When Does the Pixel 8 Stop Getting Updates? (2026 answer)
Short answer: October 2030 for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and May 2031 for the Pixel 8a. Those aren't guesses: Google promises 7 years of Android version and security updates from the month each phone first went on sale in the US Google Store, and it prints those exact months on its own support pages. On 18 October 2026 all three phones run Android 17 and got the October 2026 security update, so they get exactly the same updates as the newest Pixels.
The facts (checked 18 October 2026)
| Pixel 8 and 8 Pro | Pixel 8a | |
|---|---|---|
| On sale in the US Google Store | October 2023 (shipped with Android 14) | May 2024 (shipped with Android 14) |
| Google's promise | 7 years of OS and security updates | 7 years of OS and security updates |
| Guaranteed updates until at least | October 2030 | May 2031 |
| Current Android version | Android 17 (QPR1, September 2026 Pixel Drop) | Android 17 (QPR1, September 2026 Pixel Drop) |
| Latest update | October 2026, build CP3A.261005.005 (from 6 Oct 2026) | October 2026, build CP3A.261005.005 |
| Years of updates left | About 4 | About 4.5 |
Google's Pixel update page says "Pixel 8 and later phones will get updates for 7 years starting from when the device first became available on the Google Store in the US", and its availability table lists October 2023 for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro and May 2024 for the Pixel 8a. Google's older version of the same help page spelled it out as "guaranteed security updates until at least" October 2030 and May 2031.
Is the Pixel 8 still getting updates right now?
Yes. Google started rolling out the October 2026 update on 6 October 2026 to "all supported Pixel devices running Android 17", and the Pixel 8, 8 Pro and 8a are on the build list with CP3A.261005.005 (Google Pixel Community). The update fixes the on-screen keyboard sometimes not appearing in search fields and ringtone distortion in some internet (VoIP) calls on the Pixel 8 series and newer. The Pixel Security Bulletin has the security fixes; Talk Android counted three critical ones, including a Bluetooth flaw (Talk Android).
The phones also got Android 17 QPR1 in the September 2026 Pixel Drop, which went to every Pixel from the Pixel 6 up (Android Authority).
To check yours: Settings → System → Software updates → System update.
How many Android upgrades are left?
The Pixel 8 launched with Android 14 and has had Android 15, 16 and 17, so it's three big upgrades in. Google's promise covers OS updates until October 2030, so on Google's usual yearly rhythm that's roughly four more major versions. That count is our maths, not a Google statement; the October 2030 date is Google's.
What happens after October 2030?
- No more monthly security patches from Google. The phone keeps working, but new holes don't get fixed.
- Google Play system updates keep coming for a while. They patch some parts of Android, but far less than a monthly update.
- Apps follow later. Banking, payment and work apps usually stop supporting old Android versions gradually, not on day one.
For comparison, the Pixel 6 is at that point right now: its guaranteed updates ran until October 2026. The Pixel 7 follows in October 2027.
Is a Pixel 8 worth buying used or refurbished in 2026?
Yes, as long as the price reflects that it's the oldest 7-year Pixel. A used Pixel 8 bought now still has about four years of guaranteed updates, which beats a used Pixel 7 (about one year) by a mile. If you can find a Pixel 8a for a similar price, it's covered seven months longer (May 2031). A Pixel 9 is covered until August 2031, per the same Google table.
Before you pay, check the phone is on Android 17 and recent patches, that it isn't carrier-locked, and that the previous owner removed their Google account (otherwise Factory Reset Protection locks you out).
What should Pixel 8 owners do?
- Install the October 2026 update if you haven't: Settings → System → Software updates.
- Don't replace it for software reasons. It's fully supported until October 2030, including for banking, payments, DigiD and work email.
- If the battery is weak, replace the battery, not the phone. With four years of updates left, that's usually the cheaper fix.
Pixel update dates at a glance
| Phone | Guaranteed updates until (Google) |
|---|---|
| Pixel 6, 6 Pro | October 2026 (ended this month) |
| Pixel 6a | July 2027 |
| Pixel 7, 7 Pro | October 2027 |
| Pixel 8, 8 Pro | October 2030 |
| Pixel 8a | May 2031 |
| Pixel 9, 9 Pro XL | August 2031 |
Dates come from Google's rule (5 years for Pixel 6 and 7, 7 years for Pixel 8 and later) applied to the US Google Store months in Google's availability table. Not sure which phone to get? See which used or refurbished phone to buy in 2026.
Buying a used phone?
A cheap used phone can still be a bad deal if it's locked to someone else's account, 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's a paid PDF we make ourselves; checking a model on our device list stays free.
Compare prices for Pixel 8 at bol.com or Pixel 8a 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
- Google, Learn when you'll get software updates on Google Pixel phones (checked 18 Oct 2026)
- Google, Find when your Pixel device became available (checked 18 Oct 2026)
- Google, Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to get 7 years of software updates (4 Oct 2023)
- Google Pixel Community, Google Pixel Update - October 2026 (6 Oct 2026)
- Android, Pixel Update Bulletins (checked 18 Oct 2026)
- Android Authority, Is your Pixel getting Android 17 QPR1? Here's every supported phone (September 2026)
- Talk Android, Google's October Pixel update fixes bugs and critical flaws (October 2026)
Always check Google's official pages for the latest status. Update timing can vary by carrier and country.