Quick Answer
WhatsApp will work on Android devices running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and newer versions. Since KitKat is Android 4.4, WhatsApp will work on devices running KitKat. However, WhatsApp will stop supporting devices running Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and older versions on November 1, 2021. So while WhatsApp currently works on KitKat, support for it will eventually be dropped in the future.
What are the WhatsApp requirements for Android?
Here are the current minimum Android version requirements for WhatsApp:
| Android Version | Code Name | Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| Android 4.1 | Jelly Bean | Yes |
| Android 4.2 | Jelly Bean | Yes |
| Android 4.3 | Jelly Bean | Yes |
| Android 4.4 | KitKat | Yes |
| Android 4.0.4 | Ice Cream Sandwich | No (after Nov 1, 2021) |
| Android 2.3.7 | Gingerbread | No |
As you can see, WhatsApp supports Android 4.1 and newer. This includes KitKat (Android 4.4), so WhatsApp will work on devices running KitKat.
Why does WhatsApp drop support for older Android versions?
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp stops supporting older Android versions over time:
To take advantage of new features and improvements
As new versions of Android are released, they contain new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements. WhatsApp wants to leverage these to improve the app experience. Supporting very old Android versions prevents them from using the latest improvements.
To maintain security
Older Android versions often lack security patches or have known vulnerabilities. By requiring a newer Android release, WhatsApp can ensure its users are running a more secure operating system.
To avoid app bugs and issues
Newer Android releases include API changes and deprecations. Supporting old Android versions requires extra development and QA work to handle backwards compatibility. Dropping support allows WhatsApp to focus on the latest APIs.
To encourage Android updates
Requiring newer Android releases incentivizes users to keep their devices and OS up-to-date. This improves the overall security and ecosystem health.
Will WhatsApp ever stop supporting KitKat?
Based on WhatsApp’s history of dropping support for older Android versions every couple years, it’s very likely WhatsApp will eventually stop supporting KitKat.
KitKat (Android 4.4) was released in 2013. In 2016, WhatsApp dropped support for Android 2.1 and 2.2. In 2018, support was removed for Android 2.3.7. And in 2021, Android 4.0.4 will no longer be supported.
Following this pattern, support for KitKat will probably be discontinued sometime in 2023 or 2024. When support is dropped, WhatsApp will stop working on KitKat devices unless the user upgrades to a newer Android version.
What happens when WhatsApp drops support for an Android version?
When WhatsApp discontinues support for an Android release, users on that version will no longer be able to create new WhatsApp accounts or re-verify existing accounts.
Existing users will initially still be able to receive messages and calls. But key features will stop functioning over time. Eventually WhatsApp will stop working entirely on the unsupported Android version.
Here’s a more detailed timeline of what happens when support is dropped:
1 month before support ends:
– Users are notified in-app that support will end soon
Support end date:
– New users can no longer create accounts
– Existing users cannot re-verify if logged out
1-2 months after support ends:
– Users cannot send or receive messages
– Profile photos and “last seen” status disappear
A few months later:
– WhatsApp stops connecting entirely
– App crashes frequently and is unusable
So while WhatsApp may work initially on an unsupported Android version, it will degrade in functionality over time until it stops working altogether. Users still on unsupported versions should update to a newer Android release to keep using WhatsApp.
What are some Android devices that run KitKat?
Here are some popular Android devices initially released with KitKat:
| Device | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Nexus 5 | 2013 |
| Moto X | 2013 |
| LG G2 | 2013 |
| Galaxy S4 | 2013 |
| HTC One | 2013 |
| Moto G | 2013 |
Many of these devices launched with KitKat and were upgradeable to later Android versions. But some may still be running older unpatched versions vulnerable to security issues.
Users with these devices should check their Android version and upgrade if possible. Devices unable to upgrade will eventually lose WhatsApp support.
What are some newer Android versions compatible with WhatsApp?
Here are some of the newer Android OS releases that WhatsApp fully supports:
Android 6.0 Marshmallow (2015)
Marshmallow introduced features like Doze for improved battery life, application permissions, and USB-C support.
Android 7.0 Nougat (2016)
Nougat included multi-window support, quicker notifications, and data saver features.
Android 8.0 Oreo (2017)
Oreo focused on battery life and speed improvements, including faster booting and background limits on inactive apps.
Android 9 Pie (2018)
Pie adopted an interface refresh, gesture navigation, improved notifications, and digital wellbeing tools.
Android 10 (2019)
Android 10 provided a system-wide dark mode, enhanced privacy controls, and Live Caption for media.
Android 11 (2020)
Notable Android 11 additions were one-time permission grants, built-in screen recording, and chat bubbles.
How can I tell what Android version my device is running?
There are a few quick ways to check what Android version your device is running:
Settings app
1. Open your device’s Settings app
2. Scroll down and tap About Phone or About Device
3. View the number under Android Version
Settings gesture
1. Swipe down from top of screen to open Quick Settings
2. Long press on the Settings gear icon
3. A popup will appear showing your Android version
Hardware info apps
– Download a hardware info app like CPU-Z or Device Info HW
– Open the app and look for the Android version
Knowing your Android version is important when determining WhatsApp compatibility. Be sure to check for any available OS updates if your device is running an older Android release.
How can I upgrade from KitKat to a newer Android version?
Here are some ways to upgrade your Android device from KitKat to a newer version compatible with WhatsApp:
Over-the-air (OTA) update
1. Open device Settings
2. Navigate to System > System Update
3. Follow prompts to download and install update
Use a computer
1. Download the update file for your device to your computer
2. Connect phone to computer with USB cable
3. Follow update instructions for your phone manufacturer
Replace device
– Upgrade to a newer phone that comes with a recent Android version
– Migrate your data and contacts to the new phone
Custom ROM
– Unlock bootloader and install a custom ROM based on newer Android
– Be cautious as this risks bricking your device
Upgrading your OS ensures continued WhatsApp support. But if your device cannot update, it may need to be replaced eventually to keep using WhatsApp.
What happens if I don’t upgrade from unsupported Android versions?
If you continue using an Android device with an outdated version no longer supported by WhatsApp, here’s what will occur:
– You’ll stop receiving new WhatsApp updates and features
– Critical security vulnerabilities in old Android versions won’t get patched
– WhatsApp will become unusable over time as compatibility decreases
– You won’t be able to create new WhatsApp accounts or re-verify if logged out
– You’ll lose messaging capabilities and your contacts won’t see your profile info
– WhatsApp may stop working entirely on the unsupported OS
Essentially, sticking with an outdated Android OS means WhatsApp will degrade in functionality before stopping completely. To keep using WhatsApp, upgrading your operating system is necessary.
Conclusion
To summarize, WhatsApp currently works on devices running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and newer versions. This includes KitKat (Android 4.4). However, WhatsApp does drop support for older Android releases over time to take advantage of the latest improvements.
Based on historical patterns, WhatsApp will likely discontinue support for KitKat sometime around 2023-2024. When this happens, users still on KitKat will experience increasing issues until WhatsApp stops working entirely.
To avoid disruption, check your Android version and upgrade if needed. Keeping your device updated ensures you can continue using WhatsApp into the future. Allowing your phone to fall too far behind on Android updates will eventually prevent WhatsApp compatibility.