What are updates and what do you need to do?

The info centre regularly displays notifications informing you about the availability of updates. Many smartphone users are unsure what this means and whether they need to do anything about it.

Updates from the Google Play Store

The English word ‘update’ means to refresh. Both the Android operating system, which is the basis of your smartphone, and all apps are continuously being developed. These adjustments are then made available as updates in the Play Store, and all users are notified of the availability of the update.

If updates are necessary, should I do them?

Basically, it makes sense to always keep the operating system and apps up to date. Updates not only provide improved functionality, but also often close security gaps that did not exist when you purchased your smartphone.

Tip: Remember that the development of malware such as spyware and viruses is also ongoing. Updates are therefore primarily for your security.

How can I tell what the update is for?

You can tell what the update is for from the icon and the text line in the notification.

• The Google Play Store icon is often displayed. This is because updates are also offered for all apps that you have installed from the Play Store.
• The text indicates which app is to be updated.

Tip: Some apps, especially those related to the operating system, are executed automatically. In this case, you will see the notification ‘Update executed’. You do not need to do anything else and can delete the notification.

What happens when I run an update?

To run the update, simply tap on the notification.

The data for the update is then sent to your smartphone via an internet connection and installed there.

Tip: When running updates, it is advisable to use a Wi-Fi connection to save mobile data.