WhatsApp to Stop Working on Some Phones: What It Means for Nigerians, How to Prepare
WhatsApp Icon: Photo Credit: Pixabay.com
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has announced that starting May 5, 2025, the popular messaging app will no longer work on certain older smartphones. According to a report by The Nation, dozens of devices, particularly those running outdated versions of Android and ios, will lose access to WhatsApp’s features and updates.
The company explained that phasing out support for older phones allows it to focus on enhancing security, improving performance, and introducing new features. Popular models like iPhone 6, iPhone SE (first generation), and older Android phones like Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini and Sony Xperia M are among those affected.
This decision could have wide-reaching impacts in Nigeria, where WhatsApp is not just a messaging platform but a critical part of daily life.
The Importance of WhatsApp in Nigerians’ Daily Lives
For millions of Nigerians, WhatsApp is much more than a chat app. It is a:
Business Marketplace: Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and vendors use WhatsApp to sell products, take orders, and market services.
Educational Platform: Students and teachers use WhatsApp groups for sharing notes, assignments, and learning materials.
Family and Community Connector: Families stay in touch across cities, states, and even countries, using WhatsApp calls, messages, and group chats.
Religious and Social Mobilisation Tool: Churches, mosques, and NGOS use WhatsApp to organise events, prayers, and charity activities.
Source of News and Updates: Many Nigerians rely on WhatsApp to receive news, job updates, government information, and emergency alerts.
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What This Means for Nigerians with Outdated Phones
For many, WhatsApp is the first app opened in the morning and the last checked at night, making this update a significant change.
The announcement means that Nigerians using older devices may soon find themselves locked out of essential communications and services. Especially those who rely on WhatsApp for:
- Business transactions could lose customers and sales.
- Academic updates could miss important deadlines or information.
- Family communication could be disrupted, especially for those with relatives abroad.
- Community organising and religious activities could suffer setbacks.
Most significantly, considering Nigeria’s economic situation, many people may not be able to afford new smartphones immediately. The risk is that without preparation, many Nigerians could become digitally isolated.
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How Nigerians Can Navigate the Situation
While the situation presents real challenges, there are practical steps Nigerians can take to stay connected:
- Check Your Device: the first step is to check your device. Go to your phone’s settings and check the Android version or ios version. If your phone is on Android 4.1 or earlier, or ios 12 or earlier, it may soon lose WhatsApp support.
- Update Your Operating System: Some phones only need a system update, not a new phone. Check for any available software updates and install them.
- Back Up Your WhatsApp Data: Before May 5, make sure to back up important chats, files, and documents to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device.
- Start Planning for an Upgrade: If updating is not possible, begin looking into affordable smartphone options that support newer operating systems.Some brands offer budget-friendly smartphones with WhatsApp capability.
- Explore Alternative Communication Channels: Although WhatsApp is dominant, consider setting up alternatives like Telegram, Signal, or even SMS and regular phone calls temporarily if necessary.
- Spread Awareness: Inform friends, family members, and especially elderly users who might not know about the coming change.
WhatsApp’s upcoming changes remind us how much technology can shape daily life, and how important it is to stay updated. While the update may pose challenges for many Nigerians, early preparation and awareness can help soften the impact. As always, the ability to adapt quickly will determine who continues to enjoy seamless communication in the digital age.