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How to Update Your iPhone or Android Phone Safely

ByTom Becker

Phone updates can feel like a nuisance, but they matter. They fix problems and add security protections. The good news is that you can set your phone to handle most of it for you. These steps come from Apple’s and Google’s official help pages as of November 2026.

Why Updates Are Worth It

Google’s help page says most system updates and security patches install automatically. To get the latest security update, your phone needs the newest software version available for it. Apple likewise recommends turning on automatic updates when you first set up a device.

Before You Start

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Plug in your phone. Apple says to keep an iPhone plugged in during an update, and Google recommends an Android battery at 75% or higher.
  • Back up first. Apple says to back up your iPhone with iCloud or a computer before updating.
  • Allow some time. Large updates can take a while.

iPhone: Update by Hand

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General, then Software Update.
  3. If an update is listed, tap Download and Install and follow the prompts.
  4. If a message asks to temporarily remove apps to make room, tap Continue. Apple says they reinstall automatically afterward.

iPhone: Turn On Automatic Updates

  1. Open Settings, then General, then Software Update.
  2. Tap Automatic Updates.
  3. Turn on Automatically Install. Apple says updates install overnight while the phone is charging and on Wi-Fi, and you are notified first. Or choose Automatically Download to install them yourself later.

These steps match Apple’s current instructions, which show iOS 26 screens. Menus may look a little different on other versions.

Android: Check and Install an Update

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About phone, then Android version to see your version and security update level.
  3. To look for updates, go back to Settings, tap System, then Software updates.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps to install.

Google notes that menus and update timing vary by device, maker, and carrier. If your phone says there is not enough space, free up storage first. Google also says older devices can’t always run newer Android versions. If your phone no longer gets updates, ask the maker or your carrier about your options.

If Something Goes Wrong

  • If an update does not appear on an iPhone, Apple says a VPN or proxy connection may block it. Turn it off and try again.
  • If a download did not finish on Android, Google says your phone retries automatically over the next few days and sends a notification.
  • Pixel phones apply background updates after the next restart. Restart your phone if you are asked to.

A Safety Note on Fake Update Messages

Only install updates from your phone’s own Settings. A text, email, or pop-up on a website telling you to “update now” through a link may be a scam. If you are unsure, ignore the message and open Settings yourself. Never share passwords or pay anyone to “fix” an update.

A family member, a local library, or a store’s support desk can also help you walk through these steps.

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