Time to say goodbye to Android Lollipop<\/p>\n
Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp has ended support for Android 5.0 and Android 5.1 Lollipop, leaving smartphones stuck on the decade-old software outside WhatsApp\u2019s supported-device requirements and at risk of losing access<\/p>\n
The cutoff took effect Sept. 8, raising the platform\u2019s baseline requirement to Android 6.0 Marshmallow for both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business. The shift was flagged in April, when WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp had begun showing affected users in-app notices about the coming cutoff<\/p>\n
WhatsApp says it periodically drops older operating systems because they may lack current security updates or functionality required to run the app. On its FAQ page<\/a>, they explained its selection criteria:<\/p>\n \u201cEvery year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users. These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.\u201d<\/p>\n Dropping Lollipop allows WhatsApp to focus development and security work on operating systems that can support itsnewer features<\/p>\n For people who rely on older or secondhand phones, the cutoff may turn a software compatibility change into an unexpected hardware expense<\/p>\n WhatsApp is widely used for personal communication and small-business messaging, so losing access can be more disruptive than retiring an ordinary mobile app. Users whose phones cannot advance beyond Android 5 will need a compatible replacement device to continue using the service<\/p>\n WhatsApp has not disclosed how many users are affected, however, making it difficult to measure the cutoff\u2019s overall impact<\/p>\n Handset owners running Android 5.0 or 5.1 can verify whether their device supports a newer build:<\/p>\n If a manufacturer update is unavailable, users will need to move to a compatible device. Before switching, users who can still open WhatsApp should create a current backup. Restoring aGoogle<\/a> Drive backup on a new Android phone requires the same phone number and Google account used to create it<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Sept. 8 cutoff applies only to Android devices, but iPhone users face a separate compatibility change. Beginning Nov. 30, WhatsApp will require iOS 15.5 or newer, up from iOS 15.1. Users with older phones should check their operating-system version and create a current chat backup before the applicable cutoff<\/p>\n \n Related:<\/strong> \n <a href="https:\/\/yoursite.com\/automation-africa\/" title="WhatsApp Marketing Automation<\/a> Africa: 6 Dangerous Mistakes Brands Make in Nigeria”> Join Justfine Infotech<\/strong> and build real digital skills in AI, automation, web development, digital marketing, office productivity, e-commerce, freelancing and cybersecurity<\/a>.<\/p>\n Available Programmes:<\/strong> WhatsApp:<\/strong>What affected users should do<\/h2>\n
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