Should You Install That Phone Update? What To Know
“Update Available.” The message appears again, and you tap “Later” for the fifth time. Maybe you’re worried something will change, or break, or that it’s a trick. Those are fair concerns. The short answer is that updates are usually a very good idea, as long as you install them the right way. Here’s what updates do, how to do them safely, and how to avoid the fake ones.
Why Updates Matter
Security. The most important reason. Updates fix weaknesses that criminals can use to get into your phone, your photos, and your banking apps. Once a weakness is made public, the longer you wait, the more exposed you are.
Bug fixes. Things that crash, freeze or drain the battery often get fixed.
Compatibility. Apps and services eventually stop working on very old software.
New features, which are nice, but not the main reason.
The One Rule for Safe Updates
Only install updates from your phone’s own Settings (or from the official App Store or Play Store for apps). Never install an “update” because of:
A pop-up on a website saying “Your browser is out of date” or “Your phone needs an update”
A link in a text, email or message
A phone call from someone saying your device needs updating
Fake update alerts are a common way to put harmful software on your device. If you’re unsure, close the page and open Settings yourself.
Before You Update
Plug your phone in, or make sure the battery is well charged. An update that runs out of power can cause problems.
Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates are large.
Check your free space. An update may need a few gigabytes. If you’re short, clear some space first.
Back up your photos and contacts, just in case.
Set aside 30 to 60 minutes, and choose a time when you don’t need the phone, like the evening.
How To Update
On an iPhone: open Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Update Now (or Download and Install), and enter your passcode if asked.
On an Android phone: open Settings and look for Software update or System update, or search for “update” at the top. The menu name differs between brands. Then tap Download and install.
Apps: open the App Store or Play Store, tap your profile picture, and look for available updates. You can also turn on automatic app updates.
Let It Happen Automatically
Many people find it easiest to turn on automatic updates, so the phone installs them overnight while it’s charging and on Wi-Fi. On an iPhone, you’ll find the option in Settings, General, Software Update, Automatic Updates. On Android, look in the same update settings.
What To Expect
The phone will restart, possibly more than once. This is normal.
Don’t turn it off or unplug it while the progress bar is showing, even if it seems slow.
A few things may look different. A button may move, or an icon may change. Nothing important is lost.
It may feel a bit slower, or use more battery, for a day or two while it settles in.
If the Update Gets Stuck
Be patient. Leave the phone plugged in and wait at least an hour before you try anything. If it still doesn’t move, restart it the normal way, or contact the phone’s maker. Don’t call a number from a pop-up or a search result.
What If Your Phone Is Very Old?
Phones eventually stop receiving updates. If your phone says it’s up to date but is several years old, check the maker’s support website to see whether it still gets security updates. A phone that no longer does is easier to attack, so it’s worth thinking about replacing it, especially if you use it for banking.
A Small Bonus: Keep the Clock Right
When daylight saving time starts or ends, a phone with automatic date and time changes by itself. On an iPhone, check Settings, General, Date & Time, Set Automatically. On Android, look for Automatic date & time in your date and time settings.
If you’d like someone beside you while you update, a Kendera Global session can walk through it step by step, and set up automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it again.
