WhatsApp stopped working on Android 5.0 and 5.1 on 8 September 2026. Phones still on those versions now get a pop-up saying the app is no longer supported. The minimum is Android 6.0.
Google Stopped Supporting Android 5 In 2024
Android 5 came out in late 2014. Google stopped updating Google Play Services for it in 2024, when it put Lollipop at under 1% of active Android devices, so these phones haven’t had security updates or full compatibility with Google’s own apps since then. WhatsApp describes the change as affecting a small number of users.
Statcounter’s August 2026 breakdown for Malaysia doesn’t list Android 5 among tracked versions at all, with Android 11 and above making up over 90% of mobile web traffic.
MAE Needs Android 11 Or Above
MAE by Maybank2u needs Android 11 or above to run. Customers still on Android 9 or 10 are already capped at RM20,000 in combined transactions per 24 hours, and Maybank has said access from those versions will be withdrawn in stages.
Android 5 hasn’t had a security patch since 2024. Malware that intercepts OTPs relies on unpatched security holes, and Android 5 has two years of them. Register a newer phone with your bank before retiring the old one.
Use A Local Backup Instead Of Google Drive
WhatsApp’s own advice is to back up to Google Drive before switching phones.
On Android 5 that may fail, because Google Drive depends on the Play Services updates Google stopped shipping. Use the local backup instead, under Settings, Chats, Chat backup, then copy the backup folder to a computer or SD card.
Entry-Level Replacements Start At RM439
The POCO C85 4G lists from RM439 and ships on Android 15, and the HONOR X5d is in the same price range on the same Android version. RinggitPlus checked these prices on 10 September 2026.
Before buying any entry-level phone, check the manufacturer’s product page for how many years of OS and security updates it promises.
Follow the official RinggitPlus WhatsApp channel for the latest money tips and updates.
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