What Happens if I don't Update my Android smartphone? Introducing Merits, Precautions, and smart app method

Update notifications such as "Notice from the system", "apps are waiting for update", and " updater" sent when you are using a smartphone.

Even if I somehow understand that "it is better", if there is no particular inconvenience at that point, many people may just put it off. Some may ignore the update notification itself as an unfamiliar and dangerous notification.

So this time, I will explain why smartphones need to be updated in the first place. In addition, I will introduce the types and methods of updates, precautions, and smart update techniques that eliminate the hassle of work.

Representative update "OS update"

First of all, "OS update" which can be said to be the representative of the update. OS update is simply to update your smartphone to the latest version of the OS. In the case of Android smartphones, it is done once a year, and in addition to various function improvements, many new functions are installed.

In the Android OS `` Android 11'' released in Septtember 2020, `` gesture navigation'' that allows you to return to the home screen or switch apps with just a swipe, and a Wi-Fi password that is troublesome to enter Various featured functions such as a function to share with a QR code and a "dark theme" that makes the screen of the smartphone black are introduced.

Updates will be carried out sequentially for each model, so please check the list below for compatibility with your own model.

Why do you need an update in the first place?

But why do smartphones need updates in the first place? There are three main reasons.

① To use your smartphone safely

In the world of the Internet, attacks targeting smartphone security vulnerabilities are being carried out every day. For example, you may be hacked just by opening an image, or your credit card number may be extracted when using Wi-Fi. There is also a risk of being infected with a virus that secretly invades your smartphone and steals personal information without your knowledge.

Such vulnerabilities are often discovered over time, and telecommunications companies and mobile phone makers also take countermeasures each time and provide a program "security patch" that fixes the problem by updating. Updates alone can't completely eliminate these risks, but it's important to keep your phone up-to-date and reduce the risks as much as possible.

② Improvement of defects

When using a smartphone, a problem of unknown cause may occur. Since smartphones are also a type of computer, problems with the program will inevitably occur. Fixing these parts is also an important part of the update.

For example noise appears in the video recorded by the camera app. Home screen does not work properly images taken by the camera are not saved... It may improve

In some cases, the problem that seems to be a malfunction of the hardware of the smartphone itself is actually caused by the software settings. If you feel something is wrong, try the update first.

③ Addition and improvement of new functions

One of the benefits of the update is the improved functionality. Not to mention the addition of convenient new functions, there are many cases where the performance of the smartphone itself, such as battery life and display speed, improves. Functions that were previously difficult to use may be improved at once.

By the way, some people may have the image that "something goes wrong when updating". However, KDDI and manufacturers are constantly scrutinizing the causes of troubles that have occurred in the past, and the quality is improving due to the accumulation.

There are various types of updates

There are various types of updates in a bite.

・OS update

The OS is the basic software for running a smartphone, and it is an important update to keep it up to date.

・ Security patch update

Security is improved by applying a security patch provided by Google. It is a way to solve the problem of vulnerability and protect it from dangers such as viruses.

・ Improvement of defects

An update to resolve problems that occur while using a smartphone. It is indispensable for using smartphones more comfortably.

・ Update of various apps

Not only the update of the smartphone itself, but also the update of the application exists. Apps managed by Google Play can be updated from the Google Play store, and mobile phone makers' apps can be updated from notifications. Apps for au users can be updated from the Google Play store or au Market. If possible, make it a habit to check for updates once a month.

There are some "apps from unknown sources" that are not included in the world, but as a problem before the update, downloading to a smartphone should be avoided. The apps distributed from the Google Play store and au Market meet the standards set by each, and their safety is guaranteed. Apps of unknown sources have not been checked for compliance with the standards and have a high risk of virus infection, which can trigger serious troubles.

By updating both, we can expect improvements and improvements in functions. On the other hand, if you neglect to update, the cause of the problem and the vulnerability targeted by the virus will remain. If you are using an OS that is too old, it may not be covered by services or support.

How to update

From here, I will introduce the actual update method using SHARP's "AQUOS Sense2 Easy" as an example.

1. On the home screen, tap [System] from the [Settings] app.

2. Tap [System Update] from [Detailed Settings]

3. Select [Check for Updates] and start downloading when "System Update Available" is displayed.

By the way, if you want to check the update procedure of other models, open the page of each model from the "Product update list" below and refer to the "Update guide" file in "4. Update method".

Smart update technique "automatic update" that can be done while using a smartphone

It takes a certain amount of time to execute the update, so some people may be concerned that the smartphone will not be usable during that time, or it will be troublesome to check the update notification in the first place, and it will be left behind.

Therefore, we recommend a method called "automatic update" that allows you to update while using your smartphone. Just by turning this setting on, the data will be downloaded in the background, so you can operate your smartphone as usual even during the update. In addition, it will automatically acquire information every time the smartphone or app is updated, which will help prevent oversight of updates.

From here, we will introduce how to set up automatic updates using  any Smart Mobile models as an example.

1. Open the [Settings] app and go to [System] ▶ [Software Update].

2. Tap [Software] and select [Settings] from the [...] mark menu on the upper right.

3. Tap [Automatic system update] and select [ON]. This turns on automatic system updates such as OS and security patches.

* If "ON" is selected, automatic update will be performed under Wi-Fi and 4G (LTE / WiMAX 2+) environment. If you update software using 4G (LTE / WiMAX 2+) communication, data traffic may be used, so be careful.

4. If you want to turn on the automatic update of the app, you can proceed with [Automatic update of the app] ▶ [ON].

5. When the data download is actually completed, a notification screen prompting you to restart is displayed. After tapping [Restart] to restart, the update will be applied.

Basically, in the case of Android, automatic update is performed under Wi-Fi and 4G (LTE / WiMAX 2+) environment, and it is recommended to use Wi-Fi for some updates with large file size. Please note that automatic updates are not supported on some models.

Precautions when updating

There are some points to keep in mind when updating.

・ Perform with sufficient battery level of the main unit

・ Perform in a Wi-Fi environment as much as possible

・ Do not turn off the power during the update

・ Do not move from a place where radio waves are stable

・ Make a backup of your data

Since a large amount of data communication will occur during the update, it is best to do it in a Wi-Fi environment. Furthermore, if the power is turned off during the update, not only will the update fail, but in some cases the data on the smartphone may be damaged. Make a good backup and keep the battery level of the main unit sufficient. It is also effective to update while charging.

"Fake warning message" to be careful

Another thing to watch out for is when you are using a smartphone and suddenly a message such as "Warning! ○ viruses have been detected" is displayed. In many cases, you will be directed to a button like "Remove virus now", but never press it. This is because it may not be a "warning" but an "advertisement" that pretends to be antivirus software and installs malicious apps.

Of course, the possibility of a warning message from real antivirus software is not zero. One way to tell is that in the real case, you'll often be prompted to "remove" the app rather than "install" it, so keep that in mind.

Measures to prevent the fake warning message from being displayed include not installing apps from unknown sources and not opening files and URLs attached to emails from unknown parties. For detailed countermeasures and countermeasures, please check the following articles.

For those who are suffering from problems, start with the update

An update that adds new functions to your smartphone and makes it more comfortable to evolve. Of course, I would like to make a habit of checking for updates on a regular basis, as well as checking when notifications arrive. People who are suffering from problems may be able to improve with just one update, so please try it first.