WhatsApp for Mac won't install on my old Mac
The WhatsApp app for Mac asks for macOS 11 Big Sur or later. On a 2012 Mac, which stops at macOS 10.15 Catalina, it won't install.
What it means
WhatsApp's download page asks for macOS 11 or later. Macs from 2013 onwards still install it; 2012 ones don't. As WhatsApp raises the floor over time, the Macs stuck on Big Sur will be next.
| Mac (newest macOS it takes) | Does it install? |
|---|---|
| 2012 (10.15 Catalina) | No |
| 2013–2014 (11 Big Sur) | Yes |
| Mac mini 2014, 2015 (12 Monterey) | Yes |
| 2017 MacBook Pro (13 Ventura) | Yes |
What you can do
- Free: WhatsApp Web at web.whatsapp.com, in Firefox. It links to your phone by scanning a QR code and lets you chat from the computer.
- Install Linux: WhatsApp has no Linux app, but WhatsApp Web works the same in an up-to-date browser.
If you want to keep using this Mac with everything up to date
Linux is a free system that still gets updates on these Macs. With it you get up-to-date Chrome and Firefox, Office in the browser, LibreOffice and security patches again. The ResucitaTuMac Kit installs it for you with a wizard (in Spanish), without sending the Mac anywhere: you can keep macOS alongside and choose at power-on.
It's for Intel Macs from 2012 to 2015 and the 2017 MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. One-off payment of €24.99.
Check for free whether your Mac worksSee how it's done