Popular messaging app, WhatsApp, to sever connections for millions of Russian users come May.
WhatsApp's End to Old Smartphone Support: What Russian Users Need to Know, No Matter What the Russian Government Says
By Anastasia Konovalova
Time's Up for Old Smartphones on WhatsApp
In a move to boost security and integrate new features, Meta's WhatsApp is pulling the plug on support for certain older smartphone models. Russian users, who are known for clinging to their old gadgets, are voicing concerns about the change.
WhatsApp's Rationale Behind the Termination
The primary reason for this hardware slash is the necessity of enhancing security and introducing new features that necessitate more advanced operating systems. Older hardware is incapable of meeting the technical requirements of the latest app versions, leading to a decline in service quality and compromising user data protection if support continues[1].
The pullout reportedly leaves millions of Russians with outdated phones at risk of losing access to their chats and contacts[1].
Old Phones Caught in the Squeeze
Android users will feel the pinch the hardest. From March 29, 2025, WhatsApp will cease to operate on devices running Android versions below 5.0 Lollipop, including Android 4.4 KitKat and earlier. Some popular models on the chopping block are the Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2, Ace 3, S4 Mini, first-generation Motorola Moto G and E, HTC One X and One X+, and various LG, Nexus, and older Sony Xperia models[1]. Users of these smartphones will be unable to update the messenger and will eventually lose access to it.
iPhone users should also heed the following: from May 5, 2025, WhatsApp will no longer support iPhone 6 and 6 Plus due to the inability to upgrade iOS beyond version 15.1, which is now the minimum required for WhatsApp to run smoothly[2].
The Game Plan for Staying in the Game
To ensure continued access to WhatsApp, experts propose the following steps:
- Check if your phone's operating system can be refreshed to a version compatible with WhatsApp.
- If an update isn't feasible, consider investing in a new smartphone with modern software.
- Secure a backup of your chats—on Android, this can be done via Google Drive, and on iPhone, through iCloud[3]. This will help safeguard essential chats and contacts during the switch to a new device.
Time to Move On: Alternative Messaging Apps
If you find yourself unable to continue with WhatsApp, consider other messaging apps popular among Russians: Telegram, VK Messenger, Viber, and SberZhen. All of them offer a plethora of communication features and are consistently updated for improved security[4].
Stepping Up Security: A Proactive Move by Meta Inc. to Boost WhatsApp's Performance, Forcing Russian Users to Adapt or Lose Access to Their Chats. It's Crucial to Be Proactive and Save Important Chats and Contacts When Switching to a New Device.
While we strive to provide relevant, up-to-date information, keep in mind that Meta Platforms, Inc., the owner of WhatsApp, is considered an extremist organization by the Russian government and is banned in Russia.
[1] "WhatsApp Terminates Support for Selected Smartphone Models as of 2025", Techblog News.[2] "WhatsApp to Phase Out Support for Multiple Devices by 2025", Apple Insider.[3] "Preparing for WhatsApp's End to Old Smartphone Support: Tips and Best Practices", Wired.[4] "Top Alternatives to WhatsApp for Russian Users", Russian Tech Digest.
- Russian users, who are known for clinging to their old gadgets, may face a challenge as WhatsApp is ceasing support for certain older smartphone models due to the necessity of enhancing security and introducing new features that require more advanced operating systems.
- In light of WhatsApp ending support for older smartphones, it's crucial for users to check if their phone's operating system can be updated to a version compatible with WhatsApp or consider investing in a new smartphone with modern software to ensure continued access to the messaging platform.
