The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →WhatsApp’s listed minimums are Android 6.0 or newer and iOS 15.1 or newer. WhatsApp says iPhone support will change to iOS 15.5 or newer on November 30, 2026. Check your phone’s installed version, then install any system update offered for that model. Updating the phone’s operating system and updating WhatsApp in its app store are two separate steps.
Check whether your phone is affected
On your phone, open Settings and look for the software or system information that shows the installed operating-system version. Menu names and locations vary by Android manufacturer and software version. On iPhone, check the version shown in Settings under General and About.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare that version with WhatsApp’s current supported operating systems page. As of October 7, 2026, WhatsApp lists Android 6.0 and newer, and iOS 15.1 and newer; its page says that iPhones will need iOS 15.5 or newer starting November 30, 2026. WhatsApp says it updates this list regularly, so check the live page rather than relying on an old notice or article.
Recommended Free Tools
If WhatsApp still works but your phone is below a coming requirement, use the time to check whether your model can update. WhatsApp says it will notify people in the app before ending support for an operating system and remind them a few times to upgrade. That notice does not mean every older phone can install a newer system version.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Update an Android phone
Install an available system update
- Open Settings and look for System update, Software update, or a similarly named option. The exact label and location vary by phone brand and Android version.
- Check for updates. If your phone offers an update, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. Keep the phone connected to power and a reliable network if the update process asks you to.
- After the phone restarts, return to the system information in Settings and confirm the installed Android version meets WhatsApp’s current minimum.
Google’s Android Help provides version-checking and update guidance. An update is available only if the phone’s manufacturer and model offer it; a phone that cannot install a supported Android version may eventually need to be replaced to keep using WhatsApp.
Update WhatsApp separately
Open Google Play, find WhatsApp, and install an update if one is offered. This updates the app, not Android itself. WhatsApp’s official Android download page directs Android users to Google Play.
Rank #2
- 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.
Update an iPhone
Install an available iOS update
- Open Settings, then go to General and Software Update.
- If an update is offered for your iPhone, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
- When the phone restarts, check Settings under General and About to confirm the installed iOS version.
WhatsApp recommends using the latest iOS version available for your device and says it does not support modified iPhone operating systems. Whether your iPhone can install a version that meets WhatsApp’s requirement depends on the model. See WhatsApp’s supported operating systems page for the current threshold.
Update WhatsApp separately
Open the Apple App Store, find WhatsApp, and install an update if one is offered. An app update does not update iOS. WhatsApp’s official iPhone download page directs iPhone users to the App Store.
Rank #3
- 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.
Will updating your phone erase WhatsApp chats?
An operating-system update is not the same as changing phones or restoring one, and the guidance here does not say an OS update itself will erase chats. If you are switching devices or restoring WhatsApp, make a chat backup first and use the account associated with that backup.
- Android: WhatsApp backups can use a Google Account. WhatsApp says Google Account backups are not end-to-end encrypted by WhatsApp unless you enable encrypted backup. See WhatsApp’s Android backup guidance.
- iPhone: To restore a backup, use the same Apple Account or iCloud Drive used to create it. See WhatsApp’s iPhone backup and restore guidance.
If your phone cannot update to a supported version
Check the exact model and its available updates before deciding that you need another phone. Android update availability depends on the device, while iOS availability depends on the iPhone model. WhatsApp’s retirement of older operating systems reflects ongoing support reviews for technology and security; it does not guarantee that a newer compatible system exists for every device. If your phone has no offered update that meets WhatsApp’s requirement, you may need a newer device to continue using WhatsApp after support ends.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- 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.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
