# Which Pixel should I buy for GrapheneOS?

> A Pixel 8 or newer, including the 8a, 9a and 10a. They get at least 7 years of updates from launch. Buy it unlocked, not from a phone carrier.

- Web version: https://few.guide/answers/grapheneos-which-pixel.html
- Checked against grapheneos.org (https://grapheneos.org/faq#device-lifetime) on 19 October 2026

## Steps

1. Buying new: any Pixel 8, 9 or 10, including the cheaper “a” models.
2. On a budget: a used Pixel 8 or 8a still has years of support left.
3. Skip the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. GrapheneOS support ends this month (October 2026).
4. Pixel 6a, 7 and 7 Pro still work, but support ends between July and October 2027.
5. Buy unlocked. Carrier phones, mostly in the US, often can’t be unlocked.

## FAQ

**Why only Pixels?**
GrapheneOS needs a phone that lets you re-lock the bootloader with your own system and gets fast security updates. Today only Pixels meet its rules.

**Can I buy one with GrapheneOS already on it?**
The project says to install it yourself. It takes about an hour with the official web installer.

**Does my bitcoin wallet still work?**
Most wallet apps install fine from their official source. Google’s tap-to-pay won’t work, and some banking apps may refuse to run.

## Go deeper

- [Install GrapheneOS on a Pixel](https://few.guide/guides/grapheneos-pixel.html)
- [GrapheneOS support end dates](https://grapheneos.org/faq#device-lifetime)
- [eSIM without ID](https://few.guide/answers/no-kyc-esim.html)