Google Pixel support levels for Android LineageOS GrapheneOS is a topic that many readers search for when deciding whether to keep a phone, buy a used one, or flash an alternative operating system. This corrected version uses numerals for all years, separates joined words, and presents a clear summary table followed by per generation notes. The goal is a factual, scannable reference you can paste directly into WordPress and update when support windows change.
How support works across Android LineageOS and GrapheneOS
- Android on Pixel means the official Google software with operating system releases, monthly security patches, and occasional feature updates, delivered during the vendor support window that begins at the first retail sale of each model.
- LineageOS is a community project. A Pixel is considered supported when it appears on the official LineageOS device list with an install guide and current builds for the active LineageOS series. Older devices may retain documentation but shift into legacy or inactive status when builds stop.
- GrapheneOS is a security focused operating system that targets a subset of recent Pixel models with modern hardware security features. Support generally tracks the devices that receive long update windows and have the required security hardware stack.
Important clarifications that help avoid confusion
- Vendor firmware such as radio and secure element components remains closed source. Community operating systems cannot extend vendor firmware patching beyond the official window.
- Install guides and builds are organized by codename. Examples include oriole for Pixel 6, raven for Pixel 6 Pro, bluejay for Pixel 6a, panther for Pixel 7, cheetah for Pixel 7 Pro, lynx for Pixel 7a, shiba for Pixel 8, husky for Pixel 8 Pro, akita for Pixel 8a, and tokay for parts of the Pixel 9 family. Using the codename prevents model mixups.
- Release month notes from Google are a strong indicator that a device remains inside the official update window. When monthly updates stop, confirm whether the device is outside its window before troubleshooting.
Quick view summary table
The table below uses simple terms. Inside window means the device remains under the official Google update policy at the time of writing. Out of window means the device is beyond official vendor updates. For LineageOS and GrapheneOS the wording reflects the typical state users see on the official project pages. Always confirm the latest status on the linked project sites before you flash or buy.
| Pixel model | First available | Google Android | LineageOS | GrapheneOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 1 | 2016 | Out of window | Legacy documentation may exist | Not supported |
| Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL | 2017 | Out of window | Legacy documentation may exist | Not supported |
| Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL | 2018 | Out of window | Install pages exist for some codenames in recent LineageOS series | Not supported |
| Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL | 2019 | Out of window | Community support varies by codename | Not supported |
| Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL | 2019 | Out of window | Device pages exist for some series | End of life in project notes |
| Pixel 4a and Pixel 4a 5G | 2020 | Out of window | Device pages exist for some series | End of life in project notes |
| Pixel 5 and Pixel 5a | 2020 and 2021 | Out of window | Install pages exist for redfin and related codenames in recent LineageOS series | End of life in project notes |
| Pixel 6 Pixel 6 Pro Pixel 6a | 2021 and 2022 | Inside window based on five year policy | Official LineageOS device pages exist for oriole raven bluejay | Supported |
| Pixel 7 Pixel 7 Pro Pixel 7a | 2022 and 2023 | Inside window based on five year policy | Official LineageOS device pages exist for panther cheetah lynx | Supported |
| Pixel 8 Pixel 8 Pro Pixel 8a | 2023 and 2024 | Inside window based on seven year policy | Official LineageOS device pages exist for shiba husky akita | Supported |
| Pixel 9 family including Pro and Fold variants | 2024 and 2025 | Inside window based on seven year policy | Device pages and builds are expanding across the family including tokay where applicable | Supported for models listed on the project site |
| Pixel Fold first generation | 2023 | Inside window based on five year policy | Device list entry present | Supported for models listed on the project site |
| Pixel Tablet | 2023 | Inside window consistent with modern policy class | Device list entry present | Supported for models listed on the project site |
Use this table as a fast triage tool. When you need exact dates, check the official policy page from Google and the device pages for LineageOS and GrapheneOS that correspond to your codename.
Generation by generation notes
Pixel 1 and Pixel 2 era
These early Pixels introduced the line but are long past the official update window. Community documentation still exists and can be interesting for experimentation or hardware preservation. For daily connected use and especially for work or finance related activity, modern security guidance is to retire these devices. Even if a community operating system builds for these codenames, closed firmware components will remain unpatched once the vendor window ends.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a era
Official updates have ended. Some LineageOS device pages provide install instructions that map to current series, which keeps the software experience fresh. That said, baseband and other low level components are not updated by the vendor once the window closes. Treat these devices as low risk hobby units and avoid sensitive data. GrapheneOS does not support this era today.
Pixel 4 family including 4a and 4a 5G
Official Google support has ended for the 4 series. LineageOS pages exist for several 4 era codenames and provide a path to a maintained operating system at the application layer. GrapheneOS previously published harm reduction advice and has since marked these models as end of life. If you still carry a 4 series phone, plan a migration to a 6 series or newer model if you value ongoing security patching.
Pixel 5 and 5a
The 5 series is beyond the vendor window. LineageOS provides install guidance for redfin and related codenames. This is useful for users who want modern features with a community operating system, but the same vendor firmware caveat applies. For a security or privacy first setup, move to a newer Pixel that remains inside the hardware and firmware support runway.
Pixel 6 family
The 6 series introduced the Tensor line. Google committed to five years of updates from first retail sale for Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro and from first retail sale for Pixel 6a. LineageOS pages exist for oriole raven bluejay and provide a maintained path if you prefer community software. GrapheneOS supports the 6 family for users who want a security focused build and verified boot flow while the devices remain within the vendor window.
Pixel 7 family
Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7a continue the five year update policy. LineageOS provides install documentation for panther cheetah and lynx. GrapheneOS supports the family. If you are choosing between keeping a 7 series phone and moving to 8 series, your decision often comes down to total remaining update years and whether the 8 series seven year policy and newer hardware features are worth the change right now.
Pixel 8 family
Google announced a seven year update policy starting with Pixel 8 and later. For many buyers this changed the cost of ownership because a single handset can stay patched and feature capable for a long time. LineageOS has device pages for shiba husky and akita and the project publishes builds for the active series. GrapheneOS supports Pixel 8 family and focuses on hardening, strong sandboxing, and a strict security posture. For most people who value predictable updates, Pixel 8 family on stock Android or GrapheneOS is a strong baseline.
Pixel 9 family including Pro variants and later additions
The 9 family sits under the seven year policy. LineageOS device pages and builds continue to expand across this generation. GrapheneOS supports models listed on the project site. As this family matures, the practical question for owners is not whether they will get updates, but which operating system best matches their risk posture, hardware features, and daily workflow.
Fold and Tablet
Fold and Tablet have their own appeal and constraints. Vendor policy places the first Fold under a five year approach and tablet class devices under the longer modern policy class. LineageOS and GrapheneOS publish device pages for the models they support. If you are choosing an alternative operating system for these form factors, review each project page carefully for camera, stylus, sensor, and dock nuances before you flash.
Choosing between stock Android LineageOS and GrapheneOS
- Stay with stock Android if you want full Google services, the widest app compatibility, and monthly updates without manual maintenance. This is the simplest path for users who want their device to work out of the box for years with minimal effort.
- Install LineageOS if you prefer a community operating system with flexible customization, reduced preinstalled applications, and a strong contributor pool. Confirm that your exact codename has current builds and an install guide for the present LineageOS series.
- Install GrapheneOS if your priority is security and privacy on recent Pixel hardware with verified boot, strong exploit mitigation, and a conservative feature posture. Confirm that your exact model appears on the current support list.
Questions to ask before you switch
- Is my device still inside the vendor window
- Is there an official install page for my codename
- Are there current builds for the active series
- Does my required feature set such as camera, payments, and biometrics work as expected on the target operating system
- Am I comfortable with the bootloader steps and data wipe
Codename quick glossary
When you search project sites, use codenames
- Pixel 6 family oriole for Pixel 6, raven for Pixel 6 Pro, bluejay for Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 family panther for Pixel 7, cheetah for Pixel 7 Pro, lynx for Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8 family shiba for Pixel 8, husky for Pixel 8 Pro, akita for Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9 family includes multiple codenames such as tokay and others documented on project pages
Using a codename avoids confusion when a model name has several storage or regional variants.
Update cadence and what it tells you
- When Google publishes the monthly Pixel update, supported devices receive security patches and bug fixes. If your device does not update, verify whether you are outside the vendor window.
- LineageOS publishes changelogs by device and series. A steady build stream indicates active maintainership.
- GrapheneOS publishes release notes that reference supported Pixel families. Frequent releases indicate active development and prompt security response.
This cadence perspective helps you decide when to plan a handset upgrade. If you manage several devices for family or a small business, align upgrade plans to policy windows so that you avoid a cliff where many phones go out of support at once.
Practical guidance before you flash or buy
- Confirm the vendor window for your exact model and region. Although Google announces global policies, the start date of the window ties to first retail sale which can vary by market.
- Back up with multiple methods. Use the built in Google backup plus an offline copy of photos and documents. Verify that you can restore a few files before you proceed.
- Read the full install guide. Most issues during flashing occur when a step is skipped such as verifying the active slot, matching firmware, or confirming bootloader state.
- Keep a clean baseline. After flashing, complete first boot with a minimal app set so you can test sensors, radio, camera, and battery behavior before you migrate all data.
- Track the codename. Save the codename in your notes and in your password manager entry for the device so you can quickly locate the correct project pages in the future.
- Treat out of window devices as hobby units. Use them for testing, music players, or offline navigation. Avoid sensitive accounts and payment apps.
Frequently asked questions
Can LineageOS or GrapheneOS extend vendor firmware support
No. These projects can provide operating system level updates and security fixes for open source components, but they cannot extend closed firmware updates for radios and other components once the vendor window ends.
Do I need to lock the bootloader again
Read the install guide for your target operating system. Security focused deployments normally complete with a locked bootloader and verified boot after installation.
Does flashing remove my data
Yes. Plan a full backup and treat the process as a device migration. Verify your two factor authentication methods before you begin, including recovery codes for key accounts.
Which Pixel gives the longest official support today
Pixel 8 family and later sit under a seven year policy. That makes these models attractive if you want to keep one phone for many years and remain inside a patch window.
Is stock Android safer than a community operating system
Safety depends on your threat model and maintenance habits. Stock Android on a supported Pixel receives patches on an automatic schedule and is appropriate for most people. Community operating systems can reduce preinstalled services and add controls, which some users prefer, but you must follow the project guidance strictly and keep current.
References to check before you act
- Google Pixel update policy and monthly release notes
- LineageOS device list and install guides for each codename
- GrapheneOS install pages and release notes for supported models
These sources change over time. Use them to confirm the status for your exact model before you make a purchase or unlock your bootloader.
Bottom line overview
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 families are inside five year policy windows at the time of writing. They have active LineageOS device pages and are supported by GrapheneOS.
- Pixel 8 family and newer sit under a seven year policy and are supported by both projects where listed. For most buyers who want long service life and strong security, Pixel 8 family is an excellent baseline.
- Older generations including Pixel 5 and earlier are out of the vendor window. They may be useful as hobby devices but should not be relied upon for sensitive tasks.
SEO and publishing details
Focus keyphrase Google Pixel support levels for Android LineageOS GrapheneOS
Slug googlepixelsupportlevelsandroidlineageosgrapheneos
Excerpt Scan friendly guide to Google Android LineageOS and GrapheneOS support across every Google Pixel generation with a summary table plus clear per generation notes.
