After testing 3 Android phones, I realized Google and Samsung stopped taking risks

WhatsApp is introducing a new server-side feature that may prevent users from logging in if their phone runs an outdated version of Android or iOS. This change does not require a specific app version, as it is enabled from WhatsApp's servers. Users may encounter a warning screen and be blocked from accessing their account if WhatsApp detects a device running an older operating system.

The message advises users to update their phone's software through Settings before attempting to log in again. WhatsApp also provides instructions on how to check the current Android or iOS version of their device. The requirement cannot be bypassed. The primary purpose of this feature is to enhance security by blocking devices with older software and known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to install malware.

Although WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption, a phone already infected with malware could still pose risks, such as sending malicious links to trusted contacts. The specific Android and iOS versions triggering the new login restriction have not been announced yet, but WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the feature through a server-side update.