Xiaomi's Android mobile ecosystem will face a turning point in 2026: Dozens of smartphones and several tablets from the Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO brands will stop receiving official support.This means the end of system updates and, above all, security patches for some of the best-selling devices in Europe in recent years.
The affected devices were primarily launched between 2022 and 2023 and have been very popular due to their value for money. With the arrival of 2026, Many of them will reach the EOL (End of Life) state.This opens up the debate about how long a mobile phone should really last before becoming obsolete and what risks users assume when they continue using it without support.
What does it mean when your Xiaomi reaches EOL status?
When a device enters an EOL state, its software lifecycle is considered closed: There will be no new versions of Android, no further HyperOS improvements, and no monthly or quarterly security patches.The phone will continue to turn on, make calls, send messages, and run many apps, but it will gradually become obsolete.
The main problem is security. The vulnerabilities that will be discovered from that point onward. They will no longer be corrected by XiaomiThis makes the device an easy target for malware, spyware, or phishing attacks. Banking apps, digital wallets, and other sensitive tools may start flagging the device as unsafe or simply stop working altogether.
Furthermore, over time, compatibility with newer versions of applications will decrease. Developers optimize their apps for the latest versions of Android and they stop supporting older versions; this results in errors, unexpected closures, or the inability to install certain apps on mobile phones that no longer receive updates.
In terms of market value, these terminals usually suffer a sharp devaluation in the second-hand marketA mobile phone without support is less attractive to a potential buyer, something that directly affects those who planned to sell their device to finance the purchase of a newer one.
Xiaomi models that will stop receiving support in 2026
In the brand's main range, the Xiaomi 12 family and its variants will be the focus of the end of support. These models, which at launch were positioned as top-of-the-range and high-end sub-range of the companyThey are in the final stretch of their official update cycle.
Within the same ecosystem, other devices with similar features also have a marked expiration date: The Xiaomi 12 Lite will stop receiving patches in July 2026, while the The Xiaomi 12T and Xiaomi 12T Pro will reach the end of support in October 2026.All of these are models with still competitive hardware, but they will stop evolving at the operating system level.
In the field of tablets, the aforementioned calendar places the Xiaomi Pad 6 as EOL in July 2026This will especially affect those who use the tablet for work, study, or intensive multimedia consumption and who are used to receiving performance and security improvements through HyperOS.
Redmi: Even budget bestsellers are left without updates
The Redmi range, very popular in Spain and the rest of Europe due to its affordable price, is not exempt either. The budget and mid-range models from 2022 and 2023 are among the most affected due to the end of support scheduled for 2026.
El Redmi 12C, one of the brand's most popular entry-level modelsIt will reach its end of support in early 2026. For many users who have purchased it as their first smartphone or as a secondary mobile, this means that they will stop receiving critical security fixes shortly after getting it just a few years ago.
March 2026 marks a significant part of the end of Redmi's life cycle. According to the leaked plan, The Redmi Note 12 5G, the Redmi A2, the Redmi A2+, and the Redmi 12C itself will reach their end-of-support date that month.These are devices aimed at users looking for the basics at a good price, precisely the profile that is least concerned with security and updates.
Shortly afterwards, it will be the turn of one of the mid-range bestsellers: The Redmi Note 12 Pro has its EOL date set for April 2026This model has been especially popular in European markets thanks to its screen, camera and 5G connectivity at a moderate cost, so the end of updates will affect a very large user base.
The Redmi family of budget tablets also has its own roadmap: The Redmi Pad SE, Redmi Pad SE 8.7 and Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G will reach their end of support in August 2026, Whereas the Redmi 13C will be added to the list in November 2026Again, these are devices designed for simple everyday use that, without patches, will accumulate vulnerabilities over time.
POCO: end of support for very powerful models
The POCO sub-brand, especially popular among those looking for Maximum performance at minimum pricePOCO will also see several of its key models lose official support in 2026. This move is especially sensitive, as many POCO buyers are power users who demand stability and security for demanding games and applications.
The first one greatly affected will be the POCO X5 Pro 5G, which will reach the end of support in February 2026This is a mid-to-high-range device that has been well received in Spain for its processor, fast screen and 5G connectivity, and is now facing the final stage of its software life cycle.
In May 2026, it will be the turn of two of the brand's most talked-about models: POCO F5 and POCO F5 Pro will stop receiving updates from that dateBoth devices, equipped with powerful processors and geared towards both gamers and advanced users, are scheduled to receive one last major update to HyperOS 3 before being frozen.
To close out the year, the POCO C65, a more basic model within the POCO catalogIt will reach its End of Life (EOL) status in November 2026. Overall, this means that POCO's current range, which covers everything from entry-level to affordable high-end, will have to be renewed if it wants to continue offering phones with long-term support.
Summary timeline for the end of support in 2026
Combining information published by various specialized portals, Xiaomi's roadmap for 2026 can be simplified as follows. Dates may vary slightly depending on the region.but they serve as a reference for users in Spain and the rest of Europe:
- Beginnings of 2026: Redmi 12C (entry range).
- February 2026: POCO X5 Pro 5G.
- March 2026: Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 12 5G, Redmi 12C, Redmi A2, Redmi A2+.
- April 2026Redmi Note 12 Pro.
- May 2026: POCO F5, POCO F5 Pro (latest major update with HyperOS 3).
- July 2026: Xiaomi 12 Lite and Xiaomi Pad 6 tablet.
- August 2026: Redmi Pad SE, Redmi Pad SE 8.7, Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G.
- October 2026: Xiaomi 12T, Xiaomi 12T Pro.
- November 2026Redmi 13C and POCO C65.
In all cases, the devices will continue to function normally at a basic level, but It will be the user's responsibility to assume the increased risk which means operating a mobile phone without security patches or bug fixes.
Risks of continuing to use a Xiaomi without updates
Cybersecurity experts agree that the biggest danger of continuing to use a mobile phone without support is the continued exposure to unpatched vulnerabilitiesAttackers often focus on Android versions that no longer receive updates, because they know that the discovered vulnerabilities will not be patched.
Among the most common risks are the silent installation of malware, the theft of credentials, access to emails and social networks, or, in the most serious cases, the interception of bank details and credit cardsMany banks and financial services are progressively tightening their security requirements, and it is not uncommon for them to block access from devices they consider obsolete.
In addition to security, stability and compatibility issues arise over time. Key applications may stop being updated or may not be installed at all.This is especially true for apps that require more modern Android APIs. This can affect messaging apps, productivity apps, social media apps, and even very popular games.
You also need to consider potential incompatibilities with accessories and ecosystem services. As HyperOS evolves and integrates with more connected products, Devices frozen on older versions may lose access to certain features home automation, wearables, or cloud services from the manufacturer itself.
Xiaomi's new support policy for the future
While much of the 2022 and 2023 catalog is nearing the end of its cycle, Xiaomi has begun to make moves to improve its image in terms of support duration. The company has promised longer update periods for its latest and highest-end modelsand is preparing new developments in HyperOS 4.
For its new premium-range releases, Xiaomi is talking about Up to six years of security patches and several major Android and HyperOS updatesThis represents a significant leap forward from the previous policy, which typically guaranteed around three major Android versions and about four years of security updates.
However, this new strategy is not retroactive: Devices that are already on the EOL list for 2026 will not benefit from this changeThe company is focusing its development resources on the latest models and its HyperOS operating system, which aims to unify mobile phones, tablets, connected home devices, wearables, and even vehicles.
By reducing the number of legacy devices it needs to maintain, Xiaomi frees up time and engineering staff to optimize HyperOS on modern hardware. The priority shifts to providing a secure and integrated experience in new products.even if this means leaving behind millions of users with mobile phones that are still functional but without patches.
What do experts recommend to affected users?
If you own one of the models that will stop receiving support in 2026, the general recommendation from specialists is clear: It's a good idea to start planning the switch to a device with guaranteed updates.There's no need to rush, but it is important to set a timeframe so you don't get stuck with a vulnerable mobile phone.
In the case of users who perform sensitive operations from their phones - online banking, payments, password management, corporate information - the urgency is greater. Maintaining these uses on a device without security patches is considered a high-risk practiceeven if certain precautions are taken.
For those who still decide to extend the device's lifespan as much as possible, some mitigation measures can be applied: Avoid installing apps from outside official stores.Be wary of links received via SMS or email, disable the automatic installation of unknown applications, and rely on reputable security solutions, such as antivirus and browser filters.
Another option that is often considered is installing custom ROMs developed by the community, such as LineageOS. However, this approach is geared towards advanced users. The unlocking and installation process carries risks and may cause instability. And, in no case, does it offer the same guarantees or certifications as the official manufacturer's support, so it is not recommended for the average user.
With all of the above in mind, it's clear that 2026 will be a key year for many Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO mobile phone owners: a significant portion of the current catalog will depend solely on the software versions they have installed at that time, without any further patches or improvements. The decision forces European users to consider whether it is worth continuing to use a functional but less secure device.Or whether it's better to opt for a phone with a longer update cycle, something that is gradually becoming as important a factor as the camera or the processor when choosing a new phone.
