WhatsApp is rolling out a new restriction that stops you from logging into your account if your device is running on an outdated version of Android or iOS.
As reported by WABetaInfo, this change is happening on the server side, so it does not matter which version of the app you currently have installed. If your operating system is too old, the login screen will simply block access until you upgrade your device’s software.
The app now displays a screen explaining how to get back into your account. It prompts you to head into your phone’s settings and run a system update before trying to log in again. It also gives you quick instructions on how to check your current OS version if you are not sure what you are running. There is no option to bypass this screen, as WhatsApp is forcing the issue strictly for security reasons.
While WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect your chats, that protection only works if the phone itself is secure. Hackers regularly target known security flaws in older operating systems to install malware. Once a phone is compromised, malware can easily capture your messages before WhatsApp ever gets a chance to encrypt them. In fact, an outdated OS leaves every app on your phone exposed, making your device the weakest link in the chain.
Right now, WhatsApp only supports Android phones running OS 6.0 and newer, and iPhones running iOS 15.1 and newer. However, starting 30 November 2026, only iOS 15.5 and newer will be supported.