WhatsApp has announced that it will end support for Android devices running version 5.0 Lollipop, which was released in 2014. The change takes effect on May 5, 2025, according to an update on WhatsApp's official help center.
This means that users with phones still on Android 5 Lollipop will no longer be able to send or receive messages, make calls, or access any WhatsApp features after that date. The company recommends updating to a newer Android version or device to continue using the service.
While the exact number of affected users is unclear, Android 5 Lollipop still powers a small percentage of active Android devices globally. Google's distribution data shows that as of early 2025, Android versions older than 6.0 account for less than 3% of devices.
WhatsApp has previously ended support for older operating systems, including Android 4.4 KitKat in 2023. The move is part of ongoing efforts to focus on security and new features that require more modern software.
