Your Android phone has a hidden expiry date.
Every Android device reaches a point where the manufacturer simply stops sending software and security updates. This is called the "end-of-life" date, and there are two kinds of updates your phone receives.
The first type brings shiny new Android features, fresh designs, and improvements, like what's found in the newly-launched Android 17. When these stop coming, some newer apps might not work properly anymore because their newer versions will no longer be compatible with your older model.
However, it's the security updates that you really need to care about.
These critical patches fix known weaknesses that criminals could use to break into your device. Without them, your phone becomes more exposed over time, even if everything seems perfectly normal on the surface. This matters most if you're using your phone for online banking, shopping, or accessing email and password managers. Those unpatched security holes can be exploited by malware, putting your sensitive information at serious risk.
The following is a chart that shows the guaranteed length of time Android-powered devices are guaranteed to receive software and security updates.
This doesn't mean your mobile will suddenly stop working when that date arrives.
Although it'll become increasingly vulnerable to hackers and malware with each passing month because it won't get those routine updated protections. This has been in several instances across the industry. As of late, Microsoft pulled the plug on support for Windows 10 last October.
And unlike iPhones, which follow Apple's standard update policy, Android devices are a bit of a mixed bag. Google creates the operating system, but it's actually Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or whichever company made your handset that decides how long they'll keep it protected.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Despite the above expirations, the lifespan of a mobile's updates has improved in recent years. Before, most models would only get security patches for two to three years.
As more people are holding onto their mobiles for longer before upgrading, manufacturers have adapted. Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 onwards now come with seven years of both Android and security updates. Samsung has matched this with its Galaxy S24 and newer Z series foldables.
Other brands offer varying levels of support – OnePlus promises five years of security patches for newer models, while Xiaomi's premium devices get the same. Budget phones typically receive shorter support periods.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series will be treated to seven years of software and security updates
| SAMSUNG PRESS OFFICEThe most reliable method is visiting the website endoflife.date. Head to the Devices tab and you'll find lists organised by manufacturer – Samsung, Google, OnePlus and more. Click on yours, and you'll see exact dates for every model.
Not sure what phone you've got? You can navigate to Settings> About phone, and you'll find the full model name there.
There's also a quick check you can do right now. Look for your last security patch date under Settings, then About phone. If it's more than three to six months old, your device might already be unsupported.
The Google Play Store is the official destination to download apps for your Android device | GOOGLE
If you have a phone that is at the end of support, there are a couple of ways to minimise security risks.
For instance, you'll want to avoid downloading apps from unofficial stores. The safest way to download apps is through official marketplaces such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Before apps are made available, they undergo security checks and reviews designed to identify malicious software and other potential threats.
You may occasionally come across apps that require "sideloading"— the process of installing software from outside an official app store. While apps from well-known developers may be relatively low risk, sideloaded apps generally don't receive the same level of scrutiny as those available through official channels. This can make it harder to determine whether an app is trustworthy or if it contains malware that could compromise your device or personal information. Several fake apps were recently found that let hackers read your texts.
For any other apps already installed on your phone, you may want to manage your permissions. These control what parts of your phone an app is allowed to access – such as using your location to pinpoint your position on a map. Some apps have been known to ask for a few too many privileges, however. By restricting some of the permissions, you may be able to limit how much of your data is exposed.