How to Update Your Phone to the Latest Software Version

Every few weeks your phone may show a small notification asking you to install a software update. Many people tap "Remind Me Later" for months and never get around to it. This guide explains why those updates matter and walks you through each step.

Why updates are so important

Phone makers — Apple, Samsung, Google, and others — release software updates for three main reasons. First, and most critically, they fix security holes. Hackers constantly look for weaknesses in phone software. When a weakness is found, the phone company writes a fix and sends it out as an update. If you skip the update, your phone remains vulnerable to that known weakness.

Second, updates fix bugs — small errors in the software that can make your phone freeze, drain the battery faster, or cause apps to crash. Third, updates sometimes add new features or improve the camera.

Your photos and apps are safe

One of the most common worries is that updating will delete photos, messages, or apps. It will not. A software update replaces the operating system code running in the background — not your personal files. Your photos, contacts, text messages, and apps stay exactly where they are.

That said, it is always a smart habit to back up your phone before any major update. So you have a copy of your data no matter what. The steps below include how to do this quickly.

Before you update: three things to do

1. 1Charge your phone or plug it in. Updates can take 30 minutes or more, and a phone that dies mid-update can cause problems. Aim for at least 50 percent battery, or stay plugged in throughout.
2. 2Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates are often hundreds of megabytes or more. Downloading over your cellular data connection can eat into your monthly data allowance and is much slower. Make sure the Wi-Fi symbol shows in the top corner of your screen before starting.
3. 3Back up your phone. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. On Android, go to Settings, search "backup," and tap Back up now. Wait for the backup to finish before starting the update.

What to do if an update fails

Sometimes an update gets stuck or shows an error. If this happens: restart your phone by holding the power button and tapping Restart. Then try the update again. If it fails a second time, make sure you have enough free storage — go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage (iPhone) or Settings, then Storage (Android) to check. Updates need several gigabytes of free space to install. If storage is too low, delete a few old apps or photos you no longer need, then try again.

If problems continue, the Apple Support website (support.apple.com) and Google Support (support.google.com) both have step-by-step troubleshooting for failed updates. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-275-2273 or visit a carrier store for hands-on help.

How often should you update?

Check for updates once a month if your phone does not notify you automatically. You can also turn on automatic updates so the phone downloads and installs them overnight while charging.