How to Keep Business Phones and Devices Updated and Secure (2026 Guide)

Updated October 2026

This page originally explained how to update an iPhone X. That phone, released in 2017, received its last major update with iOS 16 and no longer gets new versions of iOS. The bigger lesson still matters for every business: devices that aren’t updated, or can no longer be updated, put your email, money and customer data at risk. This guide explains why updates matter, how to keep phones and computers current, and what to do with devices that have reached the end of their support.

Why updates matter for businesses

Software updates do more than add features. They fix security flaws that criminals actively look for and exploit. Small businesses are frequent targets because they often have fewer defenses. Keeping devices updated is one of the simplest, most effective security steps you can take, and it’s free.

Updates typically include:

• Security patches that close vulnerabilities.
• Bug fixes that improve stability, battery life and performance.
• New features and continued compatibility with newer apps, including banking and payment apps that eventually stop supporting old systems.

How long devices get updates

Older devices drop off over time. The Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, for example, stopped receiving updates in October 2026. Apple occasionally releases critical security fixes for older iOS versions; in May 2026 it issued a security update for iOS 15 covering phones as old as the iPhone 6s. But you shouldn’t count on that for business use.

How to update an iPhone

1. Back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and plug in the charger.
3. Open Settings > General > Software Update.
4. Tap Update Now or Install if an update is available.
5. Turn on Automatic Updates so future updates install overnight.

If your iPhone doesn’t show newer versions of iOS, it may no longer be supported. Apple’s support site lists which models each iOS version supports.

How to update an Android phone

1. Back up your phone.
2. Open Settings, then System (or Software update, depending on the brand).
3. Tap System update or Download and install.
4. Turn on automatic updates where available.
5. Update apps through the Play Store, and turn on auto-updates for apps.

Menu names vary by manufacturer.

Computers and other devices

• Windows and Mac computers: turn on automatic updates and restart regularly so updates can finish installing.
• Web browsers: usually update automatically; restart them to apply updates.
• Routers and Wi-Fi equipment: check for firmware updates, and replace routers that no longer receive them. See our business Wi-Fi guide.
• Point-of-sale systems and card readers: follow your provider’s update schedule.
• Website software: update your website platform, themes and plugins. See securing your WordPress site.
• Printers, cameras and smart devices: update firmware and change default passwords.

What to do with unsupported devices

If a phone or computer no longer receives security updates:

1. Stop using it for business email, banking and customer data.
2. Replace it with a device that has years of support left. See our business smartphone guide.
3. Back up and transfer data to the new device.
4. Wipe it securely with a factory reset after signing out of all accounts.
5. Reuse, sell or recycle it responsibly. See our guide to what to do with old business devices.

Beware of fake update messages

Criminals use fake "update required" pop-ups, emails and texts to trick people into installing malware or entering passwords. Stay safe by:

• Only updating through official settings or app stores, never from links in emails, texts or website pop-ups.
• Ignoring urgent warnings that claim your phone is infected and demand immediate action or payment.
• Checking with your IT provider if a message looks unusual.

Review apps and permissions

Updates protect the operating system, but apps matter too:

• Delete apps you no longer use, especially old ones that are no longer updated.
• Review permissions for location, camera, microphone, contacts and photos, and remove what isn’t needed.
• Install apps only from official stores, and check reviews and the developer name.
• Be cautious with free apps that request unusual access.

Back up before and after

Backups protect you if an update fails, a device is lost, or ransomware strikes. A common rule of thumb is 3-2-1: keep three copies of important data, on two different types of storage, with one copy stored offsite or in the cloud. Turn on automatic cloud backups for phones and test that you can restore from them.

Signs a device may be compromised

• Unexpected pop-ups or apps you didn’t install.
• Battery draining or data use rising suddenly.
• Accounts sending messages you didn’t write.
• Password reset emails you didn’t request.
• Security warnings from your bank or email provider.

If you notice these, disconnect the device from Wi-Fi, change passwords from a different, trusted device, and get help from an IT professional.

A simple device policy for small businesses

Even a two-person business benefits from a short written policy:

1. All devices used for work have automatic updates turned on.
2. Devices must still be supported by the manufacturer.
3. Screen locks and biometrics are required.
4. Multi-factor authentication is turned on for business accounts.
5. Lost or stolen devices are reported immediately so they can be locked or wiped.
6. Departing employees have business accounts removed from their devices.
7. Business data is backed up regularly.

For teams, a mobile device management (MDM) tool can enforce updates and security settings automatically.

Planning device replacement

Budget for replacing devices before support ends rather than waiting for a failure:

Keeping a simple list of every business device, its purchase date and its support end date makes planning easy. Many accounting systems let you depreciate business equipment, and replacement can often be scheduled for slower seasons.

Cyber insurance and updates

Some cyber insurance policies ask whether you keep software updated and use multi-factor authentication, and may limit coverage if basic security practices aren’t followed. Updating devices protects your business and can help with insurance applications and renewals.

Managing updates without disrupting work

• Schedule updates overnight or outside business hours, when devices can charge and restart without interrupting customers.
• Keep a backup device for critical tasks like card payments.
• Test major updates on one device before updating every company device, if a specific business app is critical.
• Keep chargers handy, since updates need power and some require a minimum battery level.

Example: a salon cleans up its devices

A hair salon discovers its front-desk tablet and an old phone used for bookings no longer receive updates. The owner replaces both with supported devices, turns on automatic updates everywhere, adds multi-factor authentication to the booking and payment accounts, and recycles the old devices after wiping them. The whole project costs less than the downtime one hacked account could cause.

This example is illustrative.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still use an iPhone X? It still works, but it no longer receives new iOS versions, so it isn’t a good choice for business email, payments or customer data.

Do updates slow phones down? Occasionally after a major update, phones need time to finish background tasks. Long-term, staying updated is far safer than avoiding updates.

Should I update right away or wait? For security updates, install promptly. For major new versions, some businesses wait a few days to check for problems with critical apps, but don’t delay for long.

How do I know if my phone is still supported? Check your manufacturer’s update policy or settings. If you haven’t seen an update in many months, your phone may have reached end of support.

Next steps

Read our guides to encryption and data security, business smartphones and secure online transactions.

Support periods are from manufacturer policies and 2026 reports and can change.

Sources

1. Apple Support
2. Tom's Guide, Phones with the longest software support (2026)
3. BGR, How long will your Google Pixel get software updates?
4. CISA, Secure our world

Last reviewed October 20, 2026. Startup costs are estimates; check local prices, licensing and tax rules before you commit money.