Users of Android 12 and 12L devices will no longer receive security updates from Google. Support for these versions officially ended on March 31, 2025. As a result, vulnerability patches are no longer being provided by Google. According to the April Android security bulletin, devices running Android 12 or 12L are now left without official protection from the latest cyberthreats. The March bulletin was the last to include patches for these systems, as confirmed by the Android Authority portal.
From now on, the responsibility for security updates lies with device manufacturers. While some companies have the capability to handle this independently, others may struggle. Larger brands such as Huawei, for example, may continue to provide patches for Android 12 through their own EMUI interface, which remains based on this version of the OS. However, manufacturers with limited resources might find it difficult or even impossible to maintain adequate protection for their devices.
User Recommendations and Long-Term Impact
Experts recommend that users upgrade their devices to a newer version of Android or replace them entirely. Although Google apps and Project Mainline modules—responsible for component updates—might still receive updates, the system core itself remains exposed. As a result, devices running Android 12 or 12L could become increasingly vulnerable to modern cyberthreats. For this reason, some specialists suggest using these devices only for secondary tasks, such as acting as media players or surveillance cameras, rather than for daily use.
Android 12 was first released on October 4, 2021, while Android 12L followed on March 7, 2022, reminds NIXSOLUTIONS. The total support period lasted around three and a half years, which aligns with Google’s standard policy on providing security updates for older Android versions.
While this change will not affect users who have already upgraded, those who continue using Android 12 or 12L should stay alert to potential security risks. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available or if any alternative support options are introduced.