Before support ends (or before your phone becomes obsolete), ensure your chat history is saved to Google Drive.
: Texting, voice notes, media sharing, and end-to-end encrypted calling remain fully functional. will whatsapp work on android 6.0.1
If you rely on WhatsApp for daily communication with family, work, or business, you must begin planning an exit from Android 6.0.1 today. The app is already degrading in performance, missing new features, and exposing you to security risks. Before support ends (or before your phone becomes
Maintaining an app used by billions means old code must eventually be purged. Android 6.0.1 remains viable for several functional reasons: The app is already degrading in performance, missing
WhatsApp is ending support for older Android versions to strengthen user security and enhance the app's overall performance. Older devices often lack the security updates and technical capabilities needed to support WhatsApp's new, advanced features.
If you plan to keep using your Android 6.0.1 device for the time being, you must take proactive steps to secure your data before the app's requirements change again. About supported operating systems - WhatsApp Help Center
Android 6.0.1, released in 2015, is now a very old operating system. As of 2026, it lacks modern security patches, making devices running it more vulnerable to threats.