How to Set Up Automatic Updates on Your Phone
Learn how to turn on automatic updates on your iPhone or Android phone so your apps and system stay secure and up to date without any effort.
What you will learn
You will learn how to turn on automatic updates for both your apps and your phone’s operating system. This ensures your phone stays protected against security threats and runs smoothly without you having to do anything manually.
What you need
- A smartphone (iPhone or Android)
- A Wi-Fi connection
- Your phone charged to at least 50 percent or plugged in
Step 1: Update your apps automatically on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone (the gray gear icon). Scroll down and tap App Store. Look for the option called App Updates and make sure the switch next to it is turned on (green). From now on, your apps will update automatically when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Update your apps automatically on Android
Open the Google Play Store app. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Tap Settings, then tap Network preferences. Tap Auto-update apps and choose Over Wi-Fi only. This will keep all your apps updated automatically without using your mobile data.
Step 3: Turn on automatic system updates on iPhone
Go back to the main Settings screen. Tap General, then tap Software Update. Tap Automatic Updates. Make sure both Download iOS Updates and Install iOS Updates are turned on. Your iPhone will now download and install system updates overnight while it is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.
Step 4: Turn on automatic system updates on Android
Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Tap System (or Software Update on some phones). Tap Software Update or System Update. Look for an option called Auto download over Wi-Fi or Download updates automatically and turn it on. The exact wording varies by phone brand, but the option is usually in this section.
Step 5: Check for updates right now
To make sure everything is current, check for updates manually. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. On Android, go to Settings, then System, then Software Update and tap Check for updates. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. For apps, open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) and tap Update All.
Step 6: Verify updates are working
After a few days, check that updates are happening automatically. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) and go to your installed apps. If most apps show “Open” instead of “Update,” automatic updates are working correctly. You can also check your system version in Settings then About Phone to see the last update date.
Tips
- Keep your phone connected to Wi-Fi at night so updates can download while you sleep
- Make sure your phone is charging overnight — system updates need at least 50 percent battery
- If an app looks or works differently after an update, give it a day — you will get used to the new design
- Turn on automatic updates for your phone’s security apps first if you cannot update everything at once
- Check for updates manually once a month to make sure nothing was missed
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Frequently asked questions
Why are updates important?
Updates fix security problems that hackers could use to access your phone. They also fix bugs and sometimes add new features. Keeping your phone updated is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe.
Will updates slow down my phone?
Most updates actually improve your phone's performance. In rare cases, a very old phone may run slightly slower after a major update, but the security benefits are worth it.
Do updates use my mobile data?
By default, most phones only download large updates over Wi-Fi. You can check this in your settings to make sure updates only happen when you are connected to Wi-Fi.
How long does an update take?
Small app updates take a few seconds. Larger system updates can take 15 to 45 minutes. Your phone may restart during a system update. It is best to start updates when you do not need your phone for a while, such as at bedtime.
Can I undo an update if I do not like it?
App updates can sometimes be undone by uninstalling and reinstalling an older version, but this is complicated. System updates cannot be undone. However, problems with updates are rare and usually get fixed in the next update.
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