Is your cell phone no longer receiving security updates? Don't worry, you're not alone. It happens to many of us: the phone still works great, the battery lasts, everything opens quickly... but suddenly that warning appears or you simply notice that there are no more updates. And that's when the doubt sets in: does this mean that my cell phone is no longer secure?
The good news is that yes, you can still use it without any problems, but with some extra care. In this article, we'll tell you what to do to protect your cell phone and keep your data safe, even if the manufacturer no longer has it on its list of priorities.
The useful life of a cell phone is not always measured by how long the battery lasts or how fast it opens apps, but by something we sometimes overlook: security patches or updates. Those small downloads that we sometimes ignore are key to keeping your phone secure, running smoothly, and compatible with new apps or services.
Although many brands have improved in terms of sending patches and updates, sooner or later the dreaded moment arrives: the cell phone stops updating. There are no more system improvements or security patches, and that can leave your device more exposed to errors, glitches, and even threats.
How can you keep your phone secure if it no longer receives updates?
1. Back up frequently
One of the biggest risks of continuing to use a phone that is no longer supported is losing your information. This could be due to a virus, a sudden failure, or simply because you need to reset your phone from scratch. That's why regular backups are more important than ever.
Storing your data in the cloud (such as Google Drive, iCloud, or other services) allows you to easily recover your contacts, photos, videos, and documents if something goes wrong. If you prefer not to use the cloud, you can also make copies on an external hard drive or USB stick. Just make sure your backups are complete and update them from time to time so you don't lose anything important.
2. Keep your apps up to date
Even if your phone no longer receives system updates, many of the apps you use every day (such as WhatsApp, your browser, or email apps) still receive improvements and security patches from the official store, whether it's Google Play or the App Store.
Why is this important? Because developers often fix bugs, close potential security gaps, and add new features along the way. So keeping your apps up to date is a simple but powerful way to protect your phone.
We recommend checking from time to time to see if updates are available or, better yet, enabling automatic updates so you don't have to worry about it. And while you're at it, take the opportunity to delete those old apps that you don't use, that haven't been updated in months, or that you don't trust. If an app is not supported, it can become an open door for viruses or attacks.
Read more: What is patch management?
3. Be careful what you install and where you browse
If your phone no longer receives security patches, you need to be twice as careful about what you download and install. Avoid downloading apps from strange sites or installing APK files you find online, even if they promise miracles. Stick to official stores, which already filter out many threats for you.
Also pay attention to links you receive via email, SMS messages, or social media. If something looks suspicious, it's safest to ignore it. The same goes for those pages that tell you to install something to “improve the performance” of your phone. They tend to be more of a problem than a solution.
The same caution applies to everything: open WiFi networks, unexpected attachments, or anything that asks you to grant permissions without a clear explanation. If something doesn't feel trustworthy, it's best not to open it.
4. Install a security app and follow best practices
Even if your system is no longer being updated, you can add an extra layer of protection by installing a good antivirus app for your cell phone. There are free and paid options that do a very good job. These apps scan files, detect suspicious behavior, and alert you if something is wrong. Some even identify Trojans, spyware, or apps that you shouldn't even have installed.
But beyond antivirus software, it's also important to adopt good security habits. Some of the most important ones are:
-
Use strong, unique passwords for each account. No “123456” or “yourName2020.”
-
Enable two-step verification on all services that offer it, such as your social media, email, or banking apps.
-
Don't share your passwords and avoid saving sensitive passwords in notes or messages.
With all this, your cell phone (even if it doesn't have recent updates) will be much more protected. All it takes is a little more attention and common sense.
5. Is your cell phone on its last legs? Maybe it's time to try something new
If you use Android and feel like experimenting a little, you might consider installing a Custom ROM. What's that? Basically, they are modified versions of the operating system that don't come from the manufacturer, but from communities of developers who are responsible for maintaining devices that have been officially “abandoned.”
There are well-known projects such as LineageOS, GrapheneOS, and crDroid that update old cell phones, apply new security patches, and even improve performance. Of course, this isn't something anyone can do without doing a little research first. The process can be somewhat technical (you need to unlock the device, install the ROM, etc.), but if you're up for it, it's a great way to give your phone a second life.
Now, if you have an iPhone, it's a different story. Apple doesn't allow you to modify the operating system, so there are no custom ROMs or hacks possible (at least without serious risks). In that case, it's best to focus on keeping everything as secure as possible:
-
Use strong passwords.
-
Delete apps you don't need or that aren't official.
-
Enable two-step verification on all your important accounts.
In short, if you feel that your phone no longer gives you what you need and you don't want to complicate things with technical solutions, it's also valid to start thinking about changing your device. There are quite affordable cell phones available today that come with years of guaranteed security updates.