Who will no longer be able to log in to WhatsApp* and Telegram from October 1, 2026

Since the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2026, millions of users may suddenly lose contact. Popular messengers tighten technical requirements and security policies, cutting off those who do not meet the new standards.

Here are the four main risk groups:

1. Owners of outdated smartphones

If your phone is running an older version of Android or iOS that the manufacturer is no longer updating, the app may just stop running. Developers systematically disable support for outdated hardware. The solution is one: check the available system updates or, alas, think about buying a new gadget.

2. Users with inactive SIM cards

If the number to which the messenger is attached has not been replenished for a long time, the operator has the full right to block it and re-release it to another person. In this case, it will be almost impossible to restore access to correspondence and contacts. Make sure that your SIM card is active and designed for you.

3. Spammers and rule breakers

Platforms are ruthlessly automated fight against mass advertising, fraudulent links and prohibited content. Algorithms block such profiles instantly, and it is possible to achieve unlocking in such cases in a few cases.

4. Those who neglect protection

Scammers are constantly improving methods of stealing accounts: from illegal reissue of SIM cards to phishing sites. If you haven’t enabled two-factor authentication (an additional cloud password), your profile is at maximum risk. Never share SMS codes with outsiders, even if they appear to be a support service.

Spend five minutes today: check for app updates, check for room activity, and enable two-step verification in your privacy settings. This will reliably save your data.

*WhatsApp is owned by Meta, whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in Russia.

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