How to see which Android version and security patch your phone has, how to update, and why the patch date matters.
Every Android phone shows two version numbers: the Android version (for example Android 15) and the Android security patch level, a date such as 2026-09-01 that tells which monthly security fixes are installed. Both are in Settings > About phone > Android version, and updates are installed from Settings > System > Software updates.
Google publishes the Android Security Bulletin every month with the vulnerabilities fixed in that patch level. A patch date many months old means known security problems remain open on the phone.
Some system components are updated through Google Play system updates, shown separately with their own date under Security & privacy or About phone.
Manufacturers support each model for a limited number of years. After that, no new patches arrive and the phone is best kept away from sensitive tasks.
Last updated: 2026-10-08
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