No more WhatsApp: Many smartphone owners now have to do without the messenger

Since November 1st, some WhatsApp users with Android devices have been threatened with the end of support. Because the messenger can no longer close possible security gaps and the programs are more susceptible to hacker attacks, the lights go out there – literally: users can no longer use the popular messenger.

As has now been announced, will be from November Smartphones with a version older than Android 4.1 no longer supported. However, only very old cell phones are affected by this change. According to “Statista“Only 0.04 percent of all Android devices are currently still using version 4.0.

You can find out how to find out which version of Android is installed on your smartphone in this practical tip.

Already in May WhatsApp had announced by the way that Apple devices with operating systems older than iOS 10 are no longer supported either.

WhatsApp: Beware of false information regarding the end of support

A is currently circulating on the net list with 43 smartphone models on which WhatsApp is supposed to no longer run from November. But this is flawed. It is correct that the models mentioned were delivered with older operating systems. However, a system update to a still supported Android or iOS version is available for many of these mobile phones.

For example, the iPhone 6S, which is also in the list, was delivered with iOS 9. However, an update to iOS 14 is available. Apart from that, as already written above, no change in the system requirements of WhatsApp is planned for iOS. You can still use WhatsApp with the Samsung Galaxy S2 mentioned in the list. However, Android 4.1 is actually the latest version available here. If the system requirements are adjusted further in the future, this mobile phone will therefore in all probability be thrown out.

WhatsApp: what happens if I have an older version on my phone?

Users with older operating systems on Android or iOS devices can no longer create a new account; that too Re-verifying an existing WhatsApp account will then no longer be possible be.

Since the app operators no longer actively develop for these operating systems, some functions may also no longer be used.

WhatsApp itself can continue to receive messages, in the worst case these will not be displayed on the device. Affected users should check as soon as possible whether an update is available or look around for a new mobile phone with the latest operating system if they want to be on the safe side.

WhatsApp support-off: How affected users react correctly

Users who use affected devices should – if possible – have a current operating system version install or look for a more modern smartphone look around.

The reason for this is not just the WhatsApp shutdown – the outdated operating systems also pose a security risk in other ways, as they can be attacked via many known vulnerabilities.

WhatsApp no ​​longer supports these operating systems:

• Android versions between 1.0 up to and including 4.0.4

• iOS versions between iOS 1.0.x up to and including iOS 9.3.6

The corresponding list can also be found on the Support pages from WhatsApp.