WhatsApp to drop support for old Android phones next month: See if you are affected

WhatsApp also notes that a prerequisite to the verification process requires the phone to be able to receive SMS or calls. Also, new accounts cannot be set up on Wi-Fi-only devices.

The company says to choose which devices they will stop supporting, it takes a look at the oldest software that has the lowest user base and also factors in whether these devices can smoothly run the app.

However, before service on an operating system is discontinued, users will get a notification from WhatsApp ahead of time and upgrade reminders so they can continue using the service.

Some of the older devices that run on Android 4.1 or lower include the Galaxy S2, LG Optimus G Pro, Motorola Droid Razr, Sony Xperia S2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and LG Optimus 2X. Most of the devices are almost a decade old, so it is highly unlikely that the change will affect a large number of users.

If you have an old phone lying around and want to check which version of Android it runs on, go to the ‘Settings’ app, tap on ‘About phone’ and head over to the ‘Software information’ section. Here, the Android version is listed under the category of the same name.

Earlier this month, WhatsApp introduced a new native app for iPad and launched a Telegram-like Channels feature. The company also announced new features for businesses in India like Flows, Payments and Meta Verified.