A software update is basically open-heart surgery for your phone’s brain. It’s necessary to keep hackers out and to get those new features, but if you don’t do it right, you’re asking for a headache.
Look, I get it. Seeing that “System Update Available” notification usually triggers one of two reactions: you either ignore it for three months because you’re afraid it’ll break something, or you mindlessly click “install” while you’re at 12% battery in the middle of a grocery store.
Updates are good. They keep the hackers out and usually make your camera or battery a little better.
Sometimes updates fail or apps act weird.
Here’s what to do:
The backup thing (don’t skip this)
The backup thing is actually important, I know, I know—every tech guide says this, and nobody does it. But seriously, just sync your stuff to iCloud or Google Drive before you start. It’s one of those things you don’t care about until the one time an update crashes and you realize you just lost three years of pictures. It takes like two minutes. Just do it for the peace of mind.
Keep it on the charger.
This is probably the biggest mistake. People try to update while they’re out with 40% battery. Bad move. If the phone dies while it’s in the middle of a “brain transplant,” you’re going to have a dead phone. Just plug it into a real wall outlet and leave it there. Don’t use a laptop or a power bank, just a solid plug.
Give it some space.
If your storage is 99% full, the update is basically going to fail. It needs room to move files around. Go ahead and delete those 500 screenshots or apps you haven’t opened in a year. You usually need about 10 GB free to be safe.
Don’t be the first person to download it.
Don’t be a guinea pig. You don’t have to be the first person to have the new software. Sometimes the first version has bugs that kill your battery life or mess up the Wi-Fi. I usually wait a day or two and check Reddit. If nobody is complaining, then it’s safe to hit download.
Update your apps.
The “post-update” weirdness Once the phone finally turns back on, go straight to the App Store and hit “Update All.” Your apps were made for the old software, so they might act a bit glitchy until they get their own updates. Also, if the phone feels a bit hot for an hour, don’t panic. It’s just the system reindexing everything. It’ll settle down by the next morning.
Use decent Wi-Fi.
Don’t try to download a massive file at a coffee shop. Public Wi-Fi is way too spotty. Use a decent Wi-Fi. Don’t try to do this on a public network or while you’re driving around. A spotty connection can mess up the download. Just wait until you’re home on your own stable Wi-Fi.
The Good Stuff (Pros)
- Not getting hacked: Honestly, this is the only reason I do it. Most updates are just fixing security holes. If you don’t update, you’re basically leaving your bank info and private photos out in the open. It’s boring but necessary.
- Security (the boring but real reason): Look, nobody updates for the “security patches,” but you kind of have to. It’s the only thing stopping hackers from getting into your bank apps or your private photos. If you skip this, you’re basically just waiting to get hacked.
- Killing those annoying bugs: You know when an app just closes for no reason or your screen flicker is acting up? Most updates are just there to squash those weird glitches. It’s like a free tune-up that makes the smartphone feel “new” again.
- Getting the new toys: New emojis, better camera filters, or those fancy AI tricks… it’s always nice to have something new to play with. It makes an old phone feel a little less like a “hand-me-down.”
The Bad Stuff (Cons)
- The “First Week” mess: Let’s be real, the first version of a Naya update is always a bit of a disaster. You’re basically a free test subject for the company until they release the actual fix a week later.
- The battery drain issue: This is the big one. Sometimes a new update is just too much for an old battery to handle. You end up having to carry a charger everywhere for the first week until the system “settles down.” It’s a total pain.
- Where did all my space go? : These updates are huge now. If you’re already low on storage, a 5GB update can feel like a punch in the gut. You’ll be deleting photos just to make room for software you didn’t even really want.
- Moving things just to move them: There is nothing more annoying than a company “redesigning” a menu and moving the one button you use every single day. It’s like someone came into your house and moved your car keys just to be “modern.”
- Being a free beta tester: Let’s be real—the first version of any big update is always a bit of a mess. You’re basically doing the company’s testing for them until they release the actual fix a week later.
FAQs
Q: Will an update wipe my photos?
A: Usually no, but tech can be glitchy. Just toss them on iCloud or Google Drive first so you aren’t sweating it if things freeze up.
Q: Why’s my battery draining so fast now?
A: The phone’s basically just thrashing in the background to sort out new files and indexing. It’s a total power hog for a day or two, but it’ll chill out once it’s done “thinking.”
Q: What if I just never update?
A: You’re basically leaving your front door unlocked for hackers. Plus, eventually your apps will just stop working because they need the newer version to run.
Q: Why does it ask for my passcode again after it restarts?
A: It’s just a security thing. Biometrics like FaceID or your fingerprint always get disabled on the first boot-up after a system change. It’s annoying, but normal.
Q: Should I wait a few days before hitting install?
A: Honestly? Yeah. Let the tech nerds find the bugs first. If the update is a total disaster, you’ll hear about it on social media within an hour. If it’s quiet for two days, go for it.