Android · System
Check your monthly security patch date
The security patch level shows the exact month a device's known vulnerability fixes were last updated — a separate, more frequent indicator than the overall Android version number.
How to open Security Patch Level
- Open Settings and scroll to About phone.
- Tap Android version.
- Locate the 'Android security update' or 'Security patch level' entry.
- Compare the date shown against your manufacturer's published support timeline for your model.
What you should know
- Located under About phone > Android version, listed as 'Android security update' or 'Security patch level'.
- Patch dates are typically monthly, independent of full Android version upgrades.
- A patch level older than a few months can indicate a device has stopped receiving regular security updates.
- Manufacturers publish official end-of-support dates specifying how long security patches will continue for a given model.
A recent Android version number doesn't guarantee a recent security patch — always check the security patch date itself if you're evaluating a device's protection level.
Why it matters
The security patch level is the clearest single indicator of whether a phone is still protected against publicly known vulnerabilities, which matters enormously for banking, work, and personal data safety.
Best practices
- Check the security patch date whenever considering a used or older phone purchase.
- Compare the current patch date against the manufacturer's published support end date for your model.
- Install available security updates promptly rather than deferring them for weeks.
Common problems and fixes
- The security patch date hasn't changed in several months.
- Manually check for updates in Settings > System > System update; if none are available, the device may have reached its manufacturer's end-of-support date.
- Two phones with the same Android version show different patch dates.
- This is normal — patch rollout timing varies by manufacturer and carrier even for the same Android version.
Tips and tricks
- Search your exact phone model plus 'security update end date' on the manufacturer's site to know precisely how long you'll keep receiving patches.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do I find this on my phone?
Go to Settings > About phone > Android version, where the security patch date is listed alongside the Android version number.
How often should the security patch level update?
Ideally monthly, though the exact cadence depends on the manufacturer; some budget devices update quarterly instead.
Related settings
- System UpdateSystem Update keeps Android current with the latest security patches and features. Google and your device manufacturer regularly release updates that improve performance and close security gaps.
- Google Play System UpdateGoogle Play system update (Project Mainline) delivers security and consistency fixes to core Android components through the Play Store itself, letting Google patch critical system modules on a monthly cadence without waiting for a full manufacturer OS update.
- About Phone / System InfoAbout phone is the central reference page for identifying your exact device — model number, Android version, build number, IMEI, and serial number. It's the page you'll be asked to check during a support call, a warranty claim, or when confirming whether an app is compatible with your specific device.
More System guides for Android
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- Manual Check for System UpdateLets you trigger an immediate check with Google or your carrier's update servers to see if a new Android OS version or patch is available, rather than waiting for an automatic notification.
- Scheduled System Update InstallsLets a downloaded system update install automatically overnight or at a chosen time instead of immediately, so the required restart doesn't interrupt active use of the phone.