Meta’s popular messaging app, WhatsApp, is set to discontinue support for a significant number of older smartphones soon. If you’re using one of these devices, it’s crucial to back up your chat history to avoid losing any important data. Here’s what you need to know about the affected devices and how to safeguard your chat history.

Affected Devices

WhatsApp periodically updates its list of supported devices to ensure security and optimal performance. As a result, the app will soon cease functioning on approximately 35 older models from various brands, including Samsung, Apple, Motorola, Sony, LG, and Huawei. The affected smartphones are:

Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE

Samsung: Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Express 2, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Zoom

Motorola: Moto G, Moto X

Sony: Xperia Z1, Xperia E3

LG: Optimus 4X HD, Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, Optimus L7

Lenovo: 46600, A858T, P70, S890

Huawei: Ascend P6 S, Ascend G525, C199, GX1s, Y625

To continue using WhatsApp, your device must run Android 5.0 or later, or iOS 12 or later.

How to Back Up Your WhatsApp Chat History

If you own one of the affected smartphones, it’s essential to back up your chat history before the deadline. Follow these steps to ensure your data is safely stored:

Open WhatsApp on your Android device and tap the three dots in the top right corner to access the menu.

Navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

Verify the Google Account used for the backup. If necessary, change it by tapping “Change account.”

Choose Backup Frequency: Select from Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.

Include Videos and Images: Decide whether to back up media files along with your chat history.

Initiate Backup: Tap “Back up now” to start an immediate backup of your data.

Meta AI Integration: Voice Chat Feature

In addition to this change, WhatsApp is working on enhancing user interaction with Meta’s AI. According to recent updates from WABetaInfo, users will soon be able to communicate with Meta’s AI chatbot using voice messages. This feature, which appeared in the latest beta version for Android, will be accessible via a voice message button next to the text field in the chat interface for Meta AI.

Conclusion

With WhatsApp ending support for many older devices, now is the time to ensure your chat history is backed up to avoid data loss. If you’re using one of the affected smartphones, follow the outlined steps to secure your data and consider upgrading to a newer device that meets the app’s current requirements. Additionally, stay tuned for exciting new features like voice-based interactions with Meta’s AI chatbot.