WhatsApp to stop working on over 50 phone models this month

Certain iPhones are included in this too 😵

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 2nd Nov 2021
Last updated 2nd Nov 2021

With more than 2 billion users globally, Whatsapp is undoubtedly the world’s most popular messaging app.

When Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp crashed last month for over six hours, we were forced into a digital detox for the evening.

It’s strange to imagine a world without it nowadays, we're all glued to our phones, scrolling through endless family/friend group chats, and of course the ‘working from home’ team chats too.

But from the start of this month, the company will be phasing out support for 53 phone models so they can concentrate on ensuring the app runs securely on newer models.

A note on their website said that they "will no longer support Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older on November 1, 2021".

It’s a mix of both popular iOS and Android phones that will be affected.

Has your phone made the unlucky list?

• Optimus F5

• Optimus L3 II Dual

• Optimus F5

• Optimus L5

• Best L5 II

• Optimus L5 Dual

• Best L3 II

• Optimus L7

• Optimus L7 II Dual

• Best L7 II

• Optimus F6, Enact

• Optimus L4 II Dual

• Optimus F3

• Best L4 II

• Best L2 II

• Optimus Nitro HD

• Optimus 4X HD

• Optimus F3Q

• ZTE V956

• Grand X Quad V987

• Grand Memo

• Xperia Miro

• Xperia Neo L

• Xperia Arc S

• Alcatel

• Ascend G740

• Ascend Mate

• Ascend D Quad XL

• Ascend D1 Quad XL

• Ascend P1 S

• Ascend D2

• Archos 53 Platinum

• HTC Desire 500

• Caterpillar Cat B15

• Wiko Cink Five

• Wiko Darknight

• Lenovo A820

• UMi X2

• Run F1

• THL W8

• iPhone SE

• iPhone 6S

• iPhone 6S Plus

Perhaps it's time for an upgrade 💔

Do you struggle to maintain your monthly data allowance? Check out some of the ways you can make your mobile data last longer 👇

1) Stop auto-play on social platforms

Facebook and YouTube are two of the most heavily used apps on a smartphone, so it's no surprise that they when the auto-play function is on it eats away at your allowance.


The quickest fix for this is to switch it off in your settings, either turn it off all together, or make sure it is only on when you connect on wifi.

2) Stop apps using mobile data

Everyone has apps on their phone these days, but try turning off the background refresh. This eats up your data allowance as well as your battery life.

3) Track how much data you’re using

Go into your Settings and reset the data usage, then you'll be able to see how much each of your apps uses throughout the month. This way you can keep tabs on the data-guzzling apps.

4) Change video quality on streaming services

Try changing the quality of the video. Whilst you might want to watch some of them in 4K, try and save those for when you're on wifi. According to Netflix, streaming content in HD can use up to 3gb an hour and Ultra HD will use 7gb an hour! Either reduce the quality to standard definition (SD) or watch it on wifi.

5) Turn off push notifications on email/social platforms

Having your push notifications not only uses up your battery quickly, but it can use your data. According to research 60% of smartphone owners check their emails via a handset every day which can use 150mb a session! Remember this is all coming out of your data allowance if you aren't on wifi.

Read more:

5 fun ways to stay fit and motivated when you work from home

Belfast ranked one of the UK's cheapest cities for a night out

9 best places to grab a hot chocolate in Belfast

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.