If you never update your phone it keeps working at first, but over time it becomes less secure and less compatible. You miss security patches that close known vulnerabilities, and apps, websites, and services gradually stop supporting the older operating system. Eventually some apps, especially banking and messaging ones, may refuse to run on the outdated version.
Why this happens
Phone updates do several jobs at once, and skipping them means missing all of them:
- Security patches close vulnerabilities that attackers actively target. These are the most important reason to update.
- App compatibility depends on the operating system. Developers build for recent versions, so older systems slowly lose support.
- Bug fixes and stability improvements resolve crashes and glitches that shipped in earlier versions.
- New features and improvements only arrive through updates.
This applies to both Android and iPhone, since both Google and Apple release regular system and security updates.
Is this normal?
Delaying an update for a few days is common and usually harmless. Never updating at all, for months or years, is where the real risks build up.
Does it cause any problems?
Yes. The biggest risk is security, since unpatched phones are easier to attack. You may also find apps that will not install or open, features that never appear, and bugs that are never fixed.
How to fix or check it
- On Android, open Settings, then System, then System update (some phones list it as Software update under Settings). Tap Check for updates and install what is offered.
- On iPhone, open Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install any available update.
- Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to remember. Android and iPhone both offer this in the same update screens.
- Also keep apps current by using the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to update installed apps.
- Back up your phone before a major update, in case you want to restore afterward.
- If no updates are offered, your phone may have reached the end of its support period. In that case be extra careful with sensitive apps and consider replacing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to skip just one update?
A short delay is usually fine, but install security updates promptly. They often fix flaws that are already being exploited.
Will not updating make my phone faster?
Not usually. Updates can improve performance, though very old hardware sometimes feels slower after a big update. Even so, the security benefits outweigh that.
What if my phone no longer receives updates?
It has reached end of support. It will still work, but it grows riskier over time, so avoid using it for banking or other sensitive accounts and plan to replace it.