WhatsApp has banned some android phones and iPhones’ (IOS) from accessing the Whatsapp Messenger; effective from the 1st day of January 2021.
This means that from the first day of January 2021, you will not be able to access your WhatsApp Messenger if you are using any of these listed phones.
WhatsApp clearly had no option but to ensure its service remains secure, however, it faces the difficult side-effect that the app is no longer compatible with older smartphones
Ben Wood (CCS Insight analyst)
This is likely to disproportionally impact the long-tail of its users, particularly in growth markets where there is a high proportion of older devices.
WhatsApp said the move was necessary in order to protect the security of its users.
Most users will simply be able to update their operating systems in order to continue using the messaging service.
This is the first time WhatsApp is withdrawing support on android and IOS older versions after a similar move in 2016 plus the one of 31 December 2019, on windows phones.
This update might affect more android phones and IOS.
However, it’s necessary you should check your Operating system (OS) version immediately to know if this update affected you.
If you operate on android version 4.0.3 and below or IOS 9 and below, then you will be affected by this update.
If however you were affected by this update, do not panic. I will teach you how to updater your android and IOS model to meet with WhatsApp’s criteria.
How to check your android and IOS version
If you have seen this news, then you should be worried about android version or IOS your mobile phone runs on, so you don’t get cut up by WhatsApp. To quickly check your android or IOS model, follow these quick steps;
On Android,
- Go to Settings
- Click on ‘System’
- Click ‘About phone’
Depending on your phone type; the watchword is ‘settings’ and ‘about phone’
On IPhone,
- Go to Settings
- Tap on ‘General’
- Click ‘Information’ to reveal the IOS version.
Check Also:
List of Phones affected by the new WhatsApp ban
These are list of mobile phones affected by the WhatsApp January update.
On Android;
- Samsung Galaxy S2
- Motorola Droid Razr
- LG Optimus Black
- HTC Desire
On IOS;
- iPhone 4S
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5C
- iphone 5S
- iphone 6
- iphone 6S
If your mobile phone is among the listed, do not panic. simply follow this steps to upgrade your Android version or IOS model to the accepted versions.
How to update your android and IOS version
The best way to update your android version is with upgrade package.
To do this, go to the download centre of your android phone official website.
Note: I recommend using the official website to avoid a virus attack trying to download from unthrusted source.
On your phone official website, download the latest System Upgrade Package according to your phones brand model.
After the download is completed, store the file in a file in the phone SD card.
To update the Android OS version,
- negative to Settings > About Phone > System Update.
- Once your phone shows the available update package, tap Continue to download and install the package.
- Restart your phone.
Conclusion
This update may take effect from the 1st of January 2021. Endeavour to update your android version or IOS to the latest model. The affected mobile phones might include the above-listed phone models and definitely more dated mobiles. Visit the WhatsApp FAQ to learn more on this update.
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