Android 12 users should immediately upgrade to Android 13, if possible, as version 12 of the mobile operating system is now end-of-life.

Android is currently on version 15, with Google already pushing out betas of Android 16. Google continues to support older version of Android for some time, but the company has officially ended support for Android 12, as of March 31, 2025.

According to Talk Android, approximately 12% of the Android user base is still on Android 12, meaning that millions of users will no longer receive security updates. The more time goes by, the more unaddressed vulnerabilities will be present, and the more dangerous it will be to continue running Android 13.

Of course, a major issue for some users is whether their devices support upgrading to a newer version of Android. Android 12 was released in October 2021. While some brand-new devices from late 2021 may still be supported, many devices are not, and therefore have limited upgrade options available.

For users unable to install a newer version of stock Android, LineageOS could be an option. LineageOS is “a free and open-source operating system for various devices, based on the Android mobile platform.” This gives users the experience they’re familiar with, while at the same time improving privacy.

One of the things that sets LineageOS apart from other Android distributions is their support for older hardware that no longer has official support from Google or the device manufacturer. While not a perfect solution, this does allow many users to continue using phones far beyond their original EOL dates.

Users can learn more at the LineageOS website. In the meantime, whether upgrading to a new device, or giving their existing device a new lease on life with LineageOS, users should immediately take steps to upgrade beyond Android 12.