{"id":216045,"date":"2021-03-31T18:23:55","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T15:23:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/"},"modified":"2021-03-31T18:23:55","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T15:23:55","slug":"what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/","title":{"rendered":"#What Are Android Security Updates, and Why Are They Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a36098759e4b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a36098759e4b\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/#What_Is_an_Android_Security_Update\" >What Is an Android Security Update?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/#Why_Are_Android_Security_Updates_Important\" >Why Are Android Security Updates Important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/#How_to_Check_for_Android_Security_Updates\" >How to Check for Android Security Updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/what-are-android-security-updates-and-why-are-they-important\/#Why_Is_My_Android_Phone_behind_on_Security_Updates\" >Why Is My Android Phone behind on Security Updates?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;#What Are Android Security Updates, and Why Are They Important?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-711893\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/android-security-update.png?width=1200&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"android security update\" width=\"650\" height=\"300\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Updates are a frequent topic when it comes to the Android operating system. There are actually different <em>types<\/em> of Android updates, one of which is a \u201cSecurity Update.\u201d What\u2019s different about these updates, and why are they so important?<\/p>\n<p>In the Android world, there are basically three types of updates: big annual firmware updates that bump up the version number (11 to 12), smaller monthly security updates, and \u201cGoogle Play System Updates,\u201d which are another type of security update.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>What Are Google Play System Updates on Android, and Are They Important?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Android_Security_Update\"><\/span>What Is an Android Security Update?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>An Android Security Update is an update that is primarily geared toward improving security and fixing bugs. These updates don\u2019t typically include features that you might notice in your daily use.<\/p>\n<p>As previously mentioned, Android typically gets one big version update every year, but that\u2019s not frequent enough to keep it on top of security threats and bugs.<\/p>\n<p>When a new Android version is released, there will inevitably be issues with it. That\u2019s just a reality of human-designed products. However, Google doesn\u2019t want to send a full system update just to iron out some bugs. Instead, they\u2019ll fix the problems with a smaller update.<\/p>\n<p>As you might expect from the name, these updates are also very important for security reasons. Some bugs present security risks, and these can be quickly addressed with an update. Security updates can also fix vulnerabilities to new attacks that have cropped up.<\/p>\n<p>These updates are sometimes called \u201cpatches,\u201d which is a great way to think of them. They\u2019re small fixes that contribute to the whole of the operating system.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_Android_Security_Updates_Important\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"moka_anchor_WhyAreAndroidSecurityUpdatesImportant\">Why Are Android Security Updates Important?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You may not notice any fancy new features when you install an Android Security Update, but they\u2019re very important nonetheless. Software is rarely ever \u201cdone.\u201d It constantly needs maintenance and fixes to keep it safe and secure.<\/p>\n<p>These smaller updates are important, as they cumulatively fix bugs and patch holes. Think of them like holes in a bucket full of water. A few tiny holes might not cause the water level to go down much, but if you punch enough holes, the entire bottom could fall out.<\/p>\n<p>We mentioned before that smaller updates can quickly address new vulnerabilities, and that\u2019s critically important, too. You don\u2019t want to have to wait for a full version update to patch a glaring security risk. Smaller updates allow for faster turnaround time. It\u2019s important to download these updates as soon as you can.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Check_for_Android_Security_Updates\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"moka_anchor_HowtoCheckforAndroidSecurityUpdates\">How to Check for Android Security Updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With all that in mind, you\u2019re probably wondering how to check whether you have the latest security update. It\u2019s easy to find out.<\/p>\n<p>First, swipe down from the top of the screen (once or twice, depending on your device\u2019s manufacturer). Then, tap the gear icon to open the Settings menu.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-711936\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/2021-02-01_15-32-22.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"swipe down and tap the gear icon\" width=\"436\" height=\"239\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tap \u201cSecurity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-711937\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/2021-02-01_15-32-42.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"select security\" width=\"448\" height=\"242\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At the top of the screen, you\u2019ll see a \u201cSecurity Status\u201d section. Look for \u201cSecurity Update\u201d and check the date.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-711938\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/2021-02-01_15-33-05.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"check the date\" width=\"449\" height=\"218\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a pretty good chance that you won\u2019t have the update for the current month. Unfortunately, a lot of Android devices lag behind. If you have a new-ish Samsung phone or a Google Pixel, you should be up to date.<\/p>\n<p>You can check for an update by selecting \u201cSecurity Update\u201d and tapping the \u201cCheck for Update\u201d button.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-686944 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/4-16.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Tap &quot;Check for Update.&quot;\" width=\"495\" height=\"162\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Is_My_Android_Phone_behind_on_Security_Updates\"><\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" name=\"moka_anchor_WhyIsMyAndroidPhoneBehindonSecurityUpdates\">Why Is My Android Phone behind on Security Updates?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In a perfect world, every Android device would get the latest security update at the same time. Sadly, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/305771\/fragmentation-isn%E2%80%99t-androids-fault-it%E2%80%99s-the-manufacturers\/\">that doesn\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<p>Each month, Google makes the fixes and posts the security update for its partners (Samsung, LG, OnePlus, etc.). It\u2019s then up to these companies to approve the fixes, add any of their own, and release them to devices.<\/p>\n<p>This is why Pixel phones typically get security updates right away. Google controls the whole process. Other devices are dependent on the manufacturer. Samsung is good at keeping its high-end devices up to date, but some lower-end phones can lag behind.<\/p>\n<p>Before buying an Android phone, take some time to check what the manufacturer says about promised updates. Samsung, for example, promises <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviewgeek.com\/71710\/newer-samsung-galaxy-devices-now-get-four-years-of-security-updates\/\">four years of updates<\/a> for many of its devices. Stay away from manufacturers with <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.androidpolice.com\/2021\/03\/03\/android-phone-security-update-tracker\/\">poor track records<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RELATED:<\/strong> <strong><em>Fragmentation Isn&#8217;t Android&#8217;s Fault, It&#8217;s the Manufacturers&#8217;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. 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There are actually different types of Android updates, one of which is a \u201cSecurity Update.\u201d What\u2019s different about these updates, and why are they so important? In the Android world, there are&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":216046,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/android-security-update.png?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-216045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=216045"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/216045\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/216046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=216045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=216045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=216045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}