Ensure your chats are backed up to Google Drive ( Settings > Chats > Chat Backup ) so you don't lose data if the hardware fails.
Android 6.0.1 is currently supported, as it exceeds the existing Android 5.0 minimum. September 8, 2026:
To determine if WhatsApp will work on Android 6.0.1, it's essential to understand the app's system requirements. As of the latest updates, WhatsApp requires Android 4.1 or later to function. However, the compatibility of WhatsApp with older versions of Android has been a topic of discussion among users, particularly those with devices running Android 6.0.1.
For those on pre-Android 6.0 systems, the following options are available: will whatsapp work on android 6.0.1
: All smartphones running Android 5.0 and 5.1 (Lollipop) will completely lose service.
Go to Settings > About Phone > System Update to see if an update to Android 7.0 or higher is available.
If you are running Android 6.0.1, your device is likely 8–10 years old (released around 2015–2016). Even if WhatsApp works today, you are at risk for: Ensure your chats are backed up to Google
No. Support for Android 6.0.1 will likely be discontinued within the next year or two.
: Meta historically drops support for one major Android version every 12 to 18 months. Following this pattern, Android 6.0.1 will likely lose support entirely by late 2027. Why Meta is Limiting Support for Older Android Versions
This change is an official "support floor," meaning your device fully meets the new system requirements. You can expect the following: As of the latest updates, WhatsApp requires Android 4
Don't wait for the yellow banner to turn red. Backup your chats today.
: You’re running a version of WhatsApp that is increasingly optimized for modern hardware. On a decade-old OS like 6.0.1, you might notice slower load times and occasional stuttering when opening media-heavy chats.