Google won't allow users to sign in to their Google accounts on Android devices running Android 2.3.7 Gingerbread or older after September 27, 2021. If you or someone you know uses an old Android phone, this change will be a big one.
Does This Change Affect You?
"As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe, Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27, 2021. If you sign in to your device after September 27, you may get username or password errors when you try to use Google products and services like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps," Google reports.
To put this in perspective, Android 2.3 Gingerbread was launched nearly 11 years ago in December 2010; its last version Android 2.3.7 was released 10 years ago in September 2011.
Now, if you're reading an MUO article, you probably don't have to worry about this news as chances are you're tech-savvy and your Android phone is running a newer OS version than the one mentioned.
But for the older or less tech-savvy folks who are still carrying their good ol' reliable Android companions from a decade ago, it might finally be time to say goodbye.
How to Check Your Current Android Version
- Go to your device settings.
- Select System > About phone or About device.
- Under Android version you will be able to see the OS version your device is on.
Which Android Devices Will Lose Support?
Here are some—but not all—popular Android devices that are affected by this change.
Samsung:
- Galaxy S
- Galaxy S Plus (upgradable)
- Galaxy S2 (upgradable)
Google:
- Nexus One
- Nexus S 4G (upgradable)
Sony:
- Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (and older)
- Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo (upgradable)
LG:
- LG Optimus One (and older)
- LG Optimus Black (upgradable)
- LG Prada 3.0
HTC:
- HTC Desire (and older)
- HTC Evo 3D (upgradable)
Motorola:
- Motorola Atrix 2 (upgradable)
- Motorola Defy (upgradable)
- Motorola Devour
What Can You Do if You Are Affected?
If you are affected by this change, you have three options if you still want to continue using Google apps and services.
- Upgrade your device to Android 3.0 Honeycomb or newer to maintain sign-in capability in the Google apps on your phone.
- If your device does not support software updates beyond Android 2.3.7, you can log into your Google account on your web browser and use limited Google services.
- Finally, if you can't do either of the two above, it might be time to buy a new phone that currently supports Google apps and services.
How to Update to a New Android Version
- Go to your device settings.
- Go to System > Advanced > System updates.
- Tap Check now.
If your device can be updated any further, there will be a prompt for you to update your Android version. Simply tap it and leave your phone aside for a couple of minutes to update to the new version.
However, if your device does not support any more software updates, you can either use your web browser or buy a newer device to continue using Google apps and services.
Upgrade to a Newer Android Version Now
Google products such as YouTube, Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and more have lost support for Android devices running Android 2.3.7 or older.
To continue using them, you need to update your old Android phone's OS or use the limited Google services still available via a web browser. Although, if you're using a device that old, it might be time for a new one.