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WhatsApp will stop working on millions of phones today, check out if yours is one of them

By Mariyan Slavov

Updated: Nov 01, 2021, 10:12 AM

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WhatsApp will stop working on millions of phones today, check out if yours is one of them

A couple of days ago, WhatsApp confirmed that some Android phones will lose access to the app on November 1st, 2021. This was actually discovered on one of WhatsApp’s support pages, describing supported Android devices. Here’s the short note, posted on the official website:

“Note: WhatsApp will no longer support Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older on November 1, 2021. Please switch to a supported device or save your chat history before then. Learn how in this article.”

Now, the day has quickly come, and millions of people will lose access to the popular app. There are basically two options - one is to update the software and move to a newer version of Android (4.1 or newer) or buy a new phone.

iPhone users running iOS 10 or newer are safe and sound and won’t be affected by this phaseout. Here’s how to check your OS version on iOS and Android.

How to find the software version on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

Unlock your device
Launch the Settings app
Navigate to General
Tab on About
Check out what’s written next to Software version

How to find the software version of your Android phone

Unlock your phone
Find and launch the Settings app
You can locate it inside your apps drawer or
access it from the notification shade by tapping on the cogwheel icon
Navigate to About phone or About Device
Scroll down to Android version

Alternatively, you can check this list of 52 popular devices, which will lose WhatsApp access as of today - November 1st, 2021:

Galaxy Trend Lite
Galaxy Trend II
Galaxy SII
Galaxy S3 mini
Galaxy Xcover 2
Galaxy Core
Galaxy Ace 2
Lucid 2
Optimus F7
Optimus F5
Optimus L3 II Dual
Optimus F5
Optimus L5
Best L5 II
Optimus L5 Dual
Best L3 II
Optimus L7
Optimus L7 II Dual
Best L7 II
Optimus F6, Enact
Optimus L4 II Dual
Optimus F3
Best L4 II
Best L2 II
Optimus Nitro HD
Optimus 4X HD
Optimus F3Q
ZTE V956
Grand X Quad V987
Grand Memo
Xperia Miro
Xperia Neo L
Xperia Arc S
Alcatel
Ascend G740
Ascend Mate
Ascend D Quad XL
Ascend D1 Quad XL
Ascend P1 S
Ascend D2
Archos 53 Platinum
HTC Desire 500
Caterpillar Cat B15
Wiko Cink Five
Wiko Darknight
Lenovo A820
UMi X2
Run F1
THL W8
iPhone SE
iPhone 6S
iPhone 6S Plus

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

How to manually check for updates on an Android phone

Open your phone's Settings app.
Near the bottom, tap System
Then select System update.
The phone will check for software updates.
If there’s a new version of your operating system, it’ll pop up here - tap on it and follow the instructions to download and install it.

How to manually update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

You need to plug in your device and connect to the internet.
Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
If there’s a newer version of your operating system, it’ll pop up here
If you see two software update options available, choose the one that you want to install.
Tap Install Now or if you see a Download and Install button instead, tap on it to download the update, then enter your passcode, and after that tap Install Now.

View Full Bio

Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.