is android 13 still supported

If you’re asking is android 13 still supported, the real answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on what phone you’re holding and when it was made. One person’s Android 13 device might still get monthly security patches while another hasn’t seen an update in over a year.

As of 2026, Google’s own policy guarantees five years of security patches for Pixel 6 and newer. But manufacturers like Xiaomi and Motorola have much shorter windows, sometimes dropping support after just two years. That gap is what makes this question so tricky, so let’s break it down.

Problem: Why “Is Android 13 Still Supported?” Has No Simple Answer

The confusion comes from two separate timelines that often get lumped together. First, there’s the OS version support, when Google stops pushing new feature updates for Android 13 itself. That happened in late 2023, when Android 14 launched.

After that, no more OS-level improvements land on Android 13.

But “supported” usually means something different to most people. You probably care about security patches, the monthly or quarterly fixes that close vulnerabilities. And that’s where the answer splits.

Every phone maker sets its own security patch schedule. Google promises five years of patches from the phone’s launch, even after the OS version stops getting new features. Samsung offers a similar commitment on its flagship models.

But smaller brands treat security support as a rolling stop, often ending it silently.

Then there’s the carrier factor. If you bought your phone through Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T in the US, your updates go through an extra certification layer. That can delay patches by weeks or months, and sometimes carriers simply stop approving updates for older models even if the manufacturer is still pushing them.

All of this means you can’t just check a calendar date and know your answer. You have to look at your specific device’s history.

Quick Answer: The Short Version (Depends on Your Phone)

Here’s the straightforward take. If your phone is a Google Pixel 6 or newer, or a Samsung Galaxy S21 or newer, Android 13 is still supported with security patches as of early 2026. If you own a budget phone from Xiaomi, Motorola, or Nokia from 2022 or earlier, support likely ended months ago.

For OnePlus 9 series and newer, you’re probably still covered but check the exact security patch date.

The safest move: open Settings > About Phone > Android Version. Look at the “Android security update” line. If that date is within the last 90 days, you’re still getting patches.

If it’s older than six months, support has likely stopped.

Core Explanation: How Android Support Actually Works (OS vs. Security Patches)

Understanding the difference between an OS update and a security patch clears up most of the confusion.

OS updates (like moving from Android 13 to 14) bring new features, design changes, and API updates for app developers. Google stops releasing these for an older version once the next major version is out. Android 13’s last OS update was Android 13 QPR3 in June 2023.

After that, the OS development branch closed.

Security patches are smaller fixes that address specific vulnerabilities. Google publishes a monthly bulletin with patches for known exploits. Phone makers then adapt those patches to their devices and push them out.

A device that is “still supported” is getting these patches regularly, even if it never sees Android 14 or 15.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

So when someone says “Android 13 is no longer supported,” they might mean the OS version is frozen. That’s true. But if your phone still gets security patches, you’re not in immediate danger.

The real cutoff happens when the security patches stop.

Condition Variables: The Three Things That Decide Your Answer

Three factors determine whether your Android 13 device still gets updates. You need to check all three.

Brand & Model

This is the biggest variable. Flagship phones from Google, Samsung, and OnePlus get the longest support windows. Budget phones often get one or two years of patches at most.

Some Chinese brands like Oppo and Vivo change their policies by region, so a model sold in Europe might get longer support than the same model in India.

Purchase Date (Year Released)

A phone launched in 2022 with Android 12 might have received Android 13 as an update and still be within its support window. A phone launched in 2021 with Android 11 might have gotten Android 13 as its last OS upgrade and now be nearing the end of its security patch cycle. The clock starts ticking from the phone’s original release date, not from when you installed Android 13.

Carrier Certification (US Carriers Add Delays)

If you use a major US carrier, your phone may receive updates weeks or months after the manufacturer releases them. Some carriers stop certifying patches for older models altogether. For example, a Samsung Galaxy A53 bought through AT&T might stop getting patches months before an unlocked version of the same phone does.

To find your answer, combine all three: look up your exact model number and its launch year, then check the manufacturer’s official support page. We’ll walk through that process next.

Decision Branches: A Simple Flow Chart for Your Situation

Use these branches to figure out where you stand. Each one assumes you have an Android 13 device that hasn’t been updated to a newer OS version.

You Have a Google Pixel (6 or Newer)

You’re still supported. Google promises five years of security patches from the phone’s original launch. Pixel 6 launched in October 2021, so that device is covered until at least October 2026. Pixel 7 and newer are covered even longer.

Check your security patch date, if it’s from the last 60 days, you’re fine. If it’s older, try checking for a manual update in Settings > System > System update.

You Have a Samsung Galaxy (S21, A Series, Z Flip/Fold – 2021 or Newer)

Most likely still supported. Samsung guarantees four years of security updates for its flagship and mid-range models from 2021 onward. The Galaxy S21 series launched in January 2021, so it’s supported through early 2025. That means by early 2026, the S21 may be nearing the end.

The S22 and newer are still solid. Galaxy A series models vary, check Samsung’s security update page for your exact model.

You Have a OnePlus (9 Series or Newer)

Probably still supported, but check. OnePlus promises four years of security patches for its 9 series and newer. The 9 series launched in March 2021, so it’s covered through March 2025. By early 2026, the 9 series may have dropped off.

The 10 series and newer are likely still receiving patches. Check your security patch date, if it’s more than 90 days old, support may have ended.

You Have a Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO (Budget or Mid-Range)

Support likely ended. Xiaomi typically offers two to three years of security patches for its budget and mid-range devices. A Redmi Note 11 launched in 2022 with Android 11 might have gotten Android 13 but stopped receiving patches in late 2024. If your security patch is from 2024 or earlier, you’re no longer getting updates.

Some flagship Mi models may still be covered.

You Have a Motorola, Nokia, Sony, or Other Brand

It’s a mixed bag. Motorola and Nokia often promise two to three years of patches but frequently miss their targets. Sony’s Xperia line gets around three years. If your phone launched in 2021 or earlier, support has almost certainly stopped.

If it launched in 2022, check the security patch date, if it’s older than six months, you’ve probably reached the end.

You Bought a Used Phone Unlocked

Assume the original manufacturer’s policy applies. The support window started when the phone was first sold by the original owner. If the phone is two years old, you have roughly one to three years of patches left, depending on the brand. Always check the security patch date before buying a used Android phone.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Check Your Exact Support Status

Here’s the most reliable method to find out where your phone stands. It takes about two minutes.

Step 1: Find Your Current Security Patch Date

Open Settings > About Phone > Android Version (or Software Information on Samsung). Look for “Android security update” or “Security patch level.” That date is your baseline. If it’s within the last 60 to 90 days, you’re still in the active support window.

If it’s six months or older, support has almost certainly stopped.

Step 2: Find Your Build Number and Android Version

On the same screen find “Build number.” Write it down or take a screenshot. You’ll need this if you contact the manufacturer or search their support site. Also note your phone’s exact model number.

This is usually printed on the box or found under Settings > About Phone > Model.

Step 3: Look Up Your Manufacturer’s Official Support Page

Google your manufacturer’s security update policy. For Samsung, search “Samsung mobile security update page.” For Pixel, go to Google’s Pixel Update Bulletin. Most brands have a dedicated page listing which models are still receiving patches and at what frequency (monthly, quarterly, or biannual).

Step 4: Check Your Carrier’s Update Tracker (U.S. Only)

If you bought the phone through a major U.S. carrier, visit the carrier’s software update page. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T each publish lists of devices currently receiving updates. If your model isn’t listed there, the carrier has stopped certifying patches, even if the manufacturer still supports the phone.

A quick tip: unlocked phones bought directly from the manufacturer or from a retailer like Best Buy typically get updates faster and for longer than carrier-locked versions.

Manufacturer Policies Breakdown: How Long Each Brand Promises Updates

The table below shows the official security patch commitments for major brands as of early 2026. Keep in mind these are maximums. Budget models within each brand often get a shorter window.

If your phone is older than the timeframe listed for its brand and model, support has ended. If it’s within that window, you should still be receiving patches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (That Waste Your Time or Leave You Vulnerable)

Mistake #1: Confusing OS version with security support. Seeing “Android 13” in your settings doesn’t mean you’re unsupported. A phone can be on an old OS version but still get security patches. Don’t panic just because you haven’t upgraded to Android 14 or 15.

Check the patch date first.

Mistake #2: Believing every manufacturer’s policy applies to every model. A brand’s flagship promise often doesn’t apply to its budget line. For example, Samsung’s five-year policy covers the Galaxy S series but not the Galaxy A03s. Always look up your exact model, not just the brand.

Mistake #3: Ignoring carrier delays. If you bought through a U.S. carrier, the patch date on your phone might be months behind what the manufacturer released. That doesn’t mean the manufacturer dropped support. It means the carrier hasn’t approved the update yet.

You can sometimes flash the unlocked firmware, but that’s an advanced step.

Mistake #4: Assuming “no update available” means support ended. Some manufacturers stop pushing OTA notifications a few months before actual support ends. Manually check for updates in Settings > System > System update. If it says “your system is up to date” but the security patch is from last year, that’s a red flag.

Mistake #5: Using outdated custom ROMs as a permanent solution. Custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend Android 13 support, but they require technical knowledge. They also void warranties and may introduce new security holes if the maintainer stops updating the ROM.

What To Do Next: Your Options If Android 13 Is No Longer Supported

If your security patch is more than six months old, you have four paths forward.

Option A: Upgrade to Android 14 or 15 (If Available)

Check if your phone can officially upgrade. Go to Settings > System > System update and tap “Check for updates.” If an OS upgrade is available, install it. This resets your security patch clock to the current date.

It’s the safest and easiest option.

Option B: Install a Custom ROM (LineageOS, PixelExperience)

This works for enthusiast users with unlocked bootloaders. You can flash a custom ROM built on AOSP that continues to provide security patches for Android 13 (or a newer Android version) long after the manufacturer stopped. The downsides: you lose warranty coverage, banking apps may refuse to run, and you need to trust the ROM maintainer.

Only do this if you’re comfortable with command-line tools and recovery mode.

Option C: Accept the Risk and Keep Using It (With Cautions)

Some people choose to keep using a phone with an old security patch. That’s a personal call, but here are the risks. Your device is vulnerable to known exploits that Google has already fixed.

Banking apps may stop working as they update their security requirements. And if you use your phone for work with sensitive data, you’re violating most compliance policies. The safest compromise: don’t install apps from outside the Play Store, avoid clicking suspicious links, and turn off Bluetooth and NFC when not in use.

Option D: Replace the Phone

If your phone is more than three years old and support has ended, replacing it is often the most practical move. Look for a new device with a long update commitment. Google Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A55 are solid mid-range options with years of support left.

Budget phones from less reliable brands may save money upfront but cost more in risk later.

Expert Tips: How to Stretch Your Security Patch Coverage

You can’t make a manufacturer keep pushing updates, but you can take a few steps to stay as safe as possible on an aging device.

Stick to official app stores. Only download apps from Google Play Store or the manufacturer’s app store. Sideloading apps from unknown sources is the fastest way to get malware on a device with unpatched vulnerabilities.

Turn on Google Play Protect. Go to Settings > Security > Google Play Protect and make sure it’s enabled. This scans apps for known threats, even if your security patch is old.

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi. Unpatched devices are more vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. A reputable VPN encrypts your traffic and adds a layer of protection.

Disable features you don’t use. Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi Direct are common attack vectors. Keep them off unless you need them. Also turn off “Allow installation of apps from unknown sources” in developer options.

Check for firmware updates manually every month. Sometimes a manufacturer releases a silent update that doesn’t trigger a notification. Set a monthly calendar reminder to check Settings > System > System update and also the manufacturer’s support page for your model.

Consider a lightweight custom ROM if you’re technical. For a device running Android 13 that’s been abandoned, a ROM like crDroid or LineageOS can breathe new life into old hardware. Just be prepared to maintain it yourself.

Decision Guide: A Quick Checklist to Find Your Answer in Under 5 Minutes

Run through these four items. If all check out, your Android 13 device is still supported.

• Security patch date within the last 90 days. Check Settings > About Phone > Android Version. If it’s older, support may have ended.
• Your model is listed on the manufacturer’s update page. Visit Google, Samsung, OnePlus, or your brand’s support site. Confirm your exact model appears.
• Your carrier still pushes updates. If you bought through a US carrier, check their software update page. If your device isn’t listed, support is likely done.
• You can manually trigger an update. Go to Settings > System > System update. If it downloads a patch, you’re still in the window.

If all four pass, you’re good. If any fail, move to the options in the previous section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Android 13 still safe to use in 2026?

It depends on your security patch date. If you’ve received patches within the last 90 days, it’s reasonably safe. If you haven’t, known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, and banking apps may stop working.

How long will Android 13 be supported on Samsung phones?

Samsung promises five years of security patches from launch for flagship and some mid-range models. For a Galaxy S21 launched in 2021, support ended in early 2026. S22 and newer are still covered.

Can I still get Android 13 security updates if I buy a used phone?

Yes, but only if the original support window hasn’t closed. The manufacturer counts from the phone’s initial release date, not when you bought it. Always check the security patch date before purchasing.

What happens if I keep using Android 13 after support ends?

Your phone becomes vulnerable to exploits that Google has already fixed. Banking apps may eventually refuse to run. You’ll also miss Play Store app updates that require a newer security patch.

Should I upgrade to Android 14 or 15 if my phone supports it?

Yes. Upgrading resets your security patch clock and gives you the latest features. It’s the safest and easiest option if your phone is eligible.

Check System > System update to see if the upgrade is available.

Will custom ROMs keep Android 13 safe?

Custom ROMs like LineageOS can provide continued patches, but they’re only as reliable as their maintainer. You also lose warranty coverage and some apps may not work. Only go this route if you’re experienced with flashing ROMs.