Your Galaxy S21’s security just hit an expiration date. Samsung’s January 2026 security patch—quietly rolling out globally after starting in South Korea—appears to be the final update for the S21 series, marking the end of the company’s promised five-year support window. If you’re among the millions still relying on this 2021 flagship for banking apps, two-factor authentication, and daily digital life, you’re about to enter uncharted territory where new threats won’t get patched.
The Final Countdown
Samsung delivered its goodbye gift with 55 vulnerability fixes before going silent.
The January 2026 patch (firmware G99xNKSSCHZA5) addressed 55 security issues, including one critical flaw and 20 high-risk Android vulnerabilities fixed in collaboration with Google. Samsung hasn’t formally announced the end of support, but tracking sites like endoflife.date confirm the S21’s security window closed around January 7, 2026. According to SamMobile, devices will likely disappear from Samsung’s quarterly update lists after February, leaving users exposed to future security vulnerabilities.
Reality Check Time
Your phone just became a security liability in your pocket.
This isn’t just about missing out on new features—it’s about fundamental safety. “With software support finally ending, your device is now more prone to security threats,” industry trackers warn. Banking apps, password managers, and authentication systems that seemed bulletproof yesterday now sit on a platform that won’t receive patches for newly discovered exploits. Meanwhile, Samsung’s newer S25 and upcoming S26 models flaunt seven-year support promises, making your S21 feel like a Nokia 3310 at a smartphone convention.
The Upgrade Ultimatum
Trade-in values are tanking faster than support promises.
Your S21’s current trade-in value hovers around $100 toward an S25 Ultra, and that figure will drop further when the S26 launches. Samsung’s calculated obsolescence strategy creates a stark choice: live dangerously with an unpatched device or shell out for new hardware with modern security guarantees. For millions of S21 owners who bought what was supposed to be a future-proof flagship, this end of security support stings more than expected.
The irony cuts deep—Samsung extended support timelines right after the S21 generation, leaving early adopters holding the bag while newer buyers enjoy longer protection.
