WHATSAPP users are being warned to check their phones ahead of a major change next month, with messages to stop working on millions of iPhones.

The Meta-owned app first warned customers of the upheaval late last year - giving them five months to prepare.

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But that time period has now almost elapsed - meaning those operating older iOS software will soon be blocked from the messaging service altogether.

At the moment, iPhone users with iOS 12 or newer are able to use WhatsApp.

But, as of May 5, they will be required to have at least iOS 15.1, according to WABetaInfo.

Many older iPhones can only update to iOS 12.5.7 - as they are not modern enough to support the 15.1 software.

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These include the iPhone 5s, 6 and 6 Plus.

Owners of these models with be forced to purchase a new device if they wish to still access the app.

In their original statement, WhatsApp bosses claimed the move would improve the overall quality of the app.

They said: "One of the main reasons for this change is that newer versions of iOS include updated APIs and improved technologies that WhatsApp relies on to deliver new features.

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"By not supporting older versions, WhatsApp will be able to optimize the app and introduce new features that simply wouldn't be possible with outdated operating systems."

The change will apply to both standard and business versions of the app.

When approached for comment, Meta directed The Sun to its support page .

It comes after WhatsApp users were issued with another warning over verification codes.

Sharing these codes risks them getting into the wrong hands, bosses said - meaning your personal texts could be invaded and your bank account emptied.

They explained: "You should never share your WhatsApp verification code with others.

"If someone is trying to take over your account, they need the SMS verification code sent to your phone number to do so.

"Without this code, any user attempting to verify your number can’t complete the verification process and can't use your phone number on WhatsApp.

"This means you remain in control of your WhatsApp account."

Crooks may try to trick you into handing over the code by claiming they need to verify your identity.

Or, they may say they have accidentally sent a code to you.

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Alternatively, they'll claim to be from WhatsApp's support team (or another business) and demand your code to fix a problem.

The Sun has reached out to Apple for comment.