It’s hardware prices rivals, or its ability to support older models, that is in question; for WhatsApp is changing its support policy. More than twenty Android smartphones will not be able to run the app starting from January 1, 2025. This change is mostly with devices that are still on older versions of Android, including Android 4.4 or KitKat and below. The older models of the smart phone will not be able to handle these new features or even install security upgrades as WhatsApp moves into the new phase.
WhatsApp Discontinues Support for Older Devices Starting January 2025
This decision has been announced by Meta, the owner of WhatsApp as the company seeks to improve security and user experience. The impacted devices are usually more than ten years old, which implies that they cannot meet the required performance levels to operate current software. Consequently, users will no longer have an ability to use the application unveiled in today’s release of WhatsApp unless they own the latest device.
While this is required for ensuring that the platform is secure, and operations are efficient, it is likely to present some issues for individuals who are still employing these models. Some of the manufacturers affected by this update include HTC and LG that have left the smartphone production business years ago. For such users, it becomes impossible to continue using WhatsApp prowess after the 1st of January, 2025 without changing to a modern Touch phone.
From a technical standpoint, it is logical for WhatsApp cease support the devices because their operating systems are outdated. The more recent smartphones are better suited to managing the growing load of software updates, security enhancements, additional functionality. This shift also enables WhatsApp channel its efforts towards refining its application to fit in the current commonly used devices, enhancing on the performance and experience.
Now, owners of an affected phone should think about buying a new smartphone with the updated version of Android. Of course, such a change may be slightly inconvenient for some users, but it makes them use newer technology and improve security.
Android Phones Losing WhatsApp Support in 2025: A Complete List
From January 1, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on several older Android smartphones that users will have to replace their devices if they want to keep using the app. The most affected brands are the Samsung, Motorola, HTC, LG, Sony. All of these devices can no longer install the newer versions of Android, security patches or new features and that is why support for them has been stopped by Meta.
These Samsung users are the one that will be affected and Include Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Ace 3, and Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. As these gadgets were in their producing prime, they are now considered old fashioned and incapable of delivering better application editions. If you own one of such phone, then, perhaps it is time to upgrade to the latest Samsung phone for continued WhatsApp usage.
Other brands that make up the list include Motorola with Moto G (1st Gen), Motorola Razr HD, and Moto E 2014. These are the models which are almost a decade old now and the old hardware on these models does not allow them to install latest updates from WhatsApp. In this case, users will be forced to switch to a more recent device in order to enjoy the experience of the app.
The older models of HTC, such as the One X, One X+, Desire 500, and Desire 601 are regrettably not an exception too. To date, these phones that were once considered premium mobile devices are unable to support the latest additions and securities of the WhatsApp. Those who own HTC devices can follow the app at the HP stream, where it will be available together with other, more modern applications.
Last but not the least, users of Sony SMARTHPHONES with Xperia Z, Xperia SP,T and V will no longer be able to use the application. As with the other brands in this list, these phones are also incapable of performing the more extensive features of newer applications. To enable reception of new features in terms of security and usability in the app, a new Android version will be required from time to time.
How to Prepare for WhatsApp Support Ending on Older Phones in 2025
If you think your phone might be among those that will be refused WhatsApp update next year, 2025, you can calm down. To make this transition possible, you can readily help yourself by backing up your WhatsApp chats. Described below are the advantages of using Google’s messaging app: It helps you to synchronize all your chats and this assures you that when you are exiting to a new device then you have the opportunity to restore the conversations.
To save your chats, go to WhatsApp and look for the setting menu. At that point, click on the “Chats” tab, then select on “Chat Backup.” There will be the possibility to save the chat to your Google account. When done, your data will be backed up later for secure storage to modify later or restore after transferring to your new device.
It may sound obvious but one of the basic requirements that should be followed if you want to make the transition to a brand new phone as easy as possible is to make backups of your chats . Whenever you change to a newer Android model or another brand, you don’t lose your precious conversations when you move WhatsApp to the new device. That means, it is one of the best methods that make your chat history consistent.
Users with relatively new phones need not panic. WhatsApp will remain operational as before, and you will continue to receive updates — security updates and more features first. But the customers who have old models of connection and operating system will need to update them fairly soon in order to [be able to] use the application without interruptions.
If you see your current device is among those devices that will no longer be updated in 2025, it’s a signal that it is high time to buy a new phone. Now, when your chats are saved you will be able to change your device and use WhatsApp without any concern about information loss.
