As the most popular messaging app in the world, it’s safe to say we’re all a little reliant on WhatsApp – although that might not be the case for those with older devices as of today.
The Facebook-owned platform has seen a range of new features integrated recently, including a brand new button for group chats, similar to Zoom and FaceTime.
And, while the app’s blue ticks feature already leaves message senders feeling a tad stressed, there could soon be bigger problems that users of the app could face.
WhatsApp is set to stop working entirely on a wide selection of Apple and Android phones from this month, so read on to find out what models are set to be affected.
WhatsApp will stop working on phones that run on anything older than Android OS 4.1, Apple’s iOS 10 and KaiOS 2.5.1 from November 1, according to its FAQ section.
As newer operating systems cannot be supported on a range of smartphone models, this rules out WhatsApp for 43 different devices.
The following smartphones will no longer have access to the messaging app:
There are just three Apple handsets that the widely-used platform will stop working on.
The iPhone SE, 6S and 6S Plus.
There are 40 Android devices that WhatsApp will cease to function on including Samsung, Huawei and Sony models.
The Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2, Galaxy Core and Galaxy Ace 2.
The LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact , Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q.
The ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987 and Grand Memo.
The Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S, and Ascend D2.
The Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, Xperia Arc S.
The Alcatel One Touch Evo 7, Archos 53 Platinum, HTC Desire 500, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, Lenovo A820, UMi X2, Faea F1 and THL W8.
If your smartphone is no longer compatible with WhatsApp you will need to upgrade to a newer model that has a supporting operating system.
Don’t fret, as it is unlikely that the app will stop working immediately.
And, if you do purchase a newer handset that supports the app, your existing account will be re-enabled when you enter the same phone number associated with it.
While you cannot transfer chat history between platforms, such as from Android to iPhone, you can still keep your chat history.
Do this by exporting your chat history as an email attachment before November, 2021.
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