Okay, let’s keep this really straightforward. If your Android phone is still running on Android 8 (Oreo) or Android 9 (Pie), you need to know about a change coming to your Chrome browser.
Starting August 5, 2025, with Chrome version 139, your phone will need at least Android 10 to get new Chrome updates. Basically, Chrome 138 is the last one for Android 8 and 9. Your current Chrome app won’t stop working, but it won’t get any new features or security fixes.
Think of it like this: the internet is always changing, and so are the ways people try to compromise your online safety. Without updates, your Chrome browser won’t get the latest defenses against new threats. This means more security risks over time. Also, websites keep getting more advanced, and your old Chrome might struggle to show them correctly, making your Browse experience less smooth.
While Android 8 and 9 are pretty old now (released 2017/2018), they’re still on about 10% of Android phones globally. So, if you have an older phone like a Samsung Galaxy S8 or Note 8 that never got Android 10, this is for you.
What should you do?
Simply put, you have a few options:
1. Update your phone’s Android version: Check your settings. If an update to Android 10 or newer is available, install it!
2. Consider a new phone: If your current phone can’t update, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer phones come with updated Android versions and better security from the start.
3. Try a different browser: Browsers like Firefox or Brave might still update on older Android versions for a bit longer. Just remember, an outdated operating system still carries risks, even with a newer browser.
The main takeaway: keeping your browser and phone updated is key for staying safe and having a good experience online. This change is a step to keep Chrome itself modern and secure for everyone.
If you liked this article, check out our other articles on Google Chrome.