Software updates fix security holes and connection bugs, and they're often the answer to a problem that appeared out of nowhere. They're free and they take a few minutes of your attention.
Before you update
- Connect to wifi. Updates are large.
- Charge above 50 percent, or plug in.
- Back up your phone first.
- Allow half an hour where you don't need the phone.
On iPhone
- Open Settings and tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is offered, and enter your passcode.
- Let the phone restart on its own. It shows the lock screen again when it's finished.
Turn on Automatic Updates on the same screen so future updates install overnight.
On Android
- Open Settings and go to System, then Software update. On Samsung it's Settings, then Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
- Follow the prompts and let the phone restart.
- Your phone returns to the lock screen when the update is complete.
Why this matters for your service
eSIM support, wifi calling and 5G all depend on your phone's software. Activation problems on older software are common, and iPhones need iOS 14.1 or newer for eSIM at all.
If your phone says it's up to date but isn't
Older phones stop receiving updates after a number of years. If yours has reached that point, it still works, but it won't get new features or security fixes.