Millions of WhatsApp users need to upgrade their Android phone or get blocked

In just over a week’s time WhatsApp will be updating its list of smartphones that can run the hugely popular app. The important date that affected users need to mark down in their diaries is Monday November 1, as on that day dozens of Android phones will stop running WhatsApp. WhatsApp has on numerous occasions updated its list of supported devices, but this is the largest spring clean in some time.

At the start of next month Android devices running version 4.0.4 won’t be able to run the Facebook-owned app. WhatsApp announced this news in a FAQ post online, advising affected users to switch to a supported device and save their chat history before the fast approaching deadline.

WhatsApp said: “WhatsApp will no longer support Android phones running OS 4.0.4 and older on November 1, 2021. Please switch to a supported device or save your chat history before then.”

The news means dozens of Android phones will soon lose access to WhatsApp. If you own an affected device you’ll have to upgrade to continue using the messenger, with one handset option the upcoming Google Pixel 6.

The affected handsets that will soon be losing access to WhatsApp are as follows…

Samsung: Samsung Galaxy Trend Lite, Galaxy Trend II, Galaxy S2, Galaxy S3 mini, Galaxy Xcover 2, Galaxy Core and Galaxy Ace 2

LG: LG Lucid 2, Optimus F7, Optimus F5, Optimus L3 II Dual, Optimus F5, Optimus L5, Optimus L5 II, Optimus L5 Dual, Optimus L3 II, Optimus L7, Optimus L7 II Dual, Optimus L7 II, Optimus F6, Enact, Optimus L4 II Dual, Optimus F3, Optimus L4 II, Optimus L2 II, Optimus Nitro HD and 4X HD, and Optimus F3Q

ZTE: ZTE Grand S Flex, ZTE V956, Grand X Quad V987 and Grand Memo

Huawei: Huawei Ascend G740, Ascend Mate, Ascend D Quad XL, Ascend D1 Quad XL, Ascend P1 S and Ascend D2

Sony: Sony Xperia Miro, Sony Xperia Neo L and Xperia Arc S

Other: Alcatel One Touch Evo 7, Archos 53 Platinum, HTC Desire 500, Caterpillar Cat B15, Wiko Cink Five, Wiko Darknight, Lenovo A820, UMi X2, Faea F1 and THL W8

If you’re thinking of upgrading your device anytime soon the good news is WhatsApp recently made it easier to transfer over your WhatsApp history from iPhones to Android.

Last month WhatsApp announced users would be able to transfer over their account from iPhones to Android devices and keep their chat history intact for the very first time.

This new feature was first available on Samsung phones, rolling out to other Android phones after that.

In a tweet at the start of September WhatsApp said: “New phone, same memories.

“Changing your phone no longer means losing your chat history. Starting today, you can move your WhatsApp history from iOS to Samsung. And soon across all devices.”

If you are transferring over your WhatsApp account and history from an iPhone to a Samsung device then you need…

• Samsung SmartSwitch app version 3.7.22.1 or greater installed on your new device

• WhatsApp iOS version 2.21.160.17 or greater on your old device

• WhatsApp Android version 2.21.16.20 or greater on your new device

• A USB-C to Lightning cable (or equivalent adapters)

• Use the same phone number on the new device as the old device

• Your new Android device must be factory new or reset to factory settings

Here are the steps for transferring data over…

• Turn on your Samsung and connect by cable to your iPhone when prompted

• Follow the Samsung Smart Switch experience

• When prompted, scan the QR code displayed on the new device using the iPhone’s camera

• Tap Start on your iPhone, and wait for the process to complete

• Continue setting up your new Samsung

• When you reach the home screen, open WhatsApp and log in using the same phone number used on your old device

• Tap Import when prompted, and allow the process to complete

• Finish activating your new device and you’ll see your chats waiting for you