Android phones have an expiration date. This is how you discover it.

The “end-of-life” date for an Android smartphone refers to the day when the manufacturer stops releasing security updates. Few consumers know when this will happen to their gadget. We explain what this means and how long Samsung, Google, and others will maintain their products.

What is the significance of an Android phone’s expiry date?

Unlike the iPhone, there is no consistent update policy for Android. Although Google produces the general operating system, it is up to the device’s maker – Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or whoever developed it – to decide whether and for how long it receives upgrades.

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.

The manufacturer will stop sending these updates when your mobile phone reaches its end-of-life date. After that, the gadget is still useable, but it poses an increasing security risk, especially if you use it for online banking, shopping, or accessing personal data.

How long do manufacturers support their devices?

The good news is that update periods have gotten much longer in recent years. Samsung and Google have set the standard, and other manufacturers have followed following, thanks in part to the EU’s introduction of legislative minimum requirements with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which took effect in June 2025.

All new smartphone models released after June 20, 2025, are required to deliver software updates for at least five years after the device is removed from the market.

The following table shows the length of support major manufacturers are currently promising:

How to find out when support will end for your device

To begin, you’ll need the brand and model names, as well as the phone number. To obtain your device’s entire model name, go to phone settings and select “About phone”. It will say something like “Samsung Galaxy S26” or “Pixel 8 Pro”.

Once you’ve determined this, the most trustworthy source for particular end-of-life dates is the website endoflife.date. The ‘Devices’ tab provides an overview by manufacturer, including Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and others. When you click on the manufacturer, a table appears that lists all of the models and the exact date from which security updates will no longer be supplied.

Alternatively, search the internet for your model and the terms “end of software support” or “update guarantee”. For instance, “Samsung Galaxy S26 end of support” or a “Pixel 8 Pro software updates until when” .

Alternatively, as a general reference, check your phone’s settings for the date of the previous security patch. Most Android devices display this information under Settings → About phone → Android version or Security patch level. If the date is more than three to six months ago, this is an early indication that your device may no longer be supported.

What should you do when the expiry date is reached?

A smartphone that has stopped receiving updates does not have to be discarded right away. However, you should be informed of the risks associated and how to protect yourself.

It’s especially unsafe to keep using it for online banking, shopping, and accessing email accounts or password managers. Malware can exploit unpatched security vulnerabilities.

As a dedicated media device, such as for music, films, simple games, or as a car sat-nav, you can use a device without updates for an extended period of time as long as you do not expose it to sensitive data.

When purchasing a new gadget, pay close attention to the update guarantee. Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices from the S or Z series now have the longest support duration among Android devices, at seven years (making them a more cost-effective long-term choice, even if the purchase price is greater). If you’re specifically looking for a Samsung, our Galaxy buying guide provides an up-to-date review of the top models available.