If your business uses Android devices — phones, tablets, barcode scanners or kiosks — and they’re running Android 10 or 11, here’s something worth knowing: Google stopped issuing security updates for those versions in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Your apps may still work, but without those updates, your devices are no longer protected against new threats. That leaves you more exposed to things such as malware and data breaches.
The stakes are higher than they might seem. According to a recent IDC report, "Across organizations large and small, devices are no longer passive tools; they are becoming active participants in productivity, security and decision-making." For small businesses — where one person often handles IT alongside a dozen other responsibilities — that’s a risk worth taking seriously.
The good news: There's still time to act, and you have options.
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The Simplest Fix? Update to the Latest Android Version
Updating your devices to a supported version of Android is the most direct thing you can do. It’s not just about security patches; newer versions bring real improvements to stability and performance too.
“OS updates provide the most robust protection while also delivering essential performance, connectivity and stability enhancements” beyond what stand-alone security patches can offer, says Google’s Sean Ginevan, head of global technology partnerships for Android Enterprise.
Worried about the cost of new devices? Many Android phones and tablets now come with up to seven years of guaranteed security updates. “Today’s Android manufacturers are offering unprecedented support, with up to seven years of security updates on many devices,” Ginevan says. That makes buying new hardware a smarter long-term investment — and easier to budget for — than it used to be.
DIVE DEEPER: Learn how to prepare for key videoconferencing system impacts with the end of Android 10.
What You Can Do Right Now, Even Before You Upgrade
You don’t have to replace every device at once. A few built-in tools can help keep things safer in the meantime.
Google Play system updates continue to push out important security fixes in the background, even on older Android versions. Google Play Protect, which comes built into Android devices, also scans daily for malware and removes it automatically — no dedicated IT team required.
"Maintaining a strong security posture is a continuous process," Ginevan says.
Still, these protections only go so far. With Android 10 and 11 no longer receiving full security updates, “modernization is the goal,” Ginevan says.
How to Choose the Right New Devices
When you’re ready to upgrade, start with devices that are part of the Android Enterprise Recommended program. It identifies phones and tablets that meet Google’s standards for security, regular updates and business readiness, and “documents partners’ commitments for security updates and longevity.” Think of it as a pre-vetted list of devices built to last.
For an added layer of protection, Device Trust from Android Enterprise lets your business automatically check whether devices meet security standards before they connect to your systems — a practical safeguard even without a full IT department.
