Google Chrome Will Stop Working on Older Android Phones in August 2025
Millions of users still using older Android devices are about to experience a significant change—Google Chrome will stop working on Android 8 and 9 starting August 2025. This shift will come with the rollout of Chrome version 139, which will require Android 10.0 or newer to function properly. If you're wondering how this change affects your device or what steps you should take, you're not alone. Let's break down everything you need to know about this transition, from what devices are impacted to how to stay secure online.
Why Google Chrome Will Stop Supporting Android 8 and 9
Starting with Chrome 139—set for release in the first week of August 2025—Google is officially discontinuing support for Android 8.0 (Oreo) and Android 9.0 (Pie). That means Chrome will no longer receive updates or security patches on these older Android versions. According to Google's official support page, Chrome 138 will be the final version that works on Android 8 and 9.
There are clear reasons for this move. Android 8.0 and 9.0 were released back in 2017 and 2018 respectively, and they no longer meet the modern security and performance standards required for current web browsing features. Google emphasizes the need for newer operating systems to ensure better speed, advanced security, and smoother user experiences.
From a user perspective, it's worth noting that while Chrome will still run on these older versions, it will no longer receive updates, including critical security fixes. Eventually, many modern websites may become incompatible, creating a frustrating and insecure browsing experience.
How Many Users Are Affected by This Chrome Update?
Although this change might sound drastic, the impact is relatively limited. According to Google's Android distribution data updated in April 2025, only around 6% of Android devices still run Android 9.0, while Android 8.0 and 8.1 combined account for roughly 4%. That’s about 10% of the global Android user base—a significant number, but far from the majority.
This update mainly targets users with older smartphones that haven’t received system updates in years. For instance, budget and mid-range phones launched between 2017 and 2019 are the most likely to be affected. Flagship models from that era might have already received Android 10 or newer, depending on the manufacturer.
Still, for those impacted, the end of Chrome updates means increased security risks. If your device can't be upgraded to Android 10, it might be time to consider moving to a newer phone model to ensure safe and seamless browsing.
What You Can Do If Your Device Runs Android 8 or 9
If you’re currently using an Android phone on version 8.0 or 9.0, now is the time to act. Google recommends upgrading your device to Android 10 or later to continue receiving new Chrome releases and important security patches. Here are your main options:
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Check for system updates: Go to your phone’s settings and look for any available software updates. Some phones might have an Android 10 update waiting that hasn’t been installed.
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Switch to a newer device: If your phone no longer receives updates, upgrading to a newer model running Android 10 or later is the most future-proof solution.
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Use an alternative browser (with caution): Although Chrome will stop updating, some third-party browsers may still support older Android versions—but be cautious. Most lack the same level of security and performance optimization.
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Understand the risks: Continuing to use an outdated version of Chrome might work short-term, but you’ll miss out on modern web features, bug fixes, and essential security protections.
Google also clarifies that while older versions of Chrome will still function after August 2025, you won’t receive any future updates. This puts your personal data, online accounts, and device at risk of exposure to known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
What This Means for Chrome Users and Android as a Whole
Chrome’s end of support for Android 8 and 9 reflects Google’s broader push to modernize its software ecosystem. As app capabilities grow more advanced, older systems struggle to keep up with performance demands and security requirements. Dropping support for legacy platforms allows developers to focus resources on optimizing for current and future devices.
For Chrome users, this change emphasizes the importance of staying up to date. From faster load times to better privacy protections, the benefits of running the latest versions of Android and Chrome are hard to overstate. As the internet becomes more sophisticated, keeping your device updated is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient browsing experience.
In conclusion, if your device runs Android 8 or 9, consider this a timely reminder to review your update options or upgrade your hardware. Staying current ensures you not only keep using Chrome but also protect your data and enjoy the best of what the web has to offer.
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