Your old Android phone may soon be made obsolete

With the rapid advancement in phone technology, people are now less likely to buy a new phone regularly than ever before.

This doesn't stop big phone companies from encouraging you to buy a new phone by introducing exclusive features in their new models.

Google is now pushing forward with its plan to reduce support for devices running Android version 2.3.7, more commonly known as Android Gingerbread which will take place on September 27.

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The tech giant has sent an email to some Android users, Android Help Community Manager Zak Pollack explained.

Pollack said: "As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe, Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27, 2021.

"If you sign into your device after September 27, you may get username or password errors when you try to use Google products and services like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps."

Google dropped play support for these Android devices a couple of years ago which are running hardware that's nearly 10 years old.

Some devices affected will include the Samsung Galaxy S2, Sony Xperia P, and Lenovo K800.

While there are certain ways around the removal of sign-in support, such as installing a customised ROM, it's much easier to fork out the cash on a slightly newer smartphone running the most up-to-date Android software.

Otherwise, if your phone is still running Android Gingerbread and is eligible for an update to Android 3.0 or later then you won't be affected by Google's deadline.

If you're unsure of how to update your mobile device, here's a step-by-step guide to help.

How to update your Android device

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Near the bottom, tap System.
3. Tap Advanced.
4. Tap System update .
5. Follow the steps that appear on the screen.
6. After a reset, your device should be running the most up-to-date software possible on that device.