WhatsApp will stop working on old devices, check yours

WhatsApp confirmed a few days ago that some Android phones will lose access to the app on November 1st, 2021. This was discovered on one of WhatsApp’s support pages, which described supported Android devices. The following is a short note from the official website:

“Note: On November 1, 2021, WhatsApp will no longer support Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older.” Before then, please switch to a supported device or save your chat history. This article will teach you how.”

Now that the day has arrived, millions of people have already lost access to the popular app. There are basically two options: update the software and upgrade to a newer version of Android (4.1 or higher) or purchase a new phone.

iPhone users running iOS 10 or later are safe and unaffected by this phaseout. Here’s how to check the version of your operating system on iOS and Android.

How to Determine Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod’s Software Version

• Get your device unlocked.
• Open the Settings app.
• Go to the General tab.
• Select the About tab.
• Explore what is written next to Software version.

How to Determine Your Android Phone’s Software Version

• Get your phone unlocked
• Locate and open the Settings app.
• You can find it in your app drawer or in the notification shade by tapping on the cogwheel icon.
• Go to About Phone or About Device.
• Scroll down to find the Android version.

Alternatively, you can look at this list of 52 popular devices that will no longer be able to use WhatsApp as of today – November 1st, 2021:

1. Galaxy Trend Lite
2. Galaxy Trend II
3. Galaxy SII
4. Galaxy S3 mini
5. Galaxy Xcover 2
6. Galaxy Core
7. Galaxy Ace 2
8. Lucid 2
9. Optimus F7
10. Optimus F5
11. Optimus L3 II Dual
12. Optimus F5
13. Optimus L5
14. Best L5 II
15. Optimus L5 Dual
16. Best L3 II
17. Optimus L7
18. Optimus L7 II Dual
19. Best L7 II
20. Optimus F6, Enact
21. Optimus L4 II Dual
22. Optimus F3
23. Best L4 II
24. Best L2 II
25. Optimus Nitro HD
26. Optimus 4X HD
27. Optimus F3Q
28. ZTE V956
29. Grand X Quad V987
30. Grand Memo
31. Xperia Miro
32. Xperia Neo L
33. Xperia Arc S
34. Alcatel
35. Ascend G740
36. Ascend Mate
37. Ascend D Quad XL
38. Ascend D1 Quad XL
39. Ascend P1 S
40. Ascend D2
41. Archos 53 Platinum
42. HTC Desire 500
43. Caterpillar Cat B15
44. Wiko Cink Five
45. Wiko Darknight
46. Lenovo A820
47. UMi X2
48. Run F1
49. THL W8
50. iPhone SE
51. iPhone 6S
52. iPhone 6S Plus

Some of the listed devices can still be upgraded to a newer version of their operating system. Normally, you should have received the update by now, but you can also manually check to see if it is available.

How to Check for Updates Manually on an Android Phone

• Open the Settings app on your phone.
• Tap System near the bottom.
• Then choose System update.
• The phone will perform a software update check.
• If a new version of your operating system is available, it will appear here; tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.

How to Update Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Manually

• You must connect to the internet by plugging in your device.
• Navigate to Settings > General, then Software Update.
• If a newer version of your operating system is available, it will be displayed here.
• If you see two software update options, select the one you want to install.
• Tap Install Now, or if you see a Download and Install button, tap it to download the update, then enter your passcode before tapping Install Now.