WhatsApp to stop working on 49 mobile phones from 31 December: full list of models and changes explained

WhatsApp is set to end its messaging services on around 49 smartphones, leaving millions without the popular app within days.

The Meta-owned company will put an end to update launches from Friday (31 December) which will halt WhatsApp services on dozens of smartphones that belong to market-leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, Sony and LG. These will only affect those with older models, and users will be notified with a warning message before the app stops working.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms in the UK and across the world. Billions of customers use its free messaging service, which boasts high-grade security via end-to-end encryption, to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.

It is understood the company is pulling its support for 49 smartphones listed below as they have outdated operating systems that won’t be able to support the new upgraded version of WhatAapp along with future updates. The service stoppage will ensure all WhatsApp users are using the latest version of the app with enhanced safety and privacy options.

Full list of phones which will not be able to use WhatsApp from 31 December:

• Apple iPhone 5
• Apple iPhone 5c
• Archos 53 Platinum
• Grand S Flex ZTE
• Grand X Quad V987 ZTE
• HTC Desire 500
• Huawei Ascend D
• Huawei Ascend D1
• Huawei Ascend D2
• Huawei Ascend G740
• Huawei Ascend Mate
• Huawei Ascend P1
• Quad XL
• Lenovo A820
• LG Enact
• LG Lucid 2
• LG Optimus 4X HD
• LG Optimus F3
• LG Optimus F3Q
• LG Optimus F5
• LG Optimus F6
• LG Optimus F7
• LG Optimus L2 II
• LG Optimus L3 II
• LG Optimus L3 II Dual
• LG Optimus L4 II
• LG Optimus L4 II Dual
• LG Optimus L5
• LG Optimus L5 Dual
• LG Optimus L5 II
• LG Optimus L7
• LG Optimus L7 II
• LG Optimus L7 II Dual
• LG Optimus Nitro HD
• Memo ZTE V956
• Samsung Galaxy Ace 2
• Samsung Galaxy Core
• Samsung Galaxy S2
• Samsung Galaxy S3 mini
• Samsung Galaxy Trend II
• Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite
• Samsung Galaxy Xcover 2
• Sony Xperia Arc S
• Sony Xperia miro
• Sony Xperia Neo L
• Wiko Cink Five
• Wiko Darknight ZT

What has WhatsApp said?

A statement from WhatsApp explaining the move said: “Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.

“To choose what to stop supporting, every year we, like other technology companies, look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest number of people still using them. To update your operating system on an iPhone go to the ‘general’ settings and select ‘software update’.”

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