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WhatsApp is about to stop working on a lot of phones - is yours one of them?

If so, ThatsCrap

WhatsApp is about to stop working on a lot of phones - is yours one of them?
19 June 2018

Texting’s rubbish, isn’t it? Like, it was good for a while when it was all there was, but then WhatsApp came along, and now, if someone sends you an actual text message it’s like getting a telegram or a zoetrope strip or something. 

Like, if you get eight WhatsApp messages in a row from someone it’s a stream of consciousness, while eight text messages in a row is the behaviour of a desperate maniac. Pictures, damn it, pictures have changed everything. And WhatsApp groups mean you can stay socially connected to people without actually having to do anything. It’s amazing, unless of course you’ve been added to a 32-person World Cup group with the least funny man in the whole world, then it’s a bit of a shame (unrelated: SHUT UP). Generally, though, WhatsApp is the total best.

However, some users are about to find their WhatsApp days brought to an abrupt halt, as Facebook are stopping support for older platforms. 

This doesn’t mean it’ll immediately stop working, but does mean it could happen at the drop of a hat. The statement reads: “We’ll no longer actively develop for these operating systems, [so] some features might stop functioning at any time.”

The following operating systems will be affected:


Read more: A definitive guide to every WhatsApp group that you’re in




  • Android versions older than 2.3.3
  • Windows Phone 8.0 and older
  • iPhone 3GS/iOS 6
  • Nokia Symbian S60
  • BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10

So, like, honestly, unless you’re in a WhatsApp group called “I still use the first phone I ever had”, you’re unlikely to be affected. Although, in South Korea they’ve just announced that they’re bringing back the iPhone 3GS, so that sucks.

WhatsApp have guaranteed that you can still use some still-old-but-not-as-old operating systems, although you can’t create new accounts on them:

  • Nokia S40 (until at least December 31, 2018)
  • Android versions 2.3.7 and older (until at least February 1, 2020)
  • iOS 7 and older (until at least February 1, 2020)

If using an older handset, they suggest upgrading your operating system to Android version 4 or newer, iOS 8 or newer, or Windows Phone 8.1 or newer. (omg you use Windows Phone omg omg)

(Pics: Pixabay)