Updates are improvements for your phone, tablet or computer. They are important for your security and keep everything working properly. In this guide you will learn why updates matter so much and how to install them.

Why are updates important?

1. Security (the most important reason)

Hackers keep discovering new ways to break into devices. Updates close these security holes. Without updates, you run the risk of:

  • Viruses and malware on your device
  • Theft of passwords and personal data
  • Criminals getting access to your banking
  • Ransomware that holds your files hostage

2. Fixing bugs and problems

Updates fix problems such as:

  • Apps that crash or freeze
  • Battery that drains too quickly
  • Slow performance
  • Wi-Fi or Bluetooth problems

3. New features

Sometimes you also get nice extras:

  • Improved camera features
  • New emoji
  • Better privacy settings
  • Handy new apps

Types of updates

Security updates

Small updates that close security holes. Always install these as soon as possible!

Major system updates

Big yearly updates (iOS 17 → 18, Android 13 → 14). They bring lots of new features.

App updates

Updates for individual apps. They keep apps secure and working.

Installing updates on iPhone and iPad

Checking manually

  1. Go to Settings → General
  2. Tap Software Update
  3. Your iPhone checks for updates
  4. Is there an update? Tap Download and Install
  5. Enter your passcode
  6. Wait until the installation is complete (your iPhone restarts)

Turning on automatic updates

  1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
  2. Tap Automatic Updates
  3. Turn on:
    • Download iOS Updates
    • Install iOS Updates
    • Security Responses & System Files

Updates are now installed automatically overnight while your phone is charging.

Updating apps

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right
  3. Scroll down to the updates
  4. Tap Update All

Installing updates on Android

Checking manually

The location differs per phone brand:

Samsung:

  1. Go to Settings → Software update
  2. Tap Download and install

Other Android phones:

  1. Go to Settings → System → System update
  2. Or: Settings → About phone → Software update
  3. Tap Check for update

Turning on automatic updates

  1. Go to Settings → System → System update
  2. Tap the gear icon or menu
  3. Turn on Auto download

Updating apps

  1. Open the Play Store
  2. Tap your profile picture
  3. Tap Manage apps & device
  4. Under "Updates available", tap Update all

Installing updates on Windows

Checking manually

  1. Click Start (the Windows logo)
  2. Click Settings (the gear icon)
  3. Click Windows Update
  4. Click Check for updates
  5. Are there updates? Click Download & install
  6. Restart your computer when asked

Automatic updates

Windows installs security updates automatically. Check the settings:

  1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options
  2. Check that Download updates is turned on

Installing updates on Mac

Checking manually

  1. Click the Apple menu (top left)
  2. Click System Settings
  3. Click General → Software Update
  4. Is there an update? Click Update Now

Automatic updates

  1. Go to System Settings → General → Software Update
  2. Click the i icon next to "Automatic updates"
  3. Turn on the options you want

Preparing for updates

Before you install a major update

  • Make a backup: Especially for major system updates
  • Battery: At least 50% or on the charger
  • Wi-Fi: Use Wi-Fi, updates can be large (sometimes 5+ GB)
  • Storage space: Make sure you have enough free space
  • Time: Major updates can take 30-60 minutes

After the update

  • Check that everything still works
  • Sign in to apps again if needed
  • Some settings may have been reset

Frequently asked questions

"Can I postpone updates?"

Small security updates: a few days at most. You can postpone major updates longer, but do not fall too far behind.

"My device is slow after the update"

This is normal right after a major update. The device is indexing in the background. Wait 24-48 hours and it is usually resolved.

"I do not have enough storage space"

Delete unused apps and old photos, or move photos to the cloud (Google Photos, iCloud).

"The update keeps failing"

  • Restart your device and try again
  • Check your internet connection
  • Free up more storage space
  • If problems persist: contact the manufacturer

Keep your devices up to date and you will be much safer online!

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