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A major change to WhatsApp is about to impact thousands of users around the world. Starting this Tuesday, the most popular messaging app will stop working on 16 specific cell phone models. 📱
This means that for anyone who has one of these devices, it will be impossible to access conversations, send messages and use the app's features.
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These updates are part of WhatsApp's maintenance and improvement routine, which frequently discontinues support for older devices due to incompatibility with newer technologies.
However, this may take many by surprise, especially if your cell phone is still active. 🔄
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Want to know if your smartphone is on the list? In this content, you will find all the details about the affected models, the reason behind this change and what to do if your device is among those discontinued.
Don't waste time and check all the important information before you get caught off guard! 🚨
Which phones will be impacted by the WhatsApp update? 📵
If you're the type of person who can't put down WhatsApp to chat with friends or take care of work, you should be aware: starting this Tuesday, the app will stop working on some older cell phone models. This is because WhatsApp is constantly updating its platform, bringing new features and security improvements that end up being incompatible with devices that can no longer keep up with the pace of updates.
And then comes the question: Which cell phones will be affected? The list released by WhatsApp includes 16 smartphone models that, due to their technical specifications or outdated operating system, will no longer be able to run the app. Check it out below:
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- Samsung Galaxy Core
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy Trend II
- Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
- LG Optimus F7
- LG Optimus F5
- LG Optimus L3 II Dual
- LG Optimus L5 II
- LG Optimus L5 II Dual
- LG Optimus L3 II
- Huawei Ascend Mate
- Huawei Ascend D2
If your smartphone is on the list, ⚠️ it's time to think about alternatives. But don't worry, there's no need to panic! I'll explain more about what this means and how you can prepare.
Why does WhatsApp stop working on old phones? 🤔
Now you must be wondering: “Wow, why does WhatsApp do this?”. The answer is directly linked to technological evolution. As the app implements new features, such as more stable video calls, animated stickers and even greater encryption in conversations, it needs more advanced operating systems to work without crashing or causing security issues.
Furthermore, maintaining support for older devices ends up being an unnecessary cost for the company. Therefore, WhatsApp annually reviews and defines which cell phone models and operating system versions will no longer meet the minimum requirements. In this round, the affected devices are those that cannot run at least:
- Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher;
- iOS 12 or higher for iPhones.
This means that if your phone is still running an older version of Android or iOS, the chances of it becoming obsolete for the app increase significantly. And it's not just WhatsApp that does this, you know? Other apps, such as Instagram and even digital banks, also adopt the same practice.
How do I know if my phone is out of date? 📱
Before you start changing your smartphone or panicking, you can quickly check if your device is up to date enough to continue using WhatsApp. The process is super simple, just take a look:
For Android:
- Access the Settings from your cell phone;
- Look for the option About the phone or something similar (varies depending on the brand);
- Tap on Software information and check which version of Android is installed;
- If it is lower than Android 5.0, unfortunately WhatsApp will no longer be supported.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone;
- Tap on General and then in On;
- Check which iOS version is installed;
- If it is lower than iOS 12, WhatsApp will also stop working.
This information is crucial to understanding whether your device is still capable of running the app. If it has an operating system version higher than the minimum required, you are safe (at least for now). But if that is not the case, it is time to think about alternatives.
What to do if your phone is affected? 💡
If your smartphone is on the list of devices that will lose support for WhatsApp, don't despair! There are some practical solutions you can adopt. I'll list some options to help you stay connected:
Update the operating system
In some cases, the problem can be solved by simply updating the operating system. This is especially true for devices that are still officially supported by the manufacturer, but are running an older version due to a lack of manual updates.
- Go to the Settings from the cell phone;
- Search for Software update;
- If an update is available, install it and restart your device.
This way, you can gain extra time before you need to change your smartphone.
Consider changing your device
If your device no longer supports updates, it might be time to consider an upgrade. And hey, you don't need to spend a fortune on a top-of-the-line smartphone! There are basic and mid-range models that offer great performance for everyday use and, of course, compatibility with the most used apps.
- Search for phones with Android 12 or higher;
- Opt for recent generation iPhones, such as the iPhone SE (2nd generation);
- Consider brands known for good value for money, such as Xiaomi and Samsung.
With Black Friday approaching, it's a great opportunity to invest in a more up-to-date model without breaking the bank. 😉
Other tips to avoid losing access to WhatsApp 🚀
Still unsure about how to deal with the situation? I'll share some extra tips to help you avoid losing access to WhatsApp:
Backup your conversations
If you are going to change your phone, don't forget to save your conversations. This is essential to avoid losing important information. To do this:
- Access the Settings menu from WhatsApp;
- Tap on Conversations and then in Backup conversations;
- Choose a Google account (or iCloud, in the case of iPhone) and make the backup.
So when you set up WhatsApp on your new device, your messages will be there, waiting for you.
Consider temporary alternatives
If changing your phone is not an option at the moment, you can explore other communication alternatives, such as:
- Telegram: offers similar features to WhatsApp and is compatible with a wide range of devices;
- Messenger: ideal for those who already use Facebook frequently;
- Signal: secure and privacy-focused option.
These platforms can be a helping hand while you organize the replacement of your device.
Stay tuned for upcoming changes to WhatsApp 📢
This change won't be the last, after all, technology is constantly evolving. That's why it's always a good idea to keep an eye on updates and requirements for the apps you use the most. If you're aware and prepared, you'll hardly be caught off guard the next time WhatsApp or any other app decides to stop working on older devices.
So, let's keep an eye on the news and make sure your smartphone is ready for all the updates that are coming! 🚀
Conclusion
Keeping up to date with technological changes is essential these days, and the news that the WhatsApp will stop working on 16 cell phone models reinforces the importance of paying attention to the compatibility of devices with the most used platforms. 📱 Starting this Tuesday, users of these devices will need to look for alternatives, whether by changing their cell phone or exploring other forms of communication. This scenario highlights how technological advances, however beneficial they may be, can directly impact our daily lives.
It is essential to check whether your smartphone is on the list of affected devices to avoid unpleasant surprises. In addition, this change is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of keeping your devices updated, ensuring access to modern features and greater security in your online interactions. 🔒 If you need to change devices, prioritize models that are compatible with future updates, prolonging their usability and efficiency.
Finally, remember that technological advancements aim to provide a more fluid, safe and practical experience for users. 🛠️ Staying informed is the first step to adapting to these changes smoothly. To learn more and check the full list of devices that will no longer be compatible, keep an eye on reliable sources and update yourself regularly! 😉
