WhatsApp will stop working on millions of smartphones. How to fix it?

On October 24, 2023, WhatsApp will stop working on fourth-generation Android smartphones.

[{"selector":"#anim-cbdf90fe-f7a0-48f7-b21d-a1f0da94d0fb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Learn more

Google declared Android 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 as obsolete.

[{"selector":"#anim-b56e3c51-7bf1-4547-bab4-68176100475a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Learn more

About 0.4% of Android users, roughly 12 million people, are affected.

[{"selector":"#anim-fb99cb58-5c7f-46ad-8fd9-b25c6a00dd5b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-35.27208192955901%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more

WhatsApp will stop working on smartphones from various manufacturers, 2011-2013.

Alternative clients like GBWhatsApp, YOWhatsApp, offer advanced features.

[{"selector":"#anim-5c47834b-1244-445f-9dce-ee214dcc0fa0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.514648210040342%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Learn more

Some enthusiasts provide Android firmware updates, but it's complex.

[{"selector":"#anim-7ae27e92-aef2-4fce-802a-01e0bde4072b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Learn more