Urgent warning for WhatsApp users to update Android phones – or get locked by the app

If you’re looking for a reason to upgrade your smartphone, WhatsApp may have the solution for you.

In less than a week, the popular social messaging app will update their current smartphones that are compatible with their software, Express UK reports.

After November 1st, Android devices with version 4.0.4 will no longer be able to run Facebook’s own app.

WhatsApp announced the update in an FAQ post online, advising affected users to switch to a supported device and save their chat history before the fast approaching deadline.

WhatsApp announced on its website: “As of November 1, 2021, WhatsApp will no longer support Android phones with OS 4.0.4 and older. Please switch to a supported device or save your chat history beforehand.”

The news comes shortly after hacks were recently discovered to prevent media compression within the app. WhatsApp is currently testing a system that will give you various quality options for sending media.

The app currently has 2 billion users worldwide. After the update, owners of 53 Android models can no longer access the app and can expect a complete shutdown.

People using three iPhone models, iPhone SE, iPhone 6S, and iPhone 6S Plus, will also need to update their phones or risk losing WhatsApp access.

UPDATES AND TRANSFERS

People who own an Android or Apple phone and want to use WhatsApp beyond November 1st can update it in several steps.

First, you need to connect your device to a reliable WiFi signal.

Then open the Settings tab and select About Phone, which should have a “Check for Updates” option when a new operating system is available.

Then click the Install Now or Install Overnight option.

If you decide to get a new phone instead of upgrading your current one, there are ways to transfer your current WhatsApp data to your new device.

Depending on the transfer, you can back up data from Android to iPhone or Android to Android without importing data from Google Drive.

WhatsApp’s parent company, Facebook, is also working on adding an additional, optional layer of security to protect backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud with end-to-end encryption.

Updating your WhatsApp application is another way to get the best results with the app.

For Android users, go to the Google Play Store and search for “WhatsApp”. Next to WhatsApp Messenger, tap Update.

For iPhone users, go to the App Store and search for “WhatsApp”. Next to WhatsApp Messenger, tap Update.