End of Support for KaiOS Devices
WhatsApp has announced that it will be discontinuing support for KaiOS devices. This decision was made as part of the company’s regular review of devices and software that are outdated and have the fewest users.
According to WhatsApp, the goal is to offer a private and reliable service to as many people as possible. To achieve this, the company regularly reviews how WhatsApp is used, including its growing set of features that empower private calls and chats around the world.
As a result, WhatsApp will no longer support KaiOS devices. Before support for these devices is ended, all affected users will be notified in a timely manner. Users are advised to store their important information externally, as there is no backup support or restore feature for these devices.
WhatsApp promises to notify users in WhatsApp and remind them a few times to upgrade before support for their operating system is ended.
Timeline for Discontinuation of Support
Since June 25, 2024, it has no longer been possible to create a new WhatsApp account on a cell phone with KaiOS. Users who already use WhatsApp on a KaiOS cell phone can continue to do so until the beginning of 2025, but support is expected to end in February 2025.
Existing Problems with WhatsApp on KaiOS
Some users may have already experienced problems connecting to WhatsApp on KaiOS. In July 2024, there were significant problems with WhatsApp on KaiOS after a WhatsApp update.
This is KaiOS
KaiOS is a mobile operating system for feature phones that is based on Firefox OS. It is used on several Nokia cell phones from the manufacturer HMD, among others. A list of all KaiOS cell phones can be found on the KaiOS website.
Supported Mobile Operating Systems
WhatsApp currently supports the following mobile operating systems:
- Android devices from Android version 5.0
- iPhones from iOS 12