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Around 43 different smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and more are now no longer compatible with the popular Meta-owned encrypted messaging and calling service amidst security concerns.
Whilst we’re not here to get into the Facebook/Meta whistleblowing situation, there is a legitimate reason WhatsApp is forcing some users onto their browser-based WhatsAppWeb service. For users who don’t update their devices and are on legacy operating systems, or users who have a very old handset (we’re talking iPhone 5 and lower), they are opening themselves up to identity theft, malware scams, and more.
The WhatsApp FAQ states that users should be at least running Android OS 4.1 or iOS 10 on their handsets to take advantage of WhatsApp secure services. In 2021, there shouldn’t be too many devices knocking around in the wild running such outed operation systems. However, think about your older family members who have had the same phone for the last ten years to video call the family for free on their WiFi connection. How about your Dad who needed a cheap phone a few years back to stay in the family WhatsApp group? It’s this kind of demographic that will be unknowingly affected.
Which handsets are affected?
Here are all the handsets WhatsApp will be dropping support for from today:
Apple
iPhone 4S and lower (Any iPhone that can’t update past iOS 10)
Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy SII, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2, Galaxy Core, and Galaxy Ace 2.
LG
The LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact , Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q.
ZTE
The ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987, and Grand Memo.
Huawei
The Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S, and Ascend D2.
Sony
The Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L, Xperia Arc S.
Others
The Alcatel One Touch Evo 7, Archos 53 Platinum, HTC Desire 500, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, Lenovo A820, UMi X2, Faea F1, and THL W8.
Don’t want to use WhatsAppWeb?
Unfortunately, if you have any of these handsets and can’t update to the latest Android and iOS updates, or the minimum updates needed for WhatsApp, it’s time to get a new handset. There’s plenty of budget smartphones that will run WhatsApp and not break the bank. Here’s a couple of examples:
You may still be able to backup WhatsApp conversation history, and all WhatsApp videos and images should be stored locally to the out fo date handset. You can backup both by using the free storage on your Gdrive or iCloud accounts, making them available on every device.
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