Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Tech Advisor explains how Android phones have software expiry dates when manufacturers stop providing security updates, creating potential vulnerabilities.
- New EU regulations require 5 years of updates starting June 2025, while Google Pixel and Samsung flagship models now offer 7 years of support.
- Check your phone’s end-of-life date by searching your model plus “end of software support” or using endoflife.date website. Detailed instructions are provided below.
The “end-of-life” date for an Android smartphone is the day on which the manufacturer stops providing security updates. Very few users know when this will happen for their device. We explain exactly what this means and how long Samsung, Google and others support their devices.
What does an expiry date mean for an Android phone?
Unlike iPhone, there’s no standard update policy for Android. Although Google develops the overall operating system, it’s the respective manufacturer – Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or whoever built the device – who decides whether and for how long a device receives updates.
There are essentially two types of relevant updates:
- Android version updates bring new features, a revamped design and improvements. If your device no longer receives new Android versions, some new apps will eventually stop working. Or they won’t run with the latest features.
- Security updates are the more important category. They patch known security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to gain access to your device. If you no longer receive security updates, you’re using a device that will become increasingly vulnerable over time, even if it isn’t immediately apparent.
Your mobile phone’s end-of-life date is the point at which the manufacturer stops providing these updates. After that, the device isn’t automatically unusable, but it becomes a growing security risk – especially if you use it for online banking, shopping or accessing sensitive data.
How long do manufacturers support their devices?
The good news is that update periods have become significantly longer in recent years. Samsung and Google have led the way, and other manufacturers have followed suit – partly because the EU introduced statutory minimum requirements with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into force in June 2025.
For all new smartphone models released since 20 June 2025, manufacturers are obliged to provide software updates for at least five years after the device is taken off the market.
The following table shows the length of support major manufacturers are currently promising:
| Manufacturer | Android version updates | Security updates | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | 7 years | 7 years | Pixel 6 and newer |
| Samsung | 7 years | 7 years | Galaxy S24, Z series 2024/2025 and newer |
| Samsung | 4 years | 4 years | Older Galaxy A models |
| OnePlus | 4 years | 5 years | OnePlus 12 and newer |
| Xiaomi | 4 years | 5 years | Premium models (such as Xiaomi 14) |
| Xiaomi | 2–3 years | 3 years | Mid-range and budget |
| Oppo / Realme | 4 years | 6 years | Devices from June 2025 |
| Motorola | 3 years | 4 years | Current Edge series |
How to find out when support will end for your device
First off, you’ll need your phone’s brand and model name and number. If you’re not sure, you can find the full model name of your device in the phone settings → “About phone”. It will say, for example, “Samsung Galaxy S26” or “Pixel 8 Pro”.
Once you know this, the most reliable source for specific end-of-life dates is the website endoflife.date. Under the ‘Devices’ tab, you’ll find an overview by manufacturer: Samsung, Google, OnePlus and others. Clicking on the manufacturer displays a table listing all models with the exact date from which security updates will no longer be provided.
Alternatively, you can search the internet for your your model, along with the term “end of software support” or “update guarantee”. For example, “Samsung Galaxy S26 end of support” or “Pixel 8 Pro software updates until when”.
Or, as a rough guide, check your phone’s settings for the date of the last security patch. On most Android devices, you’ll find this under Settings → About phone → Android version or Security patch level. If the date is more than three to six months ago, this is an initial sign that your device may no longer be receiving support.
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What should you do when the expiry date is reached?
A smartphone that no longer receives updates doesn’t have to be consigned to a drawer straight away. But you should be aware of the risks involved and how you can protect yourself.
It’s particularly risky to continue using it for online banking, shopping and accessing email accounts or password managers. Security vulnerabilities that are no longer patched can be exploited by malware.
As a dedicated media device – for example, for music, videos, simple games or as a sat-nav in the car – you can continue to use a device without updates for a while, provided you don’t expose it to sensitive data.
When buying a new device, you should pay particular attention to the update guarantee. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices from the S or Z series currently offer the longest support period among Android devices at seven years (and are therefore more economical choice in the long run, even if the purchase price is higher). If you’re specifically looking for a Samsung, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of the best models in our Galaxy buying guide. You can also check out our top recommendations among Google Pixel Phones.
Further reading: Which phones will receive Android 17?
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and adapted from German.
