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Readers often ask: Is it safe to continue using my old phone, which is five or seven years old or even older? The answer, with some caveats, is yes.
Phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung remotely fix security flaws in their software for years, which helps keep old phones safe from hackers. The exact age at which a phone becomes insecure is unclear, but according to digital security experts, an Android phone is generally secure to use for four years or more after its release, while an iPhone is secure for seven or eight years, or potentially longer.
However, as phones age, they may experience problems such as apps stop working as expected. If you choose to keep your phone for financial or other reasons, you don’t need to worry too much, as long as you keep the software updated. Consider purchasing a used phone if you can’t afford a new one. But I also have two demands for phone manufacturers and regulators:
1. Phone manufacturers should be required to disclose the “death date” of their phones, which is when they stop releasing security fixes.
2. When manufacturers stop providing security updates for a phone, they should allow independent tinkerers to take over and keep the phone secure.
Just like with cars, where you decide how long to keep it running safely, phone manufacturers shouldn’t determine the lifespan of your device. Security updates are crucial, and as long as your phone is regularly receiving software security updates from the manufacturer, it is generally safe to use. For example, Apple continues to provide security fixes for iPhones up to eight years old. Samsung also fixes security flaws for up to five years for its newer smartphones.
However, it’s important to be vigilant and check if your phone model is receiving regular security updates from the manufacturer. Samsung has a list of smartphones that receive updates, and if your phone is not on the list, it may be unsafe. The End of Life website can also provide information on whether manufacturers are still fixing security flaws for specific products.
Once a manufacturer stops providing software security updates, your phone becomes more vulnerable to hackers. It would be helpful if manufacturers disclosed this “death date” when purchasing a phone. Additionally, independent professionals or hobbyists should be allowed to take over and keep the software up to date for older phones.
Other factors to consider include the purpose for which you use your phone. Even after security updates stop, your phone may still be safe for activities like listening to music or shopping online. However, older phones may require more maintenance, as batteries wear out, parts break, and apps may not update. In some cases, replacing parts is a more affordable option, while in others, it may be time to consider a new phone.
When it’s time to replace your phone, you don’t necessarily have to buy a brand new one. A used phone that is a few years old can be a significant upgrade at a lower cost. For example, a nearly three-year-old Samsung Galaxy S21 costs around $200 to $300 on Back Market, a reputable used phone seller.
To determine if your phone is safe to continue using, check the settings of your device. On an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About to find your iPhone model and iOS version. If your iOS version is older than iOS 15, it’s no longer receiving security fixes, and you should consider a new phone. On an Android phone, the process varies depending on the device. Check the Settings app or consult the manufacturer’s instructions to find your phone model and Android version. Keep your phone’s software updated to ensure you have the latest security fixes.
In conclusion, as long as your phone is receiving regular security updates, it is generally safe to use. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s support for older models and consider a used phone as a more affordable option. Manufacturers should be transparent about when they stop providing security fixes, and independent individuals should be allowed to maintain older phones. Remember to keep your phone software up to date for optimal security.
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