GrapheneOS only runs on Google Pixel phones, and not every Pixel is a good buy. The model you choose decides how many years of security updates you get, and buying the wrong handset from the wrong shop can mean GrapheneOS never installs at all. This guide was checked against GrapheneOS's official supported device list on 9 November 2026.
The short answer
- Buy a Pixel 8 or newer. GrapheneOS itself strongly recommends only these, because they have a minimum of 7 years of support from launch and a hardware security feature called memory tagging that GrapheneOS uses to stop whole classes of attacks.
- For the longest life, buy a Pixel 10a or a Pixel 10. They are supported until 2033 and 2032.
- For the best value new, buy a Pixel 9a. It is supported until April 2032.
- Do not buy a Pixel 11 for GrapheneOS yet. As of 9 November 2026 it is not supported.
- Do not buy a carrier-sold phone, and check one setting the day it arrives (see below).
How long each Pixel gets GrapheneOS updates
These are the support dates GrapheneOS publishes for each device. They are minimum guarantees, tied to the end of Google's own security updates for that model.
| Pixel | Supported until at least | Good to buy now? |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 10a | March 2033 | Yes |
| Pixel 10 Pro Fold | October 2032 | Yes |
| Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL | August 2032 | Yes |
| Pixel 9a | April 2032 | Yes |
| Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold | August 2031 | Yes |
| Pixel 8a | May 2031 | Yes |
| Pixel 8, 8 Pro | October 2030 | Yes |
| Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet | June 2028 | Only if you already own one |
| Pixel 7a | May 2028 | Only if you already own one |
| Pixel 7, 7 Pro | October 2027 | Only if you already own one |
| Pixel 6a | July 2027 | Only if you already own one |
| Pixel 6, 6 Pro | October 2026 (passed) | No |
| Pixel 11 series | Not supported | No, not yet |
Older Pixels (the Pixel 5a and earlier) are no longer supported. When Google stops providing security updates for a model, GrapheneOS may publish temporary extended support releases to reduce harm, but those cannot include full security patches. Treat them as time to plan a replacement, not as a reason to keep using the phone.
Which one should you choose?
Longest support: Pixel 10a or the Pixel 10 series
The Pixel 10a has the latest support date of any GrapheneOS phone, March 2033. The Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL run to August 2032, and the 10 Pro Fold to October 2032. Pick by size, camera and budget; for GrapheneOS they are equally good.
Best value: Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a costs less than the flagship models and is still supported until April 2032. For most people who want GrapheneOS on a sensible budget, this is the one to buy.
On a tight budget: Pixel 8a, 8 or 8 Pro
These have the same 7-year support and memory tagging as the newer models, with support running to 2030 and 2031. They are often available refurbished or second-hand. Follow the checks for used phones below before you pay.
Already have a Pixel 6a, 7, 7a, Fold or Tablet?
GrapheneOS still supports them, and installing it is worthwhile. Just note the date in the table and plan to replace the phone before it. Do not buy one of these new or used for GrapheneOS today: for similar money, a Pixel 8a gives you years more support.
Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Their guaranteed support date of October 2026 has passed. GrapheneOS was still publishing updates for them in early November 2026, but they are now living on borrowed time. Do not buy one, and if you own one, replace it soon.
Why not the Pixel 11?
As of 9 November 2026, GrapheneOS has not released any build for the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL or 11 Pro Fold. The project has said its support depends on the phones' memory tagging, which it is still assessing. That may change, but until the Pixel 11 appears on GrapheneOS's official supported device list, buying one for GrapheneOS means owning a phone you cannot install it on. The Pixel 10 series is the newest you should buy for now.
What about non-Pixel phones?
Today GrapheneOS runs only on Pixels. In 2026 GrapheneOS and Motorola announced a partnership, and the first Motorola phones with GrapheneOS support are expected in 2027. Until those phones exist and appear on the official list, there is nothing from Motorola, Samsung or anyone else to buy for GrapheneOS.
Where to buy, and the one check that decides everything
Avoid carrier phones. Phones sold through a mobile carrier can have their bootloader permanently locked, which stops GrapheneOS from ever being installed. GrapheneOS notes this is mainly a problem with US carriers, and Verizon units especially. Buy from the Google Store in your own country or a retailer selling the unlocked model. Buying in your own country also matters because some carriers only enable calling over 4G and 5G (VoLTE) for models sold in their market.
"Unlocked" in a listing usually means carrier unlocked, so the phone takes any SIM. That says nothing about the bootloader. A phone can be fully carrier unlocked and still refuse GrapheneOS.
The check: the day the phone arrives, while you can still return it, connect it to the internet, then go to Settings, About phone, and tap Build number seven times. Go back to System, then Developer options, and find OEM unlocking. If you can switch it on, GrapheneOS can be installed. If it is greyed out or missing, that handset cannot run GrapheneOS, so send it back. (The internet connection matters: on models that can be sold through carriers, the switch stays greyed out until the phone has been online.)
Buying used or refurbished? Ask the seller to show you the OEM unlocking switch working before you pay, or buy only where you can return the phone. Check the exact model too: the support dates above apply to the model, not to when the individual phone was made, so a "new" Pixel 7 bought today still ends in October 2027.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Pixel for GrapheneOS in late 2026?
For the longest support, the Pixel 10a (supported until at least March 2033) or the Pixel 10 series (August 2032). For the best value, the Pixel 9a (April 2032). GrapheneOS recommends only the Pixel 8 and newer, because they have 7 years of support from launch and hardware memory tagging.
Does the Pixel 11 support GrapheneOS?
Not as of 9 November 2026. GrapheneOS has not released builds for any Pixel 11 model. Do not buy one for GrapheneOS until it appears on the official supported device list at grapheneos.org.
How long will my Pixel get GrapheneOS updates?
GrapheneOS lists a minimum support date for every device, for example October 2030 for the Pixel 8 and August 2032 for the Pixel 10. The dates follow the end of Google's security updates for each model and are the same no matter when you bought the phone.
Can I install GrapheneOS on a Verizon or other carrier Pixel?
Often not. Carrier versions, especially from US carriers such as Verizon, can have the bootloader locked for good, which prevents installation. Check that OEM unlocking can be switched on in Developer options before you keep the phone.
Is a used Pixel fine for GrapheneOS?
Yes, if it is a supported model with plenty of support left and OEM unlocking can be switched on. A used Pixel 8a, 8 or 8 Pro is a good budget choice. Confirm the OEM unlocking switch works before you pay.
Does GrapheneOS work on Samsung or other Android phones?
No. GrapheneOS currently supports only Google Pixel phones. GrapheneOS and Motorola have announced that the first supported Motorola phones are expected in 2027.
Would rather not buy and set up the phone yourself? We sell a Google Pixel 9a with GrapheneOS installed ($699 USD), factory unlocked and bought for you after you order, installed and verified, with a 45-minute onboarding call. Our guide to buying a phone with GrapheneOS already installed explains what to check with any seller.
Once you have the phone, our GrapheneOS Guided Session ($99 USD, up to 90 minutes live) checks your model before the day and installs GrapheneOS with you, so you are not left troubleshooting on your own.