Recommended Free Tools
Check Settings > About phone > Android version (some devices say About tablet). WhatsApp’s published minimum is Android 6.0 or newer. If your phone is below that, look for an official system update and check the version again.
What Android version does WhatsApp need?
WhatsApp lists Android phones running Android 6.0 and newer as supported. Its Android download page also gives Android OS 6.0 or above as the minimum. These are WhatsApp’s published requirements, not a guarantee that every app installation or device will work: account, installation, or device-specific issues can still affect use.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sources: WhatsApp supported devices and WhatsApp on Google Play.
How to check your Android version
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone or About tablet.
- Find Android version. Google says this screen also shows information such as the security update and build number.
Menu names and locations can vary by manufacturer and Android version. Google’s instructions are at Check and update your Android version.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What to do if your phone is below Android 6.0
Check for an official system update
- Open Settings.
- Tap System, then Software update. On some phones, the update option is under a different menu or has a different name.
- Follow the on-screen instructions if an update is offered.
- After the update, return to About phone or About tablet and check Android version again.
If the phone remains below Android 6.0, it does not meet WhatsApp’s listed minimum. An update may not be available: older devices cannot always run newer Android versions.
Ask the manufacturer or carrier about eligibility
Update availability depends on the exact device, its manufacturer, and sometimes the mobile carrier. Google notes that update schedules vary, so the Android version alone cannot establish whether your particular phone can be upgraded. Check with the phone maker or carrier for the device’s update options. Google’s Android update guidance explains the general process and these variations.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
What if no supported update is available?
If your phone cannot be updated to Android 6.0 or newer, consider a replacement Android phone only after checking its supplied Android version, update eligibility for your region and carrier, and WhatsApp’s current compatibility. The published minimum can change, and meeting it does not by itself guarantee that every device-specific condition is satisfied.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Will WhatsApp stop working immediately?
WhatsApp says it will remind affected users a few times to upgrade their device. Its guidance does not establish a universal grace period or a precise shutdown time for every phone, so pay attention to any notice shown in the app rather than relying on a single cutoff date. WhatsApp says it retires older operating systems so it can support newer ones and keep up with changes in technology and security. WhatsApp Help Center: supported operating systems.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
