Refusing to update your phone? WhatsApp won't let you into the app

WhatsApp has begun blocking account access from devices running outdated Android and iOS operating systems. The block is enforced server-side and displays a mandatory warning screen with no skip option, aimed at preventing exploitation of security vulnerabilities in older systems for malware injection and data interception.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has begun deploying a strict security mechanism that completely blocks account login from devices running outdated versions of Android and iOS. The block is enforced server-side and does not depend on the installed app version. A user attempting to access their account on an unupdated device will encounter a dedicated warning screen with no skip button, making it impossible to bypass the barrier or access messages until the update is completed. Meta clarifies that the move stems from the understanding that end-to-end encryption is useless when the phone's infrastructure is compromised, as hackers exploit vulnerabilities in older systems to inject malware and intercept texts, photos, and recordings before encryption. The measure joins a series of additional security steps WhatsApp is promoting, including warnings against unofficial web extensions and AI-based fraud detection. The mechanism is being gradually rolled out to accounts worldwide and in Israel.