How to keep your phone, computer and router updated
Where to find updates on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, browsers and home routers, and how to make them automatic.
Most attacks on ordinary people use flaws that have already been fixed. Installing updates promptly is the single most effective thing you can do, and most devices can do it for you.
Phones
- iPhone and iPad: Settings, General, Software Update. Turn on Automatic Updates.
- Android: Settings, then System or Security, then Software update or Security update. The exact menu varies by maker.
- Update apps too, from the App Store or Google Play, and turn on automatic app updates.
Computers and browsers
- Windows: Settings, Windows Update. Restart when asked; many fixes only apply after a restart.
- Mac: System Settings, General, Software Update, with automatic updates on.
- Chrome, Edge, Firefox and other browsers update themselves, but only finish when the browser restarts. Restart it if it has been open for days.
Home routers
- Log in to the router's admin page or app and look for a firmware update option, or turn on automatic updates if offered.
- If your router is old and no longer gets updates, replace it. Unsupported routers are a common target.
- Change the router's default admin password if you never have.
Know what is being attacked now
Our security page lists flaws that attackers are actively using in home devices and software, with what to update for each.
See the latest on our security page, updated daily from official sources.