WhatsApp will stop working on some smartphones this week - full list of models affected

With WhatsApp acting as a popular way for people to communicate, thousands of users could see themselves unable to use the app, starting from tomorrow (Tuesday 31 December).

Will you be affected by the changes? (Photo: Shutterstock)

This is what you need to know and how to check if you’ll be affected.

WhatsApp will stop working

A statement from WhatsApp said: “WhatsApp will no longer support Windows Phone operating systems after December 31, 2019.”

If you’re a Windows phone user, you may have also noticed WhatsApp disappearing from the Microsoft app store from 1 July, 2019.

WhatsApp added: “Because we no longer actively develop for these operating systems, some features might stop functioning at any time.”

However, just because you’re not a Windows user doesn’t you won't be affected by the changes from WhatsApp.

Android and iOS phones

For Android users, WhatsApp states that those running 2.3.7 and older will no longer be able to create new accounts, or reverify existing accounts, from 1 February 2020.

For iPhone users, Whatsapp said that those on iOS 8 will also no longer be able to create new accounts, or reverify existing accounts, from 1 February 2020.

Save your chat history

If you’re concerned about losing your chat history on WhatsApp, there’s an easy way for you to be able to save it.

Simply go to the chat or group you want to save, tap on the three dots on the upper right hand side of the screen and select either the ‘more’ option or the ‘group info’ option depending on your operating system.

From there, tap ‘export chat’.

For Windows phones, unfortunately you are unable to attach any chat media in the export. For iPhone and Android devices, this is available.

You’ll be sent an email that will contain your chat history as a .txt document.

Devices no longer supported

WhatsApp has previously withdrawn support from the likes of Nokia Symbian S60, Nokia Series 40 operating systems, BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10, Android 2.1 and 2.2, Windows Phone 7, and iPhone 3GS and iOS 6.

Regarding these changes, WhatsApp said: “This was a tough decision for us to make, but the right one in order to give people better ways to keep in touch with friends, family, and loved ones using WhatsApp.”