A warning has been issued for users of WhatsApp, alerting them that failure to take action now could result in losing access to the app later this year. Meta, the parent company of the app, is expected to discontinue support for older Android devices, potentially impacting millions of users. Starting September 8, 2026, devices running on Android 6 or older will face restrictions.

While the move may inconvenience some users, it is anticipated that the majority will not be affected, considering Android 6 was released in 2015, and the latest version is now Android 16. However, data from Statcounter reveals that around 0.69% of Android devices globally are still on Android 5, amounting to approximately 3 million devices out of over 4 billion Android users worldwide.

Individuals using phones from a decade ago may still operate them for now, but come September 8, WhatsApp compatibility may cease abruptly. The most viable solution would be to upgrade to a newer Android device. This is advisable, as older devices are likely lacking security updates and might struggle with modern applications.

In addition to the announcement, WABetaInfo has shared a preview image from a future WhatsApp version displaying a warning message about the app’s future compatibility. It is advisable to check your Android device’s software version promptly to determine if you are affected and take necessary action within the upcoming months.