Find out which cell phones will be left without access to WhatsApp y Netflix in December 2025. See the full list of affected models and what alternatives you have.
WhatsApp y Nextflix will stop working on dozens of old cell phones as of December 1, 2025, since their operating systems will not be compatible and it will be impossible to update them; Here we tell you what they are.
First you must know that the decision of both Meta how much of a streaming service giant it is strengthen security, improve performance and enable new features that these devices cannot support.
WhatsApp will stop working on old cell phones from December 2025
In the most used instant messaging application worldwide, from December 2025 it will only support mobile phones with Android from the version 5.0 onwards.
On iPhones, Applethe measure especially impacts those models without the possibility of updating beyond iOS 15.1.
All phones that cannot access these updates will no longer receive support, making it impossible to properly use the messaging application from that date.
Smartphones that are left out of WhatsApp in December 2025
Within the list of obsolete cell phones that WhatsApp will run out of, several of the best-selling phones of recent years stand out:
Samsung:
- Galaxy S3
- Galaxy S4 Mini
- Galaxy Note 2
- Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Trend
- Galaxy S5
Motorola:
- Moto G (first generation)
- Moto E (2014)
LG:
- Optimus G
- Nexus 4
- G2 Mini
- LG G3
Sony:
- Xperia Z
- Xperia SP
- Xperia T
- Xperia V
- Xperia Z2
Huawei:
HTC:
Apple:
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
Why these phones will lose access to WhatsApp in December 2025
Meta explained that older devices do not have the hardware or security capability necessary to support current and essential functions of the service such as:
- Calls and video calls in high definition
- Animated stickers
- Message self-destruct
- Full use of artificial intelligence
- Advanced end-to-end encryption
Netflix updates compatibility and restricts the app to old cell phones: what are they
For its part, Netflix adjusted its technical requirements and established that its platform can only be used from phones with Android 9.0 or higher and iPhones with iOS 17 or higher.
Regarding the Netflix app, the restriction covers the following phone models:
Android:
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
- Motorola Moto X
- LG G4
- HTC One M8
- Huawei Ascend Mate 7
- Asus ZenFone 2
iPhone:
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 7
- iPhone SE (first generation)
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
In all these cases, the inability to update the operating system prevents access to the security improvements and patches required by the application.
Why do they no longer support the app on old cell phones?
This decision responds to the need to provide a secure and stable experience, in addition to reducing costs associated with supporting obsolete operating systems. Devices that are excluded lack the technical and hardware capacity to receive continuous improvements to the applicationsecurity updates and new functions demanded by users.
READ ALSO: Goodbye to Magis TV and Xuper TV: free risk-free options to watch movies and series 2025
What to do if WhatsApp or Netflix no longer work on your cell phone
Given the end of support for WhatsApp, Meta recommends checking the version of the operating system by accessing the “Settings” or “Configuration” menu. phone and check the “About phone” option to see the exact version.
If the equipment allows updating, the company advises installing it immediately; If this is not possible, it is suggested to migrate the account to a new compatible device.
Before the transfer do not forget back up chats to Google Drive for Android and in iCloud for iPhone; This allows you to keep all your messaging information on the new phone.
For those whose access to Netflix on your cell phone, the company recommends trying the service through mobile web browserssuch as Chrome or Safari.
In addition, it is still possible to consume content on smart TVs, tablets, computers or through external devices such as Chromecast or Fire TV Stick as long as the device meets the compatibility requirements.
The decision of Meta and Netflix It represents a direct impact on technological habits, as it leaves a wide range of telephones present in millions of homes without support.
In summary: what to do if your cell phone is left out
- Check the system version in Settings → About phone.
- If an update is available, install it.
- If your device can no longer be updated, you must change devices to use these applications.
- Before doing so, perform a backup in Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) so as not to lose chats.