What an update actually does
Phone software is large and complicated, and mistakes get found over time. When a flaw is discovered, the maker writes a fix and sends it out as an update. Updates also add features, improve battery behavior, and keep older parts of the system working with newer ones.
Two kinds matter. The first is the system update, which changes the phone’s operating system. The second is the app update, which is sent by the developer of each individual app. Both can include security fixes, and both are worth installing.
Why security fixes matter
When a security fix is released, the details of the original flaw sometimes become better known. People who want to misuse phones can then look for devices that have not yet been updated. A phone that is behind on updates may therefore be easier to target than one that is current. That does not mean an out-of-date phone is certain to be attacked, but it removes one of the easiest protections you have.
Updates are also one of the few security measures that work without you having to be careful or clever. You do not need to spot a scam; you only need to let the fix install.
System updates and how long a phone gets them
Phone makers support each model for a limited time, and that length varies a lot between brands and models. Eventually a phone stops receiving system updates. The phone may still work well, but it no longer gets new security fixes.
If you are buying a phone, it is reasonable to check how long the maker says it will provide updates. If your current phone has stopped receiving them, take extra care with what you install and where you sign in, and think about when replacement makes sense. Being careful with what you download from official app stores matters even more on an older device.
App updates
Apps are a separate matter. Developers publish app updates through the store, and these often fix bugs and security problems in that app alone. Turning on automatic app updates is usually the easiest approach. If you prefer to review them first, check the update list in the store every week or two.
It is normal for an app to change after an update. If you see a new request for access, such as to your camera or location, pause and think about whether it makes sense for that app. You can always review app permissions afterwards and turn off anything the app does not need. An update that suddenly asks for a lot more than before is worth a second look.
Apps that have not been updated in a very long time may no longer work well with newer phone software. If an app you rely on has been abandoned, consider whether there is an alternative that is still maintained.
Managing updates without hassle
Updates feel annoying mostly because of timing and uncertainty. A few settings take most of the pain away.
- Turn on automatic updates for the system and for apps. Most phones will install system updates overnight when the phone is charging and on Wi-Fi.
- Set apps to update only over Wi-Fi, so that large downloads do not use up your mobile data.
- Keep some free storage. Updates need room to download and install, and a nearly full phone may fail to update. Removing apps you no longer use helps, and the same goes for large files you do not need.
- Charge the phone before a big system update, or leave it plugged in. Interrupted updates can cause trouble.
- Restart your phone from time to time. Some updates only finish installing after a restart.
Be a little cautious with big updates
A major system update changes more than a small patch does. If you rely on your phone for work, it can be sensible to wait a few days for any early problems to be noticed, while still installing it soon. Before a major update, make sure you have a recent backup, as described in our look at phone backups, so that you can recover if something unexpected happens.
You may notice battery behavior, storage use or some apps feel different for a day or two after an update. This is often because the phone is reindexing files or optimizing apps in the background, and it typically settles down. If the problem lasts, check whether your apps have updates waiting too.
Spotting fake update messages
A real system update comes through your phone’s settings or the official store. Be wary of a pop-up in a web page, a text message or an email telling you to update right now by tapping a link. Fake update warnings are a common trick, and they often lead to harmful software or a page that asks for your login. If you are unsure, ignore the message and check for updates yourself in the settings menu.
A realistic routine
You do not need to think about updates every day. Switch on the automatic options, keep a bit of storage free, restart the phone now and then, and glance at the settings once a month to confirm that you are up to date. That small routine does a great deal of quiet work for your safety.