimus F6
Other models:
- Xperia M (Sony)
- Ascend (Huawei)
- Grand S Flex (Lenovo)
- Grand Memo (Lenovo)
These devices, as they are not compatible with iOS and Android versions higher than iOS 10.0 and Android 4.1 respectively, will be affected by the WhatsApp restriction from the aforementioned date. Users who own any of these models should consider updating their device or purchasing a newer one that meets the minimum requirements to continue using WhatsApp without interruptions.
If you are the owner of one of the mentioned phones and want to continue using WhatsApp after July 2024, it is recommended that you consider the following actions:
- Make sure your phone meets the minimum operating system requirements mentioned by WhatsApp.
- If possible, check to see if updates are available for your device. On Android, you can do this by opening the “Settings” or “Settings” app, and looking for the “Software Update” section. On iOS, go to “Settings,” then “General,” and select “Software Update.”
- If your phone is unable to receive operating system updates or does not meet the minimum requirements, consider purchasing a new device that supports the latest versions of iOS or Android.
If your phone is on the list above, it is best to make a backup. The process to follow in this case is the following:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings.
- Open the ‘Chats’ option.
- Then select the Backup option.
- Click make copy now.
- Wait for the process to complete, which may take 30 minutes or so.
- The backup will begin to be uploaded to the Drive account associated with Google.
Now, the data will be saved in the cloud and when you log in on the new mobile phone, all the information and contacts will be recovered, a process that is done automatically when you log in with the same account.
It is important to have enough storage space in your Drive profile, since this platform has a limit of 15 GBwhich is shared with the Photos application and Gmail emails.
