{
  "id": 12631094,
  "title": "WhatsApp to Block Logins on Phones Running Older Android or iOS Versions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/whatsapp-to-block-logins-on-phones-running-older-android-or-ios",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-07T12:32:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/07/whatsapp-to-block-logins-on-phones-running-older-android-or-ios-versions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp is introducing a new server-side feature that may prevent users from logging in if their phone runs an outdated version of Android or iOS.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.",
  "summary": "WhatsApp is rolling out a new server-side feature that can prevent users from logging in if their phone is running … Read More The post WhatsApp to Block Logins on Phones Running Older Android or iOS Versions appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Here’s how readers sideload APKs on their Android phones in 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/heres-how-readers-sideload-apks-on-their-android-phones-in-2026",
        "published": "2026-10-07T09:07:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Android Police",
        "title": "After testing 3 Android phones, I realized Google and Samsung stopped taking risks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/after-testing-3-android-phones-i-realized-google-and-samsung-stopped",
        "published": "2026-10-07T12:00:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}