How to update your iPhone or Android phone

Updates can feel like a nuisance. The phone nags, you tap "Later," and a week goes by. But software updates are one of the simplest ways to keep a phone safe. Many of them fix security problems that scammers and hackers actively use.

The good news: you can set things up so updates happen on their own, overnight, while the phone charges.

Before you update

• Plug in the phone, or make sure the battery is above 50%.
• Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates are large and can use a lot of cellular data.
• Check you have a backup. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and look for the last backup time. On Android, look in Settings > Google > Backup (Samsung: Settings > Accounts and backup).
• Know your passcode. The phone will ask for it during the update.

How to update an iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then Software Update.
3. If an update is available, tap Update Now (or Download and Install).
4. Enter your passcode if asked, and agree to the terms.
5. Leave the phone plugged in. It will restart, and you’ll see the Apple logo and a progress bar. This can take 15 to 45 minutes.

Sometimes you’ll see two choices, like updating to the newest version (iOS 27 as of this writing) or installing a security update for your current version. Either keeps you protected. If you’re nervous about big changes to how the phone looks, the security update is fine for now. Just don’t skip updates entirely.

Turn on automatic updates

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Tap Automatic Updates.
3. Turn on Download and Install for iOS updates.
4. Turn on Security Responses & System Files as well.

Your iPhone will then update overnight while it’s charging and connected to Wi-Fi.

Update your apps, too

Open Settings, tap Apps, then App Store, and turn on App Updates under Automatic Downloads. Apps like your bank, email and video calling then stay current on their own.

How to update an Android phone

The steps vary a bit by brand.

Google Pixel:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System, then Software updates (or System update).
3. Tap Check for update, then follow the steps to download and install.
4. Also check Google Play system update on the same screen.

Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Software update.
3. Tap Download and install.
4. Turn on Auto download over Wi-Fi so future updates come in automatically.

Updating apps: open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Manage apps & device, then Update all. To make it automatic, go to Settings in the Play Store, then Network preferences, then Auto-update apps.

If an update won’t install

• "Not enough storage." The phone needs free space to install. See how to clear storage on an iPhone. On iPhone you may also be offered to temporarily remove apps, which reinstall automatically afterward.
• Stuck on "Preparing" or "Verifying." Give it time, an hour isn’t unusual. If nothing changes, restart the phone and try again.
• "Unable to check for update." Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi and the internet works. Try turning Wi-Fi off and on, or see our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
• Stuck on the Apple logo for hours. This is rare. Don’t keep restarting it. That’s a good time to get help, since the fix involves connecting to a computer.

Is my phone too old to update?

Phones eventually stop getting updates. When that happens, the phone still works, but it no longer gets security fixes, and over time apps like banking, WhatsApp or your patient portal may stop supporting it.

• iPhone: if Software Update says your iPhone is up to date but you’re several versions behind the latest iOS, your model may no longer be supported. Apple usually supports iPhones for several years after release.
• Android: Google Pixel and recent Samsung Galaxy phones get updates for many years. Cheaper Android phones from other brands often get updates for a much shorter time. Check the manufacturer’s website for your model’s support dates.

If a parent’s phone no longer gets updates, it’s a good time to think about a replacement. Our guide to the best phone for elderly parents can help.

Does updating change how the phone looks?

Big yearly updates sometimes move buttons or change the look of the home screen and apps. Text size, contacts, photos and settings stay the same. If something moves after an update and it’s causing confusion, it can usually be adjusted back. Our guide on making text bigger is a good place to start.

When to get help

If updates keep failing, the phone says there’s not enough space, or you’re managing a parent’s phone from a distance, we can help. We’ll make sure there’s a backup, run the update and set automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it again. We help older adults and families across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia, at home or by video. Book a free 15-minute call.