WhatsApp for Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)

Raise-to-ear playback relies on the proximity sensor next to the top earpiece, so first remove any screen protector or case that overlaps that area and wipe it clean, since even a smudge can keep the sensor permanently 'covered.' Test the sensor by dialing *#0*# to open Samsung's hardware test menu and tapping the Sensor section, then waving your hand over the top of the screen to see if it reacts. If the sensor responds there but WhatsApp still ignores it, clear WhatsApp's cache under Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear cache and reboot. See how others solved this on Reddit

When WhatsApp always uses the loudspeaker and never switches to the earpiece as you lift the phone, the proximity sensor is either blocked or faulty. Confirm it by dialing *#0*# and opening the Sensor section, then covering the top of the screen with your hand to watch the proximity value change. If it never reacts, the sensor is dead and earpiece playback can't work, which is a hardware fault rather than a WhatsApp setting; if it does react, clear WhatsApp's cache (Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage > Clear cache) and reboot. See how others solved this on Reddit

The A5 (2016) is stuck on Android 7 Nougat with no further security updates, and current WhatsApp versions require roughly Android 5.1 or newer, so it will keep working for now but expect WhatsApp to eventually drop support for OS versions this old. Before buying used, install WhatsApp from the Play Store and confirm it updates and activates cleanly, since outdated app versions can stop sending messages. For peace of mind, treat it as a backup or light-use device rather than your only phone. See how others solved this on Reddit

The A5's limited RAM gets choked when WhatsApp media piles up, so go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage and clear the cache, then inside WhatsApp open Settings > Storage and data > Manage storage to delete large videos and forwarded files. Turn off auto-download under Settings > Storage and data > Media auto-download (set photos, audio, and video to off or Wi-Fi only) to keep the phone from filling up again. A reboot after clearing cache frees memory and noticeably smooths things out. See how others solved this on Reddit

A newer custom ROM can technically push the A5 to a higher Android version, but it requires unlocking the bootloader and flashing via Odin or TWRP, which wipes all data and carries real bricking risk on this older Exynos model. If you go this route, back up your chats first via WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat backup to Google Drive so you can restore afterward. For most users, simply keeping WhatsApp and the stock firmware updated is the safer path. See how others solved this on Reddit

On the A5, open WhatsApp > three dots > Settings > Chats > Chat backup and run a backup to Google Drive using the same Google account you'll sign into on the new phone. When you set up WhatsApp on the new device with the same phone number, it will detect that Google Drive backup and offer to restore your messages and media. If both phones aren't signed into the identical Google account, the restore prompt won't appear. See how others solved this on Reddit