How to Check If Your Android Phone Is Still Getting Security Updates

Your Android phone may appear to work perfectly even after it stops receiving security updates. However, an outdated device can become increasingly vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws, malware, spyware, and other cyber threats.

The good news is that checking your phone's security update status only takes a few minutes. Here's how to find your current security patch, check for new updates, and determine whether your device may have reached the end of its software-support period.

Why Android Security Updates Matter

Android security updates are designed to fix vulnerabilities discovered in the operating system and related components. Unlike major Android upgrades, security patches may not introduce noticeable new features or visual changes.

Instead, they work behind the scenes to protect your device against security weaknesses that could potentially be exploited by attackers.

If your phone hasn't received a security patch for several months, it is worth investigating whether the manufacturer still supports your particular model.

How to Check Your Android Security Patch

The exact menu names can vary between manufacturers such as Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, vivo, and others.

On many Android phones, you can check the patch level by following these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select About phone or System.
3. Look for Android version, Software information, or Security & privacy.
4. Find Android security update or Android security patch level.
5. Check the date displayed there.

The date indicates the security patch currently installed on your phone. For example, if your device shows a patch from several months ago and no newer update is available, you should investigate the manufacturer's support policy for your model.

A security patch date by itself does not always prove that a phone has reached end of support because some manufacturers provide updates monthly while others use quarterly schedules.

Check for a New Software Update

Your phone may have an update waiting even if you haven't received an automatic notification.

Try the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System or Software update.
3. Select Check for updates, System update, or Download and install.
4. Install the available update if one is offered.

Samsung devices, for example, provide software updates through the Software update section of Settings. The wording and location can differ between Android brands.

Don't Confuse Android Updates With Security Updates

There are several types of updates on modern Android phones.

A major Android version update can introduce new features, interface changes, and system improvements. Security updates, on the other hand, primarily address vulnerabilities and other security-related problems.

This means an older Android version does not automatically mean that a phone is completely unsupported. Some manufacturers continue providing security patches even after a device stops receiving major Android upgrades.

Therefore, always check the security patch level as well as the Android version.

How to Find Out When Your Phone Will Stop Receiving Updates

Checking the last installed patch tells you what your phone has received, but it doesn't necessarily tell you how long support will continue.

To determine the expected support period:

• Find your exact phone model.
• Visit the manufacturer's official support or security-update page.
• Search for the device's software-update policy.
• Compare your phone with the manufacturer's current update schedule.

Update policies can vary significantly between manufacturers and even between different models from the same company.

For example, newer Google Pixel and Samsung flagship phones can receive substantially longer software support than many older or entry-level devices.

Signs Your Android Phone May No Longer Be Supported

Your phone could be approaching the end of its support period if:

• Its security patch is several months old.
• No new software updates are available.
• The device is several years old.
• Newer models in the same series are receiving updates while yours isn't.
• The manufacturer no longer lists your model among supported devices.
• Your phone is stuck on an older Android version with no upgrade available.

A phone reaching the end of major Android upgrades doesn't necessarily mean security support has ended, so check both before deciding to replace it.

What Should You Do If Updates Have Stopped?

If your Android phone no longer receives security updates, you don't necessarily have to stop using it immediately. However, you should be more cautious about the information and activities you perform on the device.

Consider the following precautions:

• Avoid installing apps from unknown sources.
• Keep applications updated through trusted app stores.
• Use a reputable web browser.
• Avoid opening suspicious links or attachments.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Be particularly careful with banking and other sensitive accounts.

If the device is significantly beyond its supported lifespan, upgrading to a newer phone with a longer update commitment is generally the safer long-term option.

Consider a Custom ROM for Older Phones

Advanced Android users may also consider installing a custom ROM such as LineageOS on compatible devices.

A custom ROM can sometimes extend the useful life of an older smartphone by providing newer Android versions or security patches after the original manufacturer stops supporting it.

However, flashing custom software requires technical knowledge and can involve risks such as data loss, compatibility problems, or device-bricking. Always back up important data and verify that the ROM officially supports your exact model before proceeding.

Final Thoughts

Your Android phone doesn't suddenly become unusable when its manufacturer stops releasing updates. However, continuing to use an unsupported device can increase security risks over time.

The easiest way to check your situation is to look at the Android security patch level, manually check for updates, and then confirm your phone's official support period.

If your device hasn't received security updates for several months and the manufacturer no longer lists it as supported, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer Android phone with a longer software-support commitment.