CalyxOS

April Security update - Security Express

CalyxOS 4.8.0 (and 4.8.1) - April 2023 Security update is now available for Pixels, Fairphone 4, and SHIFT6mq

Released to stable on Friday, 14 April.

This update initially rolled out in our new Security Express update channel, which can be summarized in four words: Fastest updates, possible breakage.

Introducing Security Express

The Security Express channel allows us to achieve two major goals:

Differences from Beta

Unlike the Beta channel, Security Express does not include large CalyxOS features or changes that are currently in testing, although updates may include other smaller fixes and improvements. Most of the time, Beta users and Security Express users will receive security updates at the same time; however, CalyxOS feature updates may occasionally require a longer testing period, in which case Security Express users will receive such updates earlier.

Updating via Security Express

Note: This channel selection is reset on reboot, but in the future, we plan for Security Express to be an option in our updater.

  1. Make sure your phone is running the latest stable CalyxOS, 4.7.5 at time of writing.
  2. Back up your data - you can use SeedVault, the included Backup app. This is optional, but it’s always recommended.
  3. Enable USB Debugging on your phone.
  4. From your computer: adb shell setprop sys.update.channel security-express
  5. Then, on your phone: Settings -> System -> System update settings -> Check for updates

Devices on 4.7.x beta

This month, Beta users will receive the security update a little later so that their devices retain particular features and fixes added in 4.7.6 / 4.7.7 which have not yet reached the Stable channel.

Changelog

Pixel 7 series

Pixels 3-3a

Fairphone 4

SHIFT6mq

Note

  • Over-the-air Updates: CalyxOS updates are delivered over-the-air (OTA) automatically, without any manual intervention needed. However, if you'd like to manually update your CalyxOS install, see OTA.
  • Security Updates: The Pixel 8 Pro, 8, Fold, Tablet, 7a, 7 Pro, 7, 6a, 6 Pro, 6, 5a (5G) contain the full security patch, as they are still being updated by Google.
  • Security Updates: The Fairphone 4, 5, Motorola moto g32, moto g42, moto g52 stock OS follows a different security update release schedule, which usually lags behind by a month or two compared to Pixels. The CalyxOS releases for it only contain the latest fixes to the open source components, such as the OS code and the Linux kernel. Proprietary components such as the bootloader, modem firmware, and other firmware get updates as soon as the stock OS update is available.
  • Security Updates: The SHIFT6mq stock OS follows a different security update release schedule. The device is still supported by the manufacturer. The CalyxOS releases for it only contain the latest fixes to the open source components, such as the OS code and the Linux kernel. Proprietary components such as the bootloader, modem firmware, and other firmware get updates as soon as the stock OS update is available.
  • End-of-life: The Pixel 4a (5G), 5, 4a, 4 XL, 4, 3a XL, 3a, 3 XL, 3 are no longer being updated by the manufacturer, so the CalyxOS releases for these devices only contain the fixes to the open source components, such as the OS code and the Linux kernel. Proprietary components such as the bootloader, modem firmware, and other firmware no longer get updates.