How to check your Android security update and install the latest patch

Quick answer: Open Settings > About phone > Android version and look at the date under Android security update. To install a newer one, go to Settings > System > Software updates (on Samsung Galaxy phones, Settings > Software update) and follow the on-screen steps.

That date matters right now. The "SMS of Death" Android flaw, which lets one hidden text crash your phone's calling service, is fixed only on phones with a security update dated October 2026 or later, according to the researcher who found it. Here's how to check yours and update.

Before you start

• Connect to Wi-Fi. Updates can be large, and some carriers require Wi-Fi to download them.
• Charge to at least 75%. Google recommends this before updating.
• Pick a quiet moment. Samsung warns that while an update installs, you can't use the phone or make calls, even to emergency services.

Step 1: Check your current security update

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap About phone (or About tablet).
3. Tap Android version. You'll see your Android version, Android security update (a date), Google Play system update and build number.

On Samsung Galaxy phones, go to Settings > About phone > Software information, where Galaxy phones list the Android version and Android security patch level.

If the security update date is October 2026 or later, you have the SMS of Death fix. If it's older, keep going.

Step 2: Install the latest update

Pixel and most Android phones

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System > Software updates (on Pixel, System > Software update).
3. Check the update status and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.
4. Restart when prompted. Pixel phones install updates in the background, and they take effect the next time you restart. Many other phones restart automatically during installation.

Samsung Galaxy phones

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Software update (on some models, System updates).
3. Tap Download and install, Check for system updates or Check for software updates, depending on your carrier.
4. If an update is available, it should start downloading. On some devices, tap Download now.
5. When the download finishes, follow the on-screen instructions to install.

Samsung notes you may need to repeat this more than once to reach the newest version. While you're there, you can turn on Auto download over Wi-Fi so future updates download automatically. You can also update a Galaxy phone from a Windows PC or Mac with Samsung's Smart Switch app.

Device and version notes

• Timing varies. Google says update schedules depend on your device, manufacturer and carrier, and Pixel updates roll out gradually, so they can take a few weeks to arrive.
• Pixel support windows. Pixel 8 and later get 7 years of OS and security updates. The Pixel 6, 6a, 7, 7a and Fold get 5 years, counted from when each first went on sale in the US Google Store. The Pixel 5a and earlier no longer get updates.
• Android 12 and 13. The SMS of Death fix was released for Android 14 through 17. If your phone can't move past Android 13, it may never get this patch.

Troubleshooting

• "Not enough space available": Free up storage by deleting unused apps, videos or downloads, then try again.
• The download stopped: Google says your phone will automatically try again over the next few days and notify you when it does.
• The update failed partway: Samsung says a dropped network connection can cause this. Reconnect and try again.
• No update offered, but your patch is old: Older devices can't always run newer Android versions. Check your manufacturer's or carrier's support page for your model's update status.

FAQ

What's the difference between the Android version and the security update?

The Android version (like Android 16) is the operating system release. The Android security update is a date that shows which monthly batch of security fixes your phone has. A phone can be on a recent Android version but still be missing recent patches.

Is "Google Play system update" the same thing?

No. It's a separate entry on the same screen. For flaws like SMS of Death, the date that matters is the Android security update.

My phone is stuck rebooting and offering to "Wipe data." What should I do?

Don't choose wipe data, which erases your phone. If you suspect SMS of Death, the researcher's site, smsofdeath.com, describes a recovery method that uses a computer and Android Debug Bridge (ADB). Otherwise, contact your phone maker or carrier.

Sources: Google Android Help, Google Pixel Help, Samsung US Support and smsofdeath.com.