Is the Galaxy S21 Still Supported? (2026 answer)

Short answer: no. Samsung dropped the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra from its security-update lists starting with the February 2026 cycle. Regular software and security updates have ended. The Galaxy S21 FE is a different story: it's still on Samsung's quarterly update list (see below).

What the S21 got

The S21 series launched in January 2021, before Samsung's seven-year promise. It was covered by four major Android upgrades and five years of security updates, and Samsung delivered all four:

Android 15 / One UI 7 is the last major version these phones will get.

The last regular security patch came out between late 2025 and January 2026. Reports disagree on the exact month (November 2025 per SamMobile and Android Police, January 2026 per ExtremeTech). What everyone agrees on is that the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra are missing from Samsung's update scope from February 2026 onward.

Could it still get an update?

Possibly, but don't count on it. Samsung sometimes ships an out-of-cycle patch for an out-of-support phone when a critical vulnerability turns up. No schedule is promised.

What about the Galaxy S21 FE?

The S21 FE launched a year later (January 2022). Samsung's official security page lists it as "Galaxy S21 FE 5G" under quarterly security updates. Quarterly updates usually mean a phone is near the end of its support window, so expect it to be dropped eventually.

Is it safe to keep using a Galaxy S21?

It will keep working, but new security holes won't get fixed. Practical advice:

• Keep apps updated through the Play Store. Google Play system updates and app updates still arrive for a while.
• Avoid using it for banking or work if you can, and don't sideload apps.
• Over time some apps will raise their minimum Android version. Android 15 gives the S21 a long runway here.
• Buying used: in 2026, a Galaxy S23 or newer is a better bet. Samsung lists the S23 for monthly updates, and the S24 and later come with up to 7 years of support.

Want the current status at a glance? See our Galaxy S21 page. If you're replacing it, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 pages show how long those models are covered.

Buying a used replacement?

A cheap used phone can still be a bad deal if it is Activation-Locked, reported stolen, carrier-locked or close to its own end-of-support date. Our own guide, Safe to Buy Used? The Second-Hand Phone & Gadget Checklist, walks you through every check before you pay. It is a paid PDF we make ourselves; checking a model on our device list stays free.

Looking for a replacement? Our guide to which used or refurbished phone to buy in 2026 ranks popular models by years of updates left.

Looking for a replacement with years of updates left? Compare prices for Galaxy S23 at bol.com or Galaxy S24 at bol.com (search results; check the seller, condition and warranty before you buy).

Affiliate disclosure: bol.com links are affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.

Sources

• Samsung Mobile Security, security update scope (official): https://security.samsungmobile.com/workScope.smsb
• SamMobile, "Software updates for Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra have been terminated" (Feb 2026): https://www.sammobile.com/news/galaxy-s21-plus-ultra-software-updates-stopped/
• Android Authority: https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-end-of-updates-3637553/
• ExtremeTech: https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/samsung-ends-software-support-for-galaxy-s21-s21-plus-and-s21-ultra
• Android Police: https://www.androidpolice.com/end-of-the-line-for-the-galaxy-s21/

Always check Samsung's official list for the latest status. Availability can vary by region and carrier.