Important security patch: It’s time to update your smartphone

Now is a very important time to update your smartphone.

Apple recently issued critical security updates (iOS 15.6.1) for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple products to patch a vulnerability that “may have been actively exploited” by attackers who could execute malicious code on those devices.

What does this mean for you? We recommend that you update all of your devices to the latest operating system as soon as you can — even if you’re an Android user, since Google has also issued separate security patches recently.

If you’re not sure how to update your smartphone, we’ll quickly show you how.

How to update your iPhone’s operating system (iOS)

1. Make sure to plug in your phone to a power source and ensure you’re connected to the internet through a WiFi network.
2. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
3. Choose Download and Install (if it’s already downloaded, choose Install Now)
4. If you do not see the above options, it is likely your device is already updated to the latest operating system
5. It’s also a good idea to turn on Automatic Updates, too.

How to update your Android’s operating system

1. Make sure to plug in your phone to a power source and ensure you’re connected to the internet through a WiFi network.
2. Open Settings > System > System Update, then follow the directions on your screen
3. Now, check for security and Google Play updates. 
4. Open Settings > Security
5. If a security update is available, tap Google Security checkup.
6. To check if a Google Play system update is available, tap Google Play system update.
7. Follow the directions on the screen.