Google has quietly made a major change to how it handles security updates for older Android phones. This decision means hundreds of millions of devices are no longer getting critical protection directly from Google, potentially leaving users vulnerable and needing to consider an upgrade.
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Here’s what’s happening: Google is stopping direct security fixes for Android versions older than 13, which affects a huge number of phones. This move, less publicized than other tech news like Microsoft’s recent Windows 10 security update reversal, puts users on older Android versions at increased risk and highlights the urgency of having up-to-date software.
What’s Happening with Older Android Phones?
For years, Google would take important security fixes designed for the newest Android versions and adapt them for slightly older ones – a process sometimes called “backporting.” This helped keep more devices safe for longer.
However, Google has now stopped this practice for any Android version older than Android 13. This change impacts an enormous number of people – potentially between 750 million and 1 billion users globally. If your phone is running Android 12, 11, 10, or older, it’s likely not receiving the latest security patches directly from Google.
Stack of Samsung Galaxy smartphones representing current Android devices
While manufacturers can still develop and release their own security updates for these older Android versions, few have the resources or desire to do this consistently, especially as the OS gets older.
Other Signals You Might Need to Upgrade
This isn’t the only change affecting older Android devices. Google also updated its Play Integrity API, a tool developers use to check if your phone’s software is legitimate and hasn’t been tampered with. This update essentially flags Android 12 and older versions as less secure for running certain apps. This change to the Google Play Store system serves as another signal that support is waning for older devices.
On top of that, Google recently confirmed it’s ending Chrome browser updates, including crucial security fixes, for phones running Android 8 and 9. While this specific change affects a smaller group compared to the wider OS update shift – around 300 million users – it’s another clear indication that support is ending for phones running outdated software.
Screenshot from a report showing data related to Android operating system versions and distribution
Why This Puts Your Phone at Risk
Without regular security updates, your phone becomes an easier target for cyber threats. These updates are like essential patches that fix newly discovered weaknesses in the software that hackers could exploit. Vulnerabilities could allow criminals to steal your personal data, install malicious software without your knowledge, or even take control of your device. Google itself frequently issues warnings about the kinds of attacks that security updates protect against.
This lack of direct security support from Google for Android 12 and older versions, combined with changes like the Play Integrity API update, effectively sets a deadline for security-minded users to upgrade their phones if an operating system upgrade isn’t available. As pointed out by Android Authority, “Still have an old device running Android 12? It’s finally time to upgrade.”
What Should You Do?
First, check which Android version your phone is currently running. You can usually find this information in your phone’s Settings menu, typically under “About phone” or “System” > “Android version.”
If your phone is running Android 12 or older, see if your phone manufacturer offers a software update to Android 13 or later. Many manufacturers provide OS updates for a few years after a phone’s release.
If an OS upgrade isn’t available for your device, or if the manufacturer doesn’t explicitly promise ongoing security updates for your current Android version, it’s time to seriously consider upgrading to a newer smartphone. Upgrading to a device that runs Android 13 or later is the most reliable way to ensure you receive timely security patches directly from Google, helping to protect your data and privacy.
Google’s decision to pull back direct security support for Android versions older than 13 is a significant one, impacting a vast number of users. If your phone is running Android 12 or earlier and isn’t getting manufacturer updates, upgrading is the most reliable way to ensure you have the latest security protections. Stay informed about your device’s support status to keep your data safe.
