Google has officially ended security update support for Android 12 and 12L as of March 31, 2025. If you're still using a phone or tablet running these versions, this is a critical development that could leave your device vulnerable to security threats. Let's break down what this means for you and what steps you should consider taking. The news emerged quietly with the release of Google's Android Security Bulletin for April 2025. The bulletin omitted Android 12 and 12L from the list of supported versions, signaling the end of backported security patches. These versions were initially released in October 2021 and March 2022, respectively. Google typically provides around 3.5 years of security updates for older Android versions, so this cutoff aligns with their established practice. However, the timing is unfortunate, as a significant number of users are still running Android 12 or older. The absence of Android 12 and 12L from the April 2025 security bulletin confirms that the March 2025 bulletin was the last to include patches for these versions. This means that devices like the Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Galaxy S10 series, and OnePlus 7 series will no longer receive official Android OS security updates from Google. While some manufacturers could theoretically backport patches themselves, it's unlikely they will dedicate resources to older devices. If your device is running Android 12 or 12L, it's strongly recommended that you consider upgrading to a newer device or OS version. While you might still receive updates for Google apps or certain system modules, the core Android OS will no longer be protected against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Google has also stopped approving new Android 12 builds, so don't expect any major updates. If upgrading isn't immediately possible, exercise extreme caution when using your device, especially for sensitive activities like online banking or storing personal information. As security risks increase over time, the potential for exploitation grows. Alternatively, you could repurpose your old device for less critical tasks. It could serve as a dedicated security camera, a music player, or an e-reader. However, using it as your primary phone for storing important documents and financial details is no longer a safe option. The end of security updates for Android 12 and 12L highlights the importance of keeping your devices up to date to protect against evolving security threats. Newer Android devices from major brands now offer longer support windows, making them a safer investment for security-conscious users.
