By Technologies for Mobile
84 security bugs fixed — is your Android safe? Read now
A Major Security Update from Google
Google has officially rolled out its September 2025 Android Security Patch, and it’s one of the most critical updates in recent months. This patch addresses 84 known vulnerabilities in the Android operating system, including two severe zero-day exploits that were actively being used by attackers before Google patched them.
For Android users running Android versions 13 to 16, this update is strongly recommended. However, there’s an important point of concern: Android 12 devices are starting to be left behind, which raises big questions about security support and how long users can safely hold onto older phones.
In this article, we’ll break down:
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What this update fixes
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What zero-day exploits are and why they’re dangerous
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How this patch compares with earlier ones
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Why Android 12 users are at risk
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How to update your phone safely
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Our final advice for staying secure
What Are Zero-Day Exploits — and Why This Matters
Before diving deeper, let’s understand the term “zero-day exploit.”
A zero-day exploit is a previously unknown vulnerability in software that hackers discover before the developer (in this case, Google) does. Because it’s unknown, there are zero days of defense — meaning attackers can exploit it immediately and silently.
The September 2025 update patched two such exploits that were already being used in the wild to attack Android users. That means real-world attacks were happening, not just theoretical flaws.
If your phone isn’t updated yet, it could be vulnerable to silent hacks, including:
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Remote access to your phone
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Stolen passwords or banking credentials
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Tracking your location or camera access
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Malware or ransomware installation
This is why Google and cybersecurity experts are calling this update urgent.
What This Patch Fixes — Overview
The September 2025 Android Security Bulletin lists 84 vulnerabilities across various parts of the Android system, including:
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The Android Framework (core of the system)
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System components
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Kernel and vendor drivers from chipmakers like Qualcomm and MediaTek
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Bluetooth stack
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Media libraries
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Area Fixed | No. of Bugs Fixed | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Android Framework | 12 | High |
| System Components | 28 | High to Critical |
| Media Framework | 7 | Moderate |
| Kernel & Vendor Drivers | 30+ | High (device-specific) |
| Bluetooth Stack | 5 | Moderate |
| Total | 84 | 2 Critical, 20+ High |
Two of these vulnerabilities are confirmed zero-day bugs, which were exploited before being patched. Google hasn’t disclosed full details yet (to avoid helping attackers), but reports say they involved privilege escalation — allowing attackers to gain full control over a device.
How It Compares With Previous Updates
To understand how big this is, let’s compare with recent patches:
| Month | Vulnerabilities Fixed | Zero-Days Fixed |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | 46 | 0 |
| July 2025 | 55 | 1 |
| August 2025 | 62 | 1 |
| September 2025 | 84 | 2 |
This shows a clear spike — nearly double the vulnerabilities compared to June. It suggests that:
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Either attackers are getting more aggressive
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Or Google is digging deeper and fixing more hidden issues
Either way, this is the most significant security patch of the year so far.
The Android 12 Problem
While Android 13, 14, 15 and 16 devices are receiving this update, many Android 12 phones are not.
This is concerning because:
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Android 12 is still used on millions of devices worldwide
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Some manufacturers (especially budget phones) have stopped providing updates
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Without patches, these phones stay vulnerable to the same zero-day attacks
If you’re still on Android 12:
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Your phone may already be unsupported
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You are at a higher risk of data theft, spyware, and banking fraud
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It’s time to plan an upgrade or switch to a device that still gets security updates
Security experts call this the “orphaned OS problem” — when older devices are abandoned even if users still depend on them.
How to Update Your Android Phone
To stay protected, you should update your device immediately.
Here’s how:
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Connect to Wi-Fi
Updates are usually large, so avoid mobile data if possible. -
Open Settings → About Phone → System Updates
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Tap “Check for Updates”
If the September patch is available, it will show up here. -
Install & Restart
Don’t interrupt the process. It may take 10–30 minutes. -
Verify Update
After restart, check Settings → About Phone → Android Security Patch Level. It should show “September 1, 2025” or later.
Pro Tips to Stay Safe
Even with security patches, follow these habits to reduce risk:
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Install apps only from Google Play Store
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Avoid granting unnecessary permissions
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Turn off Bluetooth and NFC when not needed
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Use a strong screen lock (PIN, password, fingerprint)
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Back up your data regularly
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Keep an eye on app behavior — sudden battery drain, heat, or ads may mean malware
These steps add an extra layer of defense while you wait for updates.
Final Thoughts
The September 2025 Android Security Update is not just another routine patch — it’s a critical response to active attacks. With 84 security fixes and two dangerous zero-day exploits closed, it’s one of the biggest Android updates of the year.
If your device runs Android 13 to 16, update immediately to stay safe.
If you’re on Android 12, understand that your device is slowly falling out of support, and it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer model that will receive updates for several more years.
Cyber threats are evolving fast — but staying alert, updating regularly, and practicing safe digital habits can help you stay one step ahead.
🖋️ From your friends at Technologies for Mobile
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