How to keep your phone updated, on iPhone and Android
Checked
Phone makers send fixes called security updates. Installing them is one of the simplest ways to protect a phone, and it usually takes a few taps. This guide covers checking your phone, automatic updates, what to do when updates stop, and family phones.
Talk about it at home: jump to the Table Talks
Why updates matter
Apple says keeping your software up to date "is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your Apple product's security" (Apple Support: Update your iPhone or iPad).
A current example shows why. On November 2, 2026, Google's Android Security Bulletin for November 2026 listed the bug nicknamed "SMS of Death" (CVE-2026-58882). Google rates it Critical and classes it as denial of service, meaning it can stop part of the phone from working. heise online reports that a single hidden text can crash phone service and drop calls (heise online).
Google's fix comes with security patch level 2026-11-01 or newer, for Android 14, 15, 16 and 17. Google's bulletin does not list Android 12 or 13. heise online reports those versions are also affected and will probably stay unpatched; Google has not confirmed that. Our SMS of Death alert has more.
CyberSandberg tip: a fix only protects a phone once it's installed.
Check your phone today
iPhone. Apple's iPhone User Guide says to see your model and iOS version, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. To check for an update, Apple says to back up, plug in and connect to Wi-Fi, then:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.
Apple says that screen shows the installed iOS version and whether an update is available. Apple's security releases page listed iOS 27.2 as the latest version when we checked on November 2, 2026.
Android (Google's steps). Google's Check & update your Android version page says:
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone (or About tablet), then Android version.
- Look at "Android version" and "Android security update."
To update, open Settings, tap System, then Software updates, and follow the on-screen instructions. On Pixel, Google's Pixel update page names the last step Software update. Google suggests Wi-Fi and at least 75% battery. For the SMS of Death fix, look for a security update date of 2026-11-01 or later.
Samsung Galaxy. Samsung's update page uses different menus: open Settings, then tap Software update or System updates (it varies by model), then Download and install, Check for system updates, or Check for software updates, depending on your carrier. Samsung says screens vary by carrier, software version and model. Samsung also warns that during an update you can't make calls, even to emergency services.
Google says update schedules vary by device, maker and carrier. CyberSandberg tip: if your date is older than 2026-11-01 and nothing is offered, check again weekly for the next month.
Turn on automatic updates
iPhone. Open Settings, tap General, Software Update, then Automatic Updates, and turn on Automatically Install. Apple says the iPhone then installs updates overnight while charging and on Wi-Fi, and notifies you first.
Android. Google says most system updates and security patches install automatically. When you get a notification, open it and tap the update action. Google's page shows no single on and off switch for all Android phones. On Samsung, the Software update screen has an Auto download over Wi-Fi switch. On Pixel, Google says updates install in the background and take effect after a restart.
CyberSandberg tip: when a phone asks to restart for an update, say yes the same day.
When a phone stops getting updates
Every phone eventually stops getting them.
- iPhone: Apple's How to download iOS 27 page lists iPhone 11 and later, plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Apple's security releases page shows some older models still get fixes on older versions, such as iOS 18.7.11 for iPhone XS, XS Max and XR on October 26, 2026. Apple does not state a set number of years.
- Pixel: Google's Pixel update page lists 7 years for Pixel 8 and later and 5 years for Pixel 6 and 7 models and Pixel Fold, counted from first US Google Store availability. Pixel 5a and earlier no longer get updates.
- Samsung: Samsung's Security Updates page says it extended support up to 7 years as of January 2024 and lists which models get monthly or quarterly updates.
- Other Android: Google says to contact your manufacturer or carrier.
Google also says older devices can't always run newer Android versions.
CyberSandberg tips for a phone with no more updates:
- Keep it on the latest update it offers.
- Don't make it anyone's only emergency phone.
- Keep banking and other important accounts off it.
- Plan a replacement, and check the maker's support page before you buy.
Kids' phones, parents' phones and hand-me-downs
CyberSandberg tips:
- Hand-me-downs: before passing a phone on, check its last security update and the maker's support page. An older phone may have little time left.
- Kids' phones: turn on automatic updates before the phone changes hands. Teach kids that "Install tonight" beats "Remind me later."
- Parents' and grandparents' phones: sit together and check one phone. Plugging in overnight helps iPhones install automatic updates, per Apple.
- Everyone: write down each family phone's model and the date of its last security update, and check the maker's page once a year.
Printable checklist
Download Keep Every Family Phone Updated: One-Page Checklist (PDF, 1 page, 12 KB)
iPhone
- Back up, plug in, and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Settings > General > About: write down the model and iOS version.
- Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates: turn on Automatically Install.
- Leave the phone charging on Wi-Fi overnight so automatic updates can install.
Android
- Connect to Wi-Fi and charge to at least 75%.
- Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Android version: write down the "Android security update" date.
- For the SMS of Death fix, look for 2026-11-01 or later.
- Settings > System > Software updates (Pixel: Software update). Follow the on-screen steps.
- Samsung: Settings > Software update or System updates (varies by model), then Download and install, Check for system updates, or Check for software updates (depends on carrier). Turn on Auto download over Wi-Fi.
- When an update notification appears, open it and tap the update action. Restart when asked.
Menus can differ by brand, carrier and version. If yours don't match, use your phone maker's support site.
If no updates are coming
- Check the maker's support page: Apple security releases, Google Pixel update dates, or Samsung Security Updates.
- Other Android brands: ask the maker or carrier.
- CyberSandberg tip: keep it on the latest update it offers.
- CyberSandberg tip: don't make it anyone's only emergency phone.
- CyberSandberg tip: keep banking and important accounts off it.
- CyberSandberg tip: plan a replacement, and check its support years before you buy.
Family phones
- Before handing a phone down, check its last update and support page.
- Turn on automatic updates before a kid's phone changes hands.
- Once a month, check parents' and grandparents' phones for updates together.
Steps checked against Apple, Google and Samsung help, Nov 2, 2026.
Teach it this week
Is every phone in the family up to date?
Big idea: Phones need fixes called security updates. Most install with a few taps, and every phone eventually stops getting them.
Background for parents and grandparents: Read "Check your phone today" above. Official steps: Google and Apple.
Table Talks (10 minutes)
- Start (2 min): Show a made-up example settings screen: "ExamplePhone 4. Security update: March 2024. No updates available." Ask: what would you check before handing this phone to a younger cousin?
- Try it (5 to 7 min): Find the update screen on one family phone together. Then sort made-up example phone cards into "update tonight," "check the maker's page," and "plan to replace."
- Wrap-up (1 min): Everyone names the one setting that installs updates without anyone remembering.
Talk it over
- Have you ever tapped "Remind me later" on an update? What happened next?
- Why do you think phone makers keep fixing phones they already sold?
- Who in the family has the oldest phone, and how could we find out if it still gets updates?
- What would you do if your phone kept restarting on its own?
- Shared activity: Screens off, make a paper card for each family phone: model, last update date, and automatic updates on or off. No passcodes or account details on the card.
- Family action: Tonight, turn on automatic updates on one phone together and leave it charging overnight.
Use only made-up phones and screens when teaching. Free to use; please keep the source credit.
Education only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Not a registered investment adviser.
Sources
Primary sources
- Google: Android Security Bulletin, November 2026, published November 2, 2026, checked November 2, 2026
- Google Android Help: Check & update your Android version, no publish date shown, checked November 2, 2026
- Apple Support: Update your iPhone or iPad, published date September 15, 2026, checked November 2, 2026
Supporting links
- heise online: "SMS of Death": Security flaw crashes Android phones, Andreas Floemer, Oct 30, 2026, checked November 2, 2026
- Google Pixel Phone Help: Learn when you'll get software updates on Google Pixel phones, no publish date shown, checked November 2, 2026