While you are safe today, a major change is on the horizon. WhatsApp has officially announced that
You can also do a local backup to your device's internal storage. 4. Prepare for a New Device
: Old hardware combined with heavy modern data caches results in constant lag, slow app launch times, and frequent device overheating.
To update WhatsApp on Android 6.0.1:
If you are using a device like a Samsung Galaxy S5 or an early Sony Xperia Z running Android Marshmallow (6.0.1), you can still send messages and make calls for now. But it’s important to understand the upcoming changes to avoid losing your chat history. will whatsapp work on android 6.0.1
Future features requiring newer APIs (like advanced voice/video call, improved AI integrations, or high-security encryption protocols) may not work.
As of now, WhatsApp still supports Android 6.0.1, but with some limitations. According to WhatsApp's official FAQ page, the app supports Android 4.4 and above. Since Android 6.0.1 is above this threshold, you should be good to go!
Conclusion WhatsApp may work on Android 6.0.1 now if WhatsApp still supports that version, but support can be dropped at any time. Relying on an OS that old risks losing updates, features, and security protections; upgrading the OS or device is the best long-term choice.
WhatsApp stops supporting older operating systems to focus its resources on newer versions. This allows the company to develop more advanced features, improve performance, and ensure a high level of security. While you are safe today, a major change is on the horizon
Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) is fully supported. WhatsApp currently requires Android 5.0 or newer .
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using WhatsApp on Android 6.0.1, the impending system dropouts, and how to keep your chats safe. The Latest WhatsApp OS Compatibility Policy
As of late 2023 and early 2024, WhatsApp officially supports Android devices running .
because Meta has established Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) as the baseline operating system requirement . If your smartphone runs Android 6.0.1, you are safely above the minimum cutoff threshold. However, operating on an older operating system requires an understanding of how long your device will stay supported, potential performance limits, and security vulnerabilities. The Current Compatibility Policy Prepare for a New Device : Old hardware
Yes, the app will work on Android 6.0.1 until the 8 September 2026 cutoff date. After that, the app will require Android 6.0 or newer, meaning the app will no longer work on any versions older than 6.0, including Android 6.0.1.
To ensure you have the best WhatsApp experience and stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches, we recommend upgrading to a newer version of Android (7.0 or above) if possible.
It is crucial to note that . Apple iPhone users and other iOS users are exempt from this specific update, as WhatsApp will continue to run on iOS 15.1 and higher without interruption.
According to the official WhatsApp Help Center , Meta has announced a major support cutoff. Beginning September 8, 2026 , Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) will officially become the absolute minimum requirement to run the app.