Google has officially ended support for Android 6 Marshmallow after 11 years, marking the longest support period for any Android version. This change means Google Play services will no longer run on devices with Android 6 or below. The cutoff also affects app updates and security protections such as Play Protect on these older devices.
Impact on Xiaomi Devices Running Android 6
This shift affects numerous older Xiaomi phones that still run Android 6. Models impacted include the Xiaomi Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi 4 LTE, Mi Note, and Redmi series phones like the Redmi Note 3, Redmi 3s (including Prime and 3x variants), Redmi 4 Prime, Redmi Note 4 (MediaTek version), Redmi Pro, Redmi 4, and Redmi Note 3 SE. Owners of these devices will no longer receive Google Play Protect updates or be able to use Google Play services, which keeps apps updated and running smoothly on newer Android versions.
Extended Changes to Google App Requirements
Alongside dropping Android 6 support, Google updated minimum Android requirements for several core apps. The YouTube app will now only support Android 10 and above, leaving Android 9 without further updates. Google’s main app raised its minimum Android version from 9 to 11, and essential apps like Gmail require Android 7 or newer. These changes reduce compatibility for older devices and emphasize the need for newer Android versions to access Google services fully.
What Google Play Services Does and How to Fix Issues
Google Play services is distinct from the Play Store. It helps apps connect to Google services like Sign-In and Maps and ensures apps stay updated. It runs on Android 7 and later, not draining significant battery or data. If users have trouble with Google Play services on supported Android versions, Google recommends these steps:
- Check for updates to Google Play services in Settings under System services.
- Clear cache and data from Google Play services and the Play Store apps.
- Restart the Play Store to try downloads again.
What This Means for Xiaomi Users
Owners of older Xiaomi phones stuck on Android 6 will face reduced functionality without Google Play services. They will no longer receive app updates, security scans, or smooth app integration from Google services. Upgrading to a newer device or installing a custom ROM with a higher Android version could restore access to Google Play services and related functions.
Users can monitor their device’s update eligibility and status through the MemeOS Enhancer app. This tool provides insights into Android version compatibility, HyperOS update status, and device support timelines, helping owners decide when an upgrade is necessary.
Previous Coverage
For context, Xiaomi’s modern devices like the Xiaomi 18 and upcoming models run newer Android and HyperOS versions, well beyond Android 6 requirements. More details on Xiaomi’s latest software development and update eligibility are available in our recent Xiaomi 18 Series report.
What readers are asking
- Which Xiaomi models are no longer supported? Key older models including Mi 3, Mi 4, Mi Note, and several REDMI phones on Android 6.
- Does this affect app updates? Yes, Google Play services and apps like YouTube and Gmail will not update on Android 6 and below.
- Can users still use Google Play services? Only on Android 7 and newer devices.
- What can affected users do? Don’t use a phone that’s 10 years old in 2026.
Source: support.google.com
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