WHATSAPP users have just hours to ensure their smartphone isn't affected by changes that will block some sending or receiving texts.

The popular messaging app has been warning it's more than two billion users worldwide that it will drop support for three handsets on Monday.

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Every so often WhatsApp drops older smartphones, much like other app makers.

This is usually done because the user numbers of that specific model have become too low to justify updating them or because they're too old to handle new features.

"Devices and software change often, so we regularly review what operating systems we support and make updates," WhatsApp explained.

"Every year we look at which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users.

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"These devices also might not have the latest security updates, or might lack the functionality required to run WhatsApp.

"Before we stop supporting your operating system, you'll be notified in WhatsApp and reminded a few times to upgrade."

The latest batch of phones that will no longer be able to use WhatsApp on May 5 are all iPhone.

Until then, any iPhone that has iOS 12 or newer can use WhatsApp.

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But after that date, only iOS version 15.1 and newer will be supported.

This means that some dated iPhone models that are too old to use new versions of iOS won't be able to use WhatsApp anymore.

Apple itself stopped providing major updates to the affected iPhones a while back now.

It's important to have a serviced operating system on any device, as this is what companies use to keep out hackers who find new security loopholes to exploit.

And other apps like Spotify and Instagram have already stopped working on devices running iOS 12 too.

The oldest model of the three iPhones affected was released way back in 2013.

See the full list below:

• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus

WHAT TO DO IF I'M AFFECTED

Sadly, if you want to continue using WhatsApp the best option is to upgrade your phone.

Of course, the trusty SMS text message will still work, as well as Apple's own iMessage, so you could switch but you won't have key features like groups anymore as you do on WhatsApp.

If you do opt for an upgrade, it doesn't have to be the most expensive option around.

Even Apple has a new cheaper version of the iPhone.

The latest being the iPhone 16e which starts at £599 / $599.

And there are plenty of good Android options around too if you're tempted to switch, such as the Google Pixel 9a and Samsung Galaxy A56.