By Juliet Umeh
Millions of Nigerians still using older smartphones could soon find themselves unable to access WhatsApp, following a new policy by the messaging app’s parent company, Meta.
Starting May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will stop working on several outdated devices that no longer meet its minimum security and performance standards.
The move is expected to impact not only everyday users but also small businesses that rely on WhatsApp Business for customer communication and operations.
In a statement, Meta said the decision is part of ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and reliable user experience across its platforms.
“As technology advances, phasing out support for older hardware is necessary to maintain app functionality and security,” Meta stated.
iPhone users will be affected if they are using devices that cannot upgrade beyond iOS 12.5.7, such as the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. These models will no longer be able to run WhatsApp since the platform now requires a minimum of iOS 15.1 to function.
On the Android front, WhatsApp had earlier ended support for devices running Android KitKat (4.4) as of January 1, 2025. Among the phones already affected are:
Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini
Motorola Moto G (1st Gen), Moto E (2014), Razr HD
HTC One X+, Desire 500, Desire 601
LG Optimus G, L90
Nexus 4
Sony Xperia Z, SP, T, and V
Meta is urging users to upgrade to newer devices running at least iOS 15.1 or Android 5.0 (Lollipop) in order to continue accessing WhatsApp services.
Users are also advised to back up their chat histories before switching devices to avoid losing important data and conversations.
The development highlights the growing digital divide as many Nigerians continue to rely on older, second-hand phones that may not support newer operating systems. With WhatsApp being a critical tool for communication, especially among small business owners and low-income users, the impact of the cutoff could be significant.
