Samsung is wrapping up security updates for the Galaxy S21 lineup this month, marking the end of a five-year commitment that began when these phones launched in January 2021.
The company has started rolling out what appears to be the final update, delivering the January 2026 security patch to Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra users in South Korea. The update addresses 55 security vulnerabilities and carries firmware version G99xNKSSCHZA5. Other regions should see it arrive within days.
What This Means for Users
Once support officially ends, these devices become more vulnerable to emerging security threats. Samsung promised three years of major Android updates and five years of security patches when the S21 series launched, and it has delivered on that timeline.
You can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings, then Software update, and selecting Download and install.
If you’re still using a Galaxy S21, this is a natural moment to think about replacing it. Samsung’s newer models come with significantly longer support windows. The Galaxy S25 series, currently available at discounts, offers seven years of updates. So do the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 if you’re interested in foldable designs.
Those who prefer to wait can hold out for the Galaxy S26, expected to launch next month.
Samsung occasionally extends support beyond official timelines, so there’s a slim chance the S21 series could receive additional patches. But users shouldn’t count on it.
