I bought a Huawei MediapadM2 8 LTE in December 2015, it never received any Android updates and so is stuck on Lollipop 5.1.1. Given that Google actually releases regular security patches now, is this old version of Android inherently not secure and are there things I should avoid doing with it. The tab itself is great for playing games and media consumption but I have stopped using it for anything where I would need to enter financial information.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4575649&stc=1&d=1534662898
damole said:
I bought a Huawei MediapadM2 8 LTE in December 2015, it never received any Android updates and so is stuck on Lollipop 5.1.1. Given that Google actually releases regular security patches now, is this old version of Android inherently not secure and are there things I should avoid doing with it. The tab itself is great for playing games and media consumption but I have stopped using it for anything where I would need to enter financial information.
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The earlier versions of Android are very insecure especially Lollipop with no updates. Even without storing and using the tablet for sensitive information it can still track your media preferences and if infected can record your voice/data or even be used as a gateway to hack other machines (with wifi network or with tethering). Not to worry though you can find a rom for your device or try developing one by yourself this will be a more recent version without all the security holes and has recent updates.
The forum for your device is here
As of Feb 7th, 2020 still no play store security update ...any one else seeing this?
These things are usually rolled out progressively, like OTAs are. The latest (18.6.43) was released two days ago.
nowster said:
These things are usually rolled out progressively, like OTAs are. The latest (18.6.43) was released two days ago.
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Yes, both are staged rollouts. However, OTA updates can be "forced" by manually pressing the "Check for update" button, which sadly doesn't work for Google Play system update.
KBKushVader22 said:
As of Feb 7th, 2020 still no play store security update ...any one else seeing this?
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If you are talking about the Google play system update, it was mentioned on the security bulletin page that this month there is none... Weirdly i just checked now and got one, but i guess its just a number bump.
Btw you can check for updates if you just press on it in the settings page (see the attached pic)
About the playstore version, yes its a staged rollout, don't worry if you don't have the latest version. Also the playstore (app) version has nothing to do with the "google play system update" those are 2 different things.
en2tri said:
Yes, both are staged rollouts. However, OTA updates can be "forced" by manually pressing the "Check for update" button, which sadly doesn't work for Google Play system update.
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I really don't think pressing "Check for update" forces anything. Updating to the February security patch yesterday via the ADB method. Tried your way before, nada.
I have been updating like this since I got the Pixel 3a and it always worked on the first day when the update was released.
The button used to be "placebo" effect before, but then they fixed it with a certain version of the Google Play Services about a year ago.
Read more about this: https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...-the-check-for-update-button-on-pixels-again/
I don't actually know what this is, but it doesn't seem to update automatically, which seems strange for something with "security" in the name.
Settings -> Security -> Google Play system update
After updating mine says 1 May 2020.
The update was tiny... and a reboot was not required.
Google says "With Google Play system updates, important Security and Privacy fixes can now be sent directly to your phone from Google Play, just the same way all your other apps update. So you get these fixes as soon as they are available."
This month's update was empty. Maybe that's why it didn't auto update.
https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2020-05-01
There are no security issues addressed in Google Play system updates (Project Mainline) this month.
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It's basically what we knew as the monthly security patch, but in 10 it's handled through GPlay instead of OTA update.
Its a good thing, it means that even if Xiaomi abandons the updates, we will still get the security patches from Google.
My understanding is that the Google Play system security is not the same thing as OS security patch, so still down to Xiaomi, unfortunately
bonzoe said:
My understanding is that the Google Play system security is not the same thing as OS security patch, so still down to Xiaomi, unfortunately
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I agree; but since this terminal has not received any updates since March, can we consider its support finished?
It installed automatically on my own. Didnt do anything.
Hello. I have seen lots of complaints regarding Google Play system update being stuck, and no further updates being offered at all.
After researching, I discovered a splendidly simple solution—logging out all but one Google account on the phone, clearing Google Play services data, and trying again.
The Main Components APK that other threads suggest is malicious. Do not install such APKs.Threads are suggesting installing an APK called "Main Components", saying that it'll update your device. Do not believe such claims—all it does is change the date shown on your phone. It's very small and does not require restarting to install, proving the ineffectiveness of this app. It also causes versioning issues and incompatibility, and in extreme cases, will brick your device.
In case you have already installed the app, uninstall it immediately via the following ADB command:
adb uninstall com.google.android.modulemetadata
Fixing the Google Play system updateSTEP 1: Update Google Play services to the latest version.
Spoiler: Update Google Play services to the latest version
On your phone, open this page with the Google Play Store, then tap on "Update". If that button does not show up, then Google Play services is updated already.
STEP 2: Leave only one Google account signed in on your phone.
Spoiler: Leave only one Google account signed in on your phone
If you have more than one Google account signed in on your phone, sign out the other accounts and leave the one you often use. Make sure that this account is not a Personal Account (not from your school/work).
For instructions on how to see the accounts on your device and to sign out them, see here.
STEP 3: Clear Google Play services' data and restart the phone.
Spoiler: Clear Google Play services' data and restart the phone
Note: Do not uninstall updates of Google Play services.
Important: When you clear Google Play Services data or storage, it may delete some information saved to your device, including transit cards, COVID cards, and virtual payment cards saved to Google Pay.
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app.
Tap Apps > See all apps. Note that you do not need to tap "See all apps" on Samsung devices.
Scroll down and tap "Google Play Services."
Tap Storage > Clear Cache.
Tap Manage Space > Clear all Data. Note that "Manage Space" is called "Manage Storage" instead on Samsung devices.
Restart your device.
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This sentence is a filler text for formatting purposes.
STEP 4: Check for Google Play system updates again and hope for the best.
Spoiler: Check for Google Play system updates again and hope for the best
Now go check for Google Play system updates again. There should be an update, follow the prompts to download and install it. After installation, it should prompt you to restart. If not, tap on "Check for updates" again and it shall prompt you to restart. After restarting, check if the update was successfully installed. If yes, congrats, you have successfully updated!
Not work or help.
Hot-Proton said:
Not work or help.
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Sorry to hear that. Can you detail step-by-step how you followed the guide, and on which Play system update level (the date) are you currently on?
Make what you write. I have May.
Hot-Proton said:
Make what you write. I have May.
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I have used this guide to fix my phone stuck on March 2022, and it was upgraded to May 2022. The June update has not yet been rolled out to most phones for now.
Pixel Phones get June and i have a Pixel 6.
Hot-Proton said:
Pixel Phones get June and i have a Pixel 6.
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Oh, I have a Samsung phone and Samsung phones often receive updates later, maybe that's why I'm still on May.
Maybe there's a different problem on your phone, have you updated the firmware to the latest version?
I am on latest firmware. You write "Main Components APK that other threads suggest is malicious" But how do you know that? apkmirror.com dont share malicious!
Hot-Proton said:
You write "Main Components APK that other threads suggest is malicious" But how do you know that? apkmirror.com dont share malicious!
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Not malicious in a malware sense, but it causes further problems and is useless, unless if you want to fool yourself into some placebo update.
Hot-Proton said:
I am on latest firmware. You write "Main Components APK that other threads suggest is malicious" But how do you know that? apkmirror.com dont share malicious!
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That apk doesn't do no harm to your phone but it doesn't do any good also; it only changes the date.
For me this process does nothing. I already tried lot of methods without luck. My phone had no issues on Android 10 but after Android 11 the Google Play System update went nuts, I use only one Google account. I tried to factory reset the phone, clearing data/cache for Play Store, Play Services (updated), going to Safe mode and clear these data/caches but nothing works. I tried to go beta for Google Play Services but no luck. It is just frustrating because I not modified the ROM of the phone and the Unihertz manufacturer cant help me, I also reported this issue several times to Google Support, but the best effort was from them to ask videos about the issue. I got no response after my report. This is just nuts from Google, seriously unprofessional. They marketed the Android 10,11 with this update, to provide basic security updates for every phone and they cannot provide it at all for lot of users facing this issue. You can search about this and this is independent from manufacturers, the issue is in Android 11 probably.
Tried this myself.
Still on June 2022 Play Update on Android 12.
I expected July at least. And August should also be out any moment now.
How can you call com.google.android.modulemetadata aka main components as malicious? It is one of the component introduced as project mainline. Have some research before posting,
Project Mainline - https://www.xda-developers.com/android-project-mainline-modules-explanation/
Module Metadata aka Main Components - https://source.android.com/docs/core/architecture/modular-system/metadata
When you install this to system, it parse information from playstore/services apk since google push the system updates through playstore and services apk (latest here) and updates the same in the UI. Installing this won't install system updates but it shows the right system version you are on. Works only with devices showing wrong system update due to a factory reset.
I know you are trying to help, but make sure to use the right wordings.
Thanks!
How to disable automatic updates? After update my Xiaomi Mi A2 with Android 13 Port from Pixel 5 freezing and overheating.
If i delete /data/apex/ folder and reboot everything works fine.
This issue is certainly after Android 11 and 12, the downgrade to Android 10 solved the issue for me, with Android 10 the Google Play System Update works flawlessly. Also the Android 11 has GUI performance, high cpu usage and battery drain issues. Unnaceptable from today standards, I hope one day I can get a good Android device that works just fine.
I'm on Android 13 and this didn't help me. I'm still on June 22, and there's even October already available.
It's now almost November 2022 - Google Has Failed To Resolve The Problem. And this issue started after May 1st 2021.
I have a 5g Nokia and T-Mobile. This guessing game gives me the chills - like some victim in a twisted B rated film's plot about a blackout that selects randomly targets made to be blind for no reason at all.
The only tip I've got is T-Mobile Apps are not working with the newer Google Play Services system updates???
Galaxy s22 ultra here with Android 13 and November security patch but my Google system update is stuck on July 2022. These steps outlined doesn't do anything.
Jaysmith696 said:
Galaxy s22 ultra here with Android 13 and November security patch but my Google system update is stuck on July 2022. These steps outlined doesn't do anything.
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I am in the same exact situation
What we can do?
Jaysmith696 said:
Galaxy s22 ultra here with Android 13 and November security patch but my Google system update is stuck on July 2022. These steps outlined doesn't do anything.
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Same here.
I'm a fan of Google-free Custom ROM and use mainly crDroid on Xiaomi and Motorola devices.
However because some Apps (not needed daily) require a locked device and Google Android system with all security features I am looking for a secondary smartphone which can be used for such Apps at home over WLAN, no mobile phone monthly payment plan is planned so just the cheapest possible SIM to receive SMS and maybe have a little 4G-Traffic, because some Apps require that for security functions. Other features are reliable battery and not too small screen (6.2"+)
Because buying a new Pixel for over 300$ is not a good option for this use case (even my main phone did not cost much more) I am looking for the currently good devices which have Stock bloat-free Android, foreseeable updates and do not cost a lot. So either low-mid-range new smartphones or used ones.
While there are some helpful sites about such new and also expensive devices (Pixel 7, ASUS ROG 6D/Zenfone 9, Moto Edge 30 Fusion, ) https://www.androidauthority.com/best-smartphones-stock-android-844672/ I have not found a lot comparing affordable devices like Pixel 6a, Nokia X30, Nothing Phone 1 or even cheaper used options.
Is there a list of which brands have stock android devices?
Thanks for any alternative mention.
I was going to suggest running a GSI but that would require unlocking the bootloader. Are you aware that most apps can still be used on unlocked + rooted devices? You aren't going to find anything at a fairly low price that is going to continue to get updates for the forseeable future. Pixel 6a will no longer receive updates beyond July 2025.
If you run a GSI on a Treble compliant device you can potentially continue to get updates far into the future, especially if you pair it with a Generic Kernel Image. But, again, this would require using Magisk + mods in order to pass Play Integrity so you can use GMS dependent apps, as well as possibly other solutions such as Shamiko if the apps you use specifically detect root
Thanks. While not deeply I tried the Magisk/Mods route but would like to avoid it because it gave constant update problems from the "security" checks of the Apps I would use (Banking, OTA generation, public ID services). Meaning the troubleshooting is nagging. It is a shame that for common citizen services both public and by private firms you need a smartphone completely tied into the Google or Apple ecosystem. An alternative is often not anymore provided!
I am ok if the device has no more updates in 18-24 months. So maybe a cheap Moto like E40, G22, G31 would suffice. They all have A11 preinstalled, not sure if A12/13 upgrades or only security updates are provided. Since the Cam, 5G, RAM, Memory, etc. are all not so relavant just the system + Apps and usage (maybe including fingerprint option) is relevant.
I will even try if an old Moto G5 Plus Android 8.1 (via Update) works - unfortunately the battery is damaged/unreliable on that phone.