WhatsApp to stop working on smartphones this month : The Standard

• Mirror 02nd Feb 2020 10:29:39 GMT +0300

It is the go-to messaging app for millions of people around the world, but WhatsApp has revealed that it will stop working on several popular smartphones today. From February 1, WhatsApp users on several iPhones and Android smartphones will no longer be able to create new accounts or reverify existing accounts. Smartphones affected include those running on Android versions 2.3.7 and older, and iPhones on iOS 8 or older. Thankfully, most smartphones are compatible with more up-to-date operating systems, so you should be able to update your device.

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For example, iOS 9 is available for iPhones going back as far as the iPhone 4s. To find out which operating system your iPhone uses, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update - your current version will be displayed there. Meanwhile, on Android, you can find out your operating system, by going to Settings, then About Phone, then Software Info.

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The news comes shortly after WhatsApp stopped support for Windows smartphones. WhatsApp said: “You'll no longer be able to use all Windows Phone operating systems after December 31, 2019, and WhatsApp might not be available in the Microsoft Store after July 1, 2019.”

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The change follows a report by WABetaInfo which indicated that Dark Mode is finally rolling out to Android beta testers. WABetaInfo explained: “The day is here and I’m very happy to announce that WhatsApp is finally rolling out, for all Android beta users, the Dark Theme feature!” As the name suggests, dark mode changes the background colour of the app window to black, making it much easier on the eyes - particularly when using your phone in the evening. The report indicates that users will be able to choose from three themes on WhatsApp. The first, called Light Theme, is the usual theme on the app, while Dark Theme will turn your app to dark blue colours.

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Alternatively, users can choose to Set by Battery Saver, in which the app will automatically switch to light or dark themes based on your Battery Saver settings.

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