Smartphone users will periodically receive notifications that a new operating system (OS) update is available. When this happens you may find yourself asking, why update my operating system?
Installing these updates is essential for maintaining the performance and security of your phone. Updates are delivered directly from the manufacturer to ensure that your apps and software run smoothly using the latest technology, and may even include new features. Perhaps more importantly, they often also contain security “patches” designed to help protect your device and the personal information you store on it from new viruses, malware, or other threats.
Typically, you’ll receive a pop-up message on your phone telling you when a system update is ready to be installed. These will come directly from the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Motorola, etc.) and not from Consumer Cellular. With this notification, you’ll be prompted to either install the update or delay it. It’s always a good idea to install these updates as soon as possible. The download process can use a lot of data, so we recommend connecting to Wi-Fi before getting started.
In addition, here are a few additional steps you can take to help avoid problems when updating your OS:
Charge your phone
Often, the update message you will receive will remind you to do this. Avoid having your phone power down during an update by making sure the device has at least a 70-percent charge, or by keeping it plugged in until the process is complete.
Back up your files
OS upgrades and updates should not affect the data stored on your smartphone, but backing up files it is still a good idea, just to be safe.
Make sure your device is compatible with the OS upgrade
A new OS may not be designed for all older devices. Apple supports its iPhones for about five years after a model is released, giving the devices the latest versions of iOS. Android models can vary, but in general, an Android phone won’t get any more security updates if it’s more than three years old.
As you already know, your smartphone is a valuable and versatile tool. Keeping it up to date with the latest operating system and security is an essential part of making sure it continues to delivers the best possible performance for you.
Am I charge for complimentary airtime?
Thank you for asking, Eduardo! If you’re seeing the “complimentary airtime” line item on an invoice, that means those minutes were used when calling us, or calling someone on your plan. Those minutes are free of charge. We’re happy to review your invoice or answer any questions you may have at 888-345-5509. We appreciate you posting, and we hope you have a lovely day!
Is there a discount for being a veteran??
Thank you for asking, Robert! At this time, we don’t have a veteran’s discount available, but if that should change, we’ll be sure to let our customers know! We do offer a monthly discount to AARP members, so if you are already a member, be sure to let us know! We’ll add your member number to your account and you’ll save 5% on service and usage fees each month. If we can answer any other questions you may have, please feel free to call us at 888-345-5509. Thanks again for posting, and we hope you have a great day!
my husband has a Motorola smart phone, and its our understanding that his phone may be used as a hotspot so other devices can connect to the internet. how is that done? we see many apps that promote this, but confused about which app is safe and reliable. can you help?
That’s a great question, Dina! You don’t need to use a third-party application to enable the Personal Hotspot feature on your husband’s phone. All you need to do is power his phone off and back on, and then go to Settings > More > Tethering & portable hotspot, and enable Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot. You can also find information about this in the phone’s manual here. If you need any help, feel free to call us at 888-345-5510 or chat here.
If my phone has LTE/3G/2G DO I need to upgrade my phones due when they come out with 5G.
That’s a great question, Karen. Checking into this for you, your phone is VoLTE capable which means that it will continue to work through the 3G phaseout. We are just sending that email out to all of our customers to let them know of the changes that are coming.
My account shows a “upgrade required” does that mean I have to? I have an apple iPhone 5s either 3g or 4g
Hi Millie, thanks for your question. The iPhone 5s is not VoLTE capable, which is what is needed in order for the phone to continue working when the network updates are completed. In this case, a new phone would need to be purchased to continue to use our network.
I went to Settings, System, Upgrade, and received the message “Network Unavailable”. What’s the problem, please?
Hi Larry, thanks for your post. I would recommend making sure your phone is connected to WiFi or data to allow for any updates that are available to go through. If you continue to have trouble with it at all, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or you can chat with one of our live agents here for further assistance.