In just a few weeks, millions of phones will be locked out of using messaging application WhatsApp and will therefore be unable to keep in contact with friends and family who use the app.
Both Android and iPhone users have been receiving urgent warnings to update their software in order to continue using the encrypted messaging app.
After November 1, more than 50 Android and Apple devices will be prevented from accessing messages, pictures and videos - unless they are upgraded to a newer operating system.
READ MORE - Gmail, YouTube and Google Maps now blocked on older phones - here's which ones
As reported by The Mirror, operating systems are updated every year, meaning older versions gradually become more and more outdated and eventually obsolete - which is what has happened in this case.
Phones running Android 4.0.4 or earlier, or iOS 9 or earlier, will no longer be compatible with WhatsApp, meaning owners should either upgrade or buy a newer model as soon as possible.
Here is the full list of phones affected
- Galaxy Trend Lite
- Galaxy Trend II
- Galaxy SII
- Galaxy S3 mini
- Galaxy Xcover 2
- Galaxy Core
- Galaxy Ace 2
- Lucid 2
- Optimus F7
- Optimus F5
- Optimus L3 II Dual
- Optimus F5
- Optimus L5
- Best L5 II
- Optimus L5 Dual
- Best L3 II
- Optimus L7
- Optimus L7 II Dual
- Best L7 II
- Optimus F6, Enact
- Optimus L4 II Dual
- Optimus F3
- Best L4 II
- Best L2 II
- Optimus Nitro HD
- Optimus 4X HD
- Optimus F3Q
- ZTE V956
- Grand X Quad V987
- Grand Memo
- Xperia Miro
- Xperia Neo L
- Xperia Arc S
- Alcatel
- Ascend G740
- Ascend Mate
- Ascend D Quad XL
- Ascend D1 Quad XL
- Ascend P1 S
- Ascend D2
- Archos 53 Platinum
- HTC Desire 500
- Caterpillar Cat B15
- Wiko Cink Five
- Wiko Darknight
- Lenovo A820
- UMi X2
- Run F1
- THL W8
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
What can you do if you're affected?
The smartphone models above will stop getting security updates and new features, which means they will gradually stop working.
If you have one of the smartphones on the list above, you eventually won't have a choice but to get a new device with support for the app, if you still wish to use WhatsApp.
You will be able to back up your chat history before moving to a new device, if you wish to retain all your chats and media.
