The question of how long the support will last Android 9 Pieis becoming critically important for millions of smartphone owners. This operating system, released by Google in 2018, brought many innovations including adaptive brightness and improved battery management. However, time is inexorable, and the life cycle of any version of the OS has its own deadline.
Official support from Google for most security features and system updates has already been completed. This means that devices stuck on this version will no longer receive patches from the platform developer. Owners of gadgets need to understand the difference between support for the hardware itself by the smartphone manufacturer and global support for the platform.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that many popular applications are gradually increasing the minimum requirements for the system version. If you are still using Android 9, you should carefully study the current state of affairs to avoid data security and software compatibility problems in the near future.
Official lifespan of Android 9 version
Google has traditionally provided support for its versions of Android for a certain period. For Android 9 the main period of security support ended at the beginning of 2022. This is a standard cycle, which is approximately 3-4 years from the release of a stable version.
After the end of official support, the project Android Open Source Project (AOSP) stops releasing monthly security patches for this branch. This does not mean that the phone will stop turning on, but it will become vulnerable to new types of threats. Smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Huaweimay take a little longer to release their own updates, but these deadlines are also coming to an end.
⚠️ Warning: The lack of security updates makes the device an easy target for malware. Do not use an old smartphone for online banking or storing critical passwords.
Some manufacturers of flagship devices could extend the life of their devices by Android 9 until 2023 through their own interfaces, such as One UI or MIUI. However, we are now in a zone where even these extended warranties are almost exhausted. You can check the exact status for your model in the settings menu.
Security risks when using an outdated OS
Ignoring the fact that support has ended leads to the accumulation of vulnerabilities. Hackers are actively studying the code of older versions, finding loopholes that have already been fixed in Android 13 or Android 14, but remain open in nine. This creates a real threat to the user’s personal data.
Components responsible for working on the network are especially affected. Encryption protocols and authentication methods are becoming obsolete. If you connect to public Wi-Fi networks on a device with Android 9, the risk of traffic interception increases many times over. The system simply does not know about the new protection methods developed over the past two years.
In addition, many anti-virus solutions begin to lose functionality on older system kernels. They cannot deeply scan the file system or intercept suspicious activity at the level available in newer versions. This creates a false sense of security for the user.
If you are forced to use an old device, install a reliable third-party antivirus and avoid installing applications from unknown sources (APK files).
It is also important to note the vulnerability of browsers. Modern web standards require new security features that are missing in older builds. Visiting even legitimate sites can become risky if the browser does not receive engine updates along with the system.
Compatibility of popular applications in 2026-2026
Application developers are guided by statistics on the use of Android versions. When the share of users per Android 9 falls below a certain threshold, support for this version ends. Large services are doing this first to free up resources for developing new functions.
Banking applications are the most demanding in terms of security. Many large banks have already announced or will soon announce the cessation of work for their clients on the versions below Android 10. This is a forced measure dictated by regulators and cybersecurity requirements.
- 📱 Messengers: WhatsApp and Telegram are still working, but new functions (high-quality video calls, stickers) may not be available.
- 🏦 Banking: Sberbank, Tinkoff and others may require an OS update to log into application.
- 🎮 Games: Heavy projects require new graphics APIs that are not fully supported on the old system.
Social networks are also gradually cutting off old devices. The news feed may load more slowly, and the functions for loading stories or live broadcasts may not work correctly. It is difficult for developers to optimize code for old libraries.
Why do applications stop working?
Developers use new programming tools (SDKs) that physically cannot be installed on the old version of Android. It's like trying to insert a new type of battery into an old remote.
How to check if updates are available for your device
Before you panic, it's worth checking to see if your smartphone manufacturer has released the latest major update or security patch specifically for your model. Sometimes manufacturers delay releases, and the update may arrive late.
To check, go to the settings of your device. The path may vary depending on the shell, but usually it looks like this: Settings → System → System update. On some models Samsung this may be Settings → Software update.
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.releaseThis command, entered through a computer with a phone connected via USB (if USB debugging is available), will show the exact version of the build. If the automatic check does not find updates, you can try going to the manufacturer's official website in the support section and entering the device model manually.
☑️ Checking the status of updates
If an update is found, be sure to back up your data before installing. The firmware process, even the official one, always carries a minimal risk of data loss due to power or memory failures.
Support table of major manufacturers
Different brands have different support policies. Flagship lines take longer to receive updates than budget segments. Below is an indicative table of the end of security support for devices released on Android 9.
| Manufacturer | Device series | Year of end of support | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 / 3 XL | December 2021 | Completed |
| Samsung | Galaxy S9 / Note 9 | April 2023 | Completed |
| Xiaomi | Mi 8 / Pocophone F1 | 2022-2023 | Completed |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 6 / 6T | 2022 | Completed |
| Huawei | P20 / Mate 10 | 2023 | Completed |
The data in the table are averaged. For some regions or specific models, the timing may vary by several months. However, the general trend is obvious: the era Android 9 is closed in terms of official support.
Most of the 2018 flagships running on Android 9 exhausted their limit of security updates back in 2022-2023.
Alternatives: Custom firmware and device replacement
If your device is technically sound, but the manufacturer abandoned it without support, enthusiasts have the option of installing custom firmware. Projects like LineageOS or Pixel Experience allow you to install a more recent version of Android on old hardware.
This process requires unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root access. This will void the warranty (if there is one) and carries the risk of turning the phone into a brick if there is an error. However, this is the only way to get Android 12 or 13 on an old device that is not officially supported.
⚠️ Attention: Installing unofficial firmware may disrupt the operation of banking applications (SafetyNet/Play Integrity API). Be prepared for the fact that contactless payment will stop working.
For an ordinary user who does not want to understand the intricacies fastboot and recovery, the most reasonable solution is to replace the device. The market offers many budget models that work out of the box on the latest versions of the system and will receive updates for several more years.
When choosing a new smartphone, pay attention to the manufacturer’s promises regarding the number of years of support. Now the standard is 4-5 years of security updates, which guarantees a long life for the device.
Before buying a new phone, check the list of models that the manufacturer undertakes to update to the new version of Android. This information is usually available on the official website in the characteristics section.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I continue to use a phone on Android 9?
Yes, basic functions (calls, SMS, camera, offline games) will work. However, using the Internet, especially entering payment data, becomes risky due to the lack of security patches.
Why does Google Play write that the application is incompatible?
The application developer has set the minimum threshold for a system version higher than Android 9. This means that the application uses functions that are not physically present in your operating system.
Will resetting it speed up to factory settings work on Android 9?
Resetting (Wipe data/factory reset) can remove software junk and temporarily speed up work, but will not add new security features and will not extend support from Google.
Does it make sense to install an antivirus on Android 9?
Yes, it will create additional level of protection, but the antivirus will not be able to fix vulnerabilities at the system kernel level. This is only a partial solution to the problem.