Google just pulled the plug on security updates 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 big deal. A ton of Android users are in the same boat, and this move could make your device more vulnerable to security threats going forward. Let’s break it down.
Google recently released its Android Security Bulletin for April 2025
Google’s Android Security Bulletin for April 2025 dropped a hint: no more security patches for Android 12 or 12L. These versions hit the scene back on October 2021, and March 2022, respectively. Google usually keeps older Android versions secure with backported patches for about 3.5 years, so this cutoff tracks with their playbook. Still, it’s a bummer since data shows most Android folks are still using Android 12 or older.
Check out the table from the bulletin—it’s clear Android 12 and 12L are off the support list. Google’s been quiet about it, but word is the March 2025 bulletin was the last one to include patches for these versions. Most of the Android smartphone makers are likely to leave these devices out in the cold.
If your device is still on Android 12 or 12L, it’s probably time to think about an upgrade. Your phone might still get updates for Google apps or certain system modules, but the core Android OS is on its own now. Google also stopped approving new Android 12 builds a while back, so don’t expect any big updates. You could repurpose your old device as a security cam or a music player for sure. But as your main phone that stores important documents, and maybe your financial details? Probably not the safest bet. If you can’t upgrade yet, just be extra careful, as security risks are only going to increase from this point.
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