Are you still using a smartphone or tablet on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and wondering if you can expect official updates? Or maybe you're worried about the security of a device that hasn't been patched in a while? This article will look at all the nuances: from official support periods to alternative ways to protect outdated gadgets.

Android 6.0, released in October 2015, became one of the longest-lived versions of the OS - many devices received updates to it even years after the release. However, with the release of new versions (up to Android 14 in 2023), support Marshmallow gradually faded away. We will analyze exactly when Google and manufacturers (like Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) stopped releasing updates, what risks this carries, and what owners of such devices should do today.

It is important to understand: even if your gadget no longer receives official updates, that doesn't mean it can't be used. But you will have to take additional measures - from installing alternative firmware to strict control over installed applications. In this article you will find specific instructionsnot general advice.

Official terms of support for Android 6.0 from Google

Google traditionally supports its Android versions for 3 years from the moment of release - this applies to both security updates and critical bug fixes. For Android 6.0 Marshmallow this meant:

  • 📅 Last major update: Android 6.0.1 (December 2015) - bug fixes and new emoji.
  • 🔒 Last security update: October 2018 - patch for vulnerabilities level CVE-2018-9489 and CVE-2018-9536.
  • ❌ End of support: November 2018 - Google officially closed the update thread for Marshmallow.

This means that pure late 2018 devices on a clean Android 6.0 devices (for example, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P) stopped receiving even monthly security patches. However, manufacturers could extend support for their shells - more on that below.

⚠️ Attention: Support dates from Google apply only to devices with pure Android (line Nexus/Pixel). For smartphones of other brands, the timing may vary - see the next section.

Support for Android 6.0 by manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others

Unlike Google, manufacturing companies often expand or, conversely, shorten the update time frame. Here's how things stood for key brands:

Brand Model (example) Last update Support end date
Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5 Android 7.0 Nougat 2019
Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro Android 6.0.1 (MIUI 9) 2020
Huawei P9 Lite, Mate 8 Android 7.0 (EMUI 5.0) 2021
LG G4, V10 Android 6.0 (without upgrade) 2018
Sony Xperia Z5 Android 7.1.1 Nougat 2019

As can be seen from the table, some manufacturers (for example, Huawei) supported devices for Marshmallow longer than Google, but only as part of updates to Android 7.0. Important: even if your smartphone received an upgrade to Nougat, this does not mean that it continued to receive security patches after 2019–2021.

To find out the exact date of the last update for your model:

  1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Software update.
  2. Look at the date of the latest installed firmware.
  3. Check it with the information on the manufacturer's website (support section).
📊 Is your smartphone still on Android 6.0?
Yes, and I am actively using it I use
Yes, but only for calls/messages
No, I updated it a long time ago
I don’t know what version of Android

Risks of using Android 6.0 without updates in 2026

The main problem of outdated versions of Android — security vulnerabilities. Since 2018, more 200 critical vulnerabilitiess have been discovered that were not patched for Marshmallowamong them:

  • 🕵️ Stagefright 2.0 (CVE-2015-6602) - a vulnerability in media codecs that allows malicious code to be executed via MMS.
  • 🔓 Dirty COW (CVE-2016-5195) - a bug in the Linux kernel that gives root access to attackers.
  • 📱 BlueBorne (CVE-2017-0781) - attack via Bluetooth without user interaction.

In addition to security, there are other restrictions:

  • 🚫 Incompatibility with new applications: from 2021 Google Play requires a target SDK version no lower Android 8.0 for new apps.
  • 🔄 Synchronization problems: modern versions Google Chrome, Gmail and YouTube may not work correctly.
  • 📶 Lack of support for new standards: for example, Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.0+.
⚠️ Attention: If you use the device on Android 6.0 for online banking, paying for purchases or storing personal data, the risk of information theft increases by 3–5 times compared to current OS versions.

How check if your device is receiving updates

Before looking for alternative solutions, make sure that updates have actually stopped. You can do this in two ways:

Method 1: Through the phone settings

  1. Open Settings → About phone.
  2. Find item Software update (or System update).
  3. Click Check for updates.

If the system displays a message "Updates are not available" or "Your version is current" (at the same time you Android 6.0), support has officially ended.

Method 2: Through service codes

For some devices (for example, Samsung or LG), you can use engineering codes:

##2432546## — checking the firmware version (for Samsung)
##4636## → "Phone information" → "Version Software

If the answer indicates MMB29T or a similar code - this is Android 6.0.1 (latest revision Marshmallow).

☑️ Checking for updates on Android 6.0

Done: 0 / 5

Alternative ways to extend the life of an Android device 6.0

If official updates are stopped, there are several ways:

1. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

Projects like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often support devices on Marshmallow, updating them to Android 10–12. For example:

  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy S6 → LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11).
  • 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro → Pixel Experience 12 (Android 12).

Advantages:

  • ✅ Regular security patches.
  • ✅ Modern interface.
  • ✅ Support for new applications.

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Risk of “scrapping” if installed incorrectly.
  • ❌ Possible bugs with the camera or NFC module.

2. Using lightweight launchers and alternative stores

If you don’t want to change the firmware, you can optimize the current system:

  • 🏠 Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to speed up the interface.
  • 🛡️ Use F-Droid to install open source applications (less risks of viruses).
  • 🔄 Disable the background activity of unnecessary applications in Settings → Battery → Optimization.

3. Replacing with a “cloud” phone

Services like Shelter or Island allow you to isolate work and personal data, reducing the risk of leaks. You can also use Google Remote Desktop to control the device through a more secure PC.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock), which resets the device to factory settings. Backing up your data is a must!
How to unlock the bootloader on Samsung?

1. Turn on Developer options (click on Build number 7 times in About phone).

2. Activate OEM Unlock in Settings → Developer options.

3. Connect the phone to the PC, run adb reboot bootloader.

4. Enter fastboot oem unlock and confirm the action. phone.

⚠️ After unlocking, all data will be erased!

Compatibility of applications with Android 6.0 in 2026

Every year more and more applications refuse support MarshmallowHere is the current situation on the key ones. services:

Application Latest supported version Alternative for Android 6.0
Google Chrome Chrome 80 (2020) Firefox ESR or Bromite
YouTube YouTube 15.45.34 (2021) NewPipe or web version
WhatsApp Support until 10/24/2023 Telegram or Signal
Google Maps Works, but without updates cards OsmAnd or Maps.me

To bypass restrictions, you can:

  1. Download old versions of APK from trusted sources (for example, APKMirror).
  2. Use web versions of services (for example, m.youtube.com instead applications).
  3. Install “light” versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite).

Critical information: From November 1, 2023, Google Play stopped showing updates for applications that require Android 8.0+ on devices with Marshmallow. This means that even if the application is installed, you will not be able to update it through the store.

💡

If you need to install a new app on Android 6.0, try downloading its APK via your computer (from the APKMirror website), transferring it to your phone and installing it manually. First enable Unknown sources in the security settings.

Security: how to protect your device without updates

Even without official support, you can reduce the risks:

1. Install an antivirus that supports Android 6.0

Not all antiviruses work on Marshmallow, but these have been tested:

  • 🛡️ Malwarebytes (version 4.12.3).
  • 🔍 Bitdefender Mobile Security (latest compatible version).
  • 🔒 NetGuard (network connection blocker without root).

2. Disable unnecessary services

The fewer active modules, the fewer attack vectors:

  • 📶 Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetoothwhen they are not needed.
  • 📍 Turn off Geolocation for unnecessary applications.
  • 🔄 Prevent background activity in Settings → Battery → Optimization.

3. Use a VPN to encrypt traffic

Services like ProtonVPN or Windscribe encrypt the connection, protecting against data interception on open networks. Important: choose a VPN that supports older versions of Android.

4. Regularly check your device for viruses

Scan the system at least once a week. To do this:

  1. Open your antivirus.
  2. Select "Deep scan".
  3. Remove all detected threats.
💡

The most reliable way to protect a device on Android 6.0 is to completely avoid installing applications from unverified sources and use minimal set of necessary services.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android 6.0 support

Is it possible to officially update Android 6.0 to the new version?

No, if the manufacturer has stopped supporting it. The only official way is to use the brand's service center (for example, Samsung sometimes offers paid upgrades for older models), but this is rare. An alternative is custom firmware (see section above).

What banking applications work on Android 6.0?

Most Russian banks (Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB) stopped supporting Marshmallow in 2022–2023. Alternatives:

  • Use web version bank via browser.
  • Install old version of APK (for example, Sberbank 10.1.0).
  • Get second SIM card for SMS notifications and manage your account via your computer.
Can I play modern games on Android 6.0?

Most new games (for example, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) require Android 8.0+. However, these games still work: (version 1.16.201). data-i="275">on PC.

  • Minecraft (version 1.16.201).
  • Brawl Stars (until 2022 update).
  • Clash of Clans (with reduced graphics settings).

To run new games, you can try emulators like BlueStacks on PC.

What to do if Google Play does not work on Android 6.0?

The problem may be:

  1. Outdated version of Google services → Update Google Play Services manually (download APK from APKMirror).
  2. Low memory → Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Google Play.
  3. Synchronization error → Delete your Google account and add it again.

If all else fails, use alternative stores: F-Droid, Aptoide or Aurora Store.

Is it worth buying a smartphone with Android 6.0 in 2026?

No, if you plan to use it as your main device. Exceptions:

  • 📞 For calls and SMS (for example, as a spare phone).
  • 🎮 For retro games or specific tasks (for example, GPS tracker).
  • 💰 If the price of the device does not exceed 1,500–2,000 rubles.

For everyday tasks, it is better to choose a budget smartphone with Android 10+ (for example, Redmi 9A or Samsung Galaxy A03).