Google Chrome to drop support for Android 7.1 and below starting August to boost security, performance

Google has announced that its popular Chrome browser will stop supporting older Android phones starting in August 2025.

The company says the move is aimed at enhancing browser security and performance. Devices running Android 7.1 (Nougat) and earlier will be affected, meaning millions of users globally may need to upgrade their smartphones or switch to alternative browsers if they wish to continue browsing securely.

Google confirmed that, beginning with Chrome version 127, only devices running Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above will be supported. This change aligns Chrome with Google’s current Android WebView requirements, which underpin how apps render web content.

“Older versions of Android lack the security architecture necessary to support the latest web technologies,” a Google engineer stated in an update on the Chromium project.

“By focusing on newer versions, we can deliver better speed, reliability, and protection from evolving cyber threats.”

Android 7.1, which was launched in late 2016, now accounts for less than 2 per cent of global Android usage. Most major app developers have already discontinued support for the platform due to outdated APIs and the absence of essential security updates.

Who will be affected?

This change will impact users still operating legacy Android devices such as: Samsung Galaxy S6 and earlier models, Huawei P9 Lite, Tecno and Infinix models released before 2018, Older HTC, LG, and Sony smartphones that never received Android 8 updates

Users on these devices will no longer receive Chrome updates from August and will remain stuck on the last compatible version, leaving them exposed to potential security threats.

Google is urging affected users to upgrade to a newer Android device running version 8.0 or higher. Alternatively, users may opt for browsers that continue to support older systems, though this is likely to be a temporary workaround.

Before switching devices or browsers, users are advised to export their bookmarks and saved passwords to avoid data loss during the transition.

Beyond functionality, users will also stop receiving critical bug fixes and security patches, which increases their vulnerability to online threats.

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