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While there are many reasons to buy a Google Pixel phone, software support determines how long it will be secure. After security support expires, your Pixel phone becomes vulnerable to malicious actors. This affects every Pixel phone, from the flagship Pixel 8 Pro to the budget Pixel 7a, the best value Android phone.

Pixel phones receive OS and security updates before any other Android phone. We collated every Pixel phone below, along with their update expiration date, so that you know when it stops receiving updates. Regular updates are important to keep your device secure.

What types of Android updates are there?

Android updates come in two flavors: OS updates and security updates. Both are important, and each does different things.

OS updates are updates to new versions of Android, denoted by a number. OS Updates come out about once a year, usually in the late summer or early fall. They typically include numerous new or improved user-facing features and under-the-hood improvements. Android 14 is the latest version of Android and offers a bigger slate of features than Android 13. While these updates are interesting, they are not required to use your phone (although highly recommended).

Pixel Feature Drops supplement yearly Android releases and don't follow the same guidelines as OS updates. Some features in a Feature Drop may not be available to Pixel phones that still receive updates.

pixel phone showing android 14 wallpaper resting on stone surface

Security updates are less exciting but more important. These address security vulnerabilities across your phone, whether connecting to Wi-Fi, browsing the web, or downloading files. These updates improve existing security protocols and fix new vulnerabilities discovered since the last update. Security updates do not include new features and do not usually make a noticeable difference in the day-to-day use of your phone. A new security update is available for Pixel phones each month. An archive of every security update can be found on the Android Security Bulletin website.

Now that we've discussed the types of Android updates, let's look at how long your Pixel phone will receive updates.

Here's how long your Google Pixel will get OS updates

Google Pixel phones receive OS and security updates until a set year and month. This doesn't mean they can't get updates after the deadline, but we haven't seen a Pixel phone receive a major OS update after its update expiry date.

Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro combined bold hardware and software updates to create adventurous phones that take full advantage of Google's latest Tensor chip. Both phones have guaranteed Android OS and security updates until October 2030, the longest of any Pixel phone. We expect the upcoming Pixel 8a to offer the same length of software support.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro on a tabletop

Google Pixel Fold

The Google Pixel Fold was released in June 2023 and was the company's first foldable, offering a compelling alternative to Samsung's established lineup. It will receive OS updates until at least June 2026 and security updates until June 2028.

The Google Pixel Fold on a wicker table with a notebook and pen next to it.

Google Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a launched on May 10, 2023, and was Google's most advanced "budget" device, nearly matching the Pixel 7's specs. This came with the tradeoff of a substantial price hike. The Pixel 7a will receive Android OS updates until at least May 2026 and security updates until at least May 2028.

A Google Pixel 7a smartphone showing Google Search on the screen

Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro built on the success of the Pixel 6 series and added a new Tensor chip and more refined hardware to make for Google's best phone yet. The Pixel 7 series was released on October 13, 2022, with a promise of OS updates until at least October 2025 and security updates until at least October 2027.

A Google Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7 next to each other in the Hazel and Lemongrass colorways respectively

Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a came out on July 28, 2022, with Google's first generation Tensor chip. With the first generation Tensor comes a promise of three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. The Pixel 6a will receive Android OS updates until at least July 2025 and security updates until at least July 2027.

A Google Pixel 6a on a wood table outside leaning against a golden pineapple statue

Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro

Google's largest refresh to the Pixel line in years was released on October 28, 2021. These phones were the first to include Google's first generation Tensor chip. With Tensor, like the 6a, Google promises three years of OS updates and five years of security updates. This means the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro will receive OS updates until at least October 2024 and security updates until at least October 2026.

A Google Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6 next to each other on a black mat with colorful geometric graphics

Google Pixel 5a (5G)

Released on August 26, 2021, the Pixel 5a was the last phone to use Google's old design language. The Pixel 5a was released with a promise of three years of OS and security updates. Therefore, the Pixel 5a will likely receive its last update in August 2024.

A Google Pixel 5a nestled in some flowers

Google Pixel 4a (5G)

The Pixel 4a (5G) was announced alongside the Pixel 5 but released about a month later, on November 5, 2020. The 4a (5G) came with the then-standard three years of OS and security updates. The Google Pixel 4a (5G) no longer receives OS or security updates.

A Google Pixel 4a 5g on a countertop with a bookshelf filled with books in the background

Google Pixel 5

Google's 2020 flagship was the last to use the old design language and came out on October 15, 2020. This phone changed Google's approach from a flagship contender to a more budget-focused phone, even though the price didn't necessarily reflect that. Like many older Pixel phones, the Pixel 5 promised three years of security and OS updates. The Pixel 5 no longer receives OS or security updates.

A Google Pixel 5 on a light wood grain table

Google Pixel 4a

The Pixel 4a was Google's second A-line phone. It was released on August 20, 2020. It came with three years of OS and security updates like other Pixels at the time. The Pixel 4a no longer receives OS or security updates.

A Google Pixel 4a leaning against a tree

Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL

Google's only phones that included Google's Soli technology were released on October 24, 2019. These phones came with three years of security and OS updates at launch. The Pixel 4 series received its last update in October 2022 and received Android 13 before support was discontinued.

A Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL next to each other on a green grided mat

Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 3a XL

The first A-series phones from Google came out on May 7, 2019, and no longer receive updates.

A Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL on a concrete surface

Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL

The third series of flagships made by Google was released on October 9, 2018, and are no longer supported.

A Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL on a light wood grained surface

Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL

Perhaps the most beloved Pixel phones ever, the Pixel 2 and 2 XL were released on October 19, 2017, and no longer get updates.

A Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL on a wooden slatted table

Google Pixel 1 and Google Pixel 1 XL

Google introduced its first Pixel on October 20, 2016, which received its last update in 2019.

A first generation Google Pixel on a light surface

Keep your Pixel's software up to date

The Pixel phones are excellent 5G phones thanks to their reliable software updates. Google updates their phones more frequently and quicker than other manufacturers, which, paired with a long support life, makes owning a Pixel a delightful experience. Your Pixel phone should update automatically, but check for a software update if you want to push it manually.

  • Google Pixel 8 on white background
    Google Pixel 8

    The Google Pixel 8 boasts the same rounded design as its bigger brother, and with Google's new Actua branded screen offering brightness levels of 1,400 nits, it's easy to see what's improved here at a glance. The new Tensor G3 chipset also offers improved efficiency, performance, and AI capabilities.

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro in Bay
    Google Pixel 8 Pro

    The Google Pixel 8 Pro offers some of the most substantial improvements over its cheaper brother over previous models. Pro controls on the camera are impressively powerful, and Magic Eraser now has the capability to augment images, not just remove objects. Add in the new Tensor G3 with better AI capabilities and you've got a device with a phenomenal amount of potential.