Surfshark Drops App Updates for Older Android Phones: What Users Should Know
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Key Takeaways
- Surfshark Android support update: Ends app updates for Android 5; Android 6+ devices remain fully supported.
- Reason for change: Older Android versions lack security patches, making them unsafe for modern VPN protection.
- User alternatives: Manual VPN setup and router connections remain available for unsupported Android devices.
Surfshark has announced that it will no longer provide app updates for older Android operating systems. The company says the move is meant to improve security and overall app performance. While the change has already been active for some time, Surfshark shared updated details in January 2026 to clarify which devices are affected and what users can do next.
From now on, Surfshark officially supports Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and newer versions. Devices running older software will not receive the latest features or security improvements.
List of Android versions that still get updates
As of January 2026, the following Android versions are fully supported by Surfshark:
- Android 16 (Baklava) – Full support
- Android 15 (Vanilla Ice Cream) – Full support
- Android 14 (Upside Down Cake) – Full support
- Android 13 (Tiramisu) – Full support
- Android 12 (Snow Cone) – Full support
- Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake) – Full support
- Android 10 (Quince Tart) – Full support
- Android 9 (Pie) – Full support
- Android 8 (Oreo) – Full support
- Android 7 (Nougat) – Full support
- Android 6 (Marshmallow) – Full support
However, Android 5 (Lollipop) devices will no longer receive new app updates. Surfshark noted that this list may change as Android continues to release newer versions.
Why Surfshark stopped supporting older versions
According to the company, older Android systems no longer get security patches from Google, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats. By ending support for outdated platforms, Surfshark aims to focus on safer systems, roll out new features faster, and improve app stability.
The company added that supporting fewer versions also helps improve testing and strengthens overall security.
Options for users on unsupported devices
Users who are still on older Android versions are advised to upgrade their device software if possible. For those who cannot update, Surfshark says its services can still be accessed through:
These methods allow continued use without relying on the official Android app.
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