WhatsApp has reportedly ended support for KaiOS phones, following its earlier drop for Android 4.0.3, iOS 9, and KaiOS 2.5.0 from November 2021.
Users on Reddit reported that WhatsApp stopped working on devices running KaiOS 2.5.4 or later. For instance, user u/m-ago mentioned his WhatsApp stopped working on his Nokia 6300 4G (WhatsApp version: 2.2329.13, KaiOS version: 2.5.4) despite attempts to reset the phone and reinstall the app.
Reddit users in the r/KaiOS subreddit reported being unable to log into WhatsApp after installing version 2.2329.13. They encountered a “Something went wrong” error message with no further details. This issue mainly affected new users, while those already signed in could still use the app.
Some users found a workaround by installing an older version (2.2329.10), changing the phone date to between June 28 and July 1, logging in, and then updating to the latest version through KaiStore. However, the app checks the time and version when verifying phone numbers, resulting in a “Critical Error” that prevents sign-up.
User u/Shot-Tip9296 shared a screenshot from KaiOS support, which stated:
1. Users logged in before June 25, 2024, can use WhatsApp until early 2025, after which the service will stop.
2. WhatsApp will no longer provide updates or maintenance for KaiOS.
3. The WhatsApp app has been removed from the KaiOS store and can’t be downloaded or installed.
4. An update on WhatsApp’s incompatibility statement will be promoted on the official website, with a recovery time to be determined.
The KaiOS support page confirmed:
- Devices purchased and activated before June 25, 2024, with WhatsApp already logged in, will remain functional until early 2025.
- For devices where WhatsApp has never been logged in or users have logged out, support ended on June 25, 2024.
This affects phones like the JioPhone, JioPhone 2, Nokia 800 Tough, Nokia 2720 Flip, Nokia 2760 Flip, Nokia 2780 Flip, Nokia 6300 4G, Nokia 8000 4G, and Nokia 8110 4G, as well as some Alcatel and Energizer models. WhatsApp is also not available on KaiOS 3.0, meaning only logged-in users can use it until February 2025.
WhatsApp has not issued an official statement about dropping support for its KaiOS app, but the announcement on the KaiOS support page makes it clear.