RIP: Check your phone’s end-of-life (EOL) date. That’s when it’ll no longer get security updates — and when you really should stop using it. Try endoflife.date to find your EOL.
Your phone has an expiration date – Here’s how to find it
Trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of your smartphone? It’s one thing to deal with a battery that doesn’t last a day and crashing apps to avoid spending a big chunk of change.
But using your phone past its end of life is risky business. So is clicking any link that comes your way. It’s a bummer hackers are weaving them into AI chatbot results.
Let’s look at one of the easiest ways to keep your digital life safer: Only using devices that get current security updates.
The lifespan lowdown
Today, the average lifespan of smartphones is around 2.5 years. It could be even less for some devices — between 15 and 18 months. That’s not much when phones cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bigger brands like Apple and Samsung tend to have longer lifespans than smaller companies. Here are the average lifespans for some of today’s most popular phones:
- iPhone – 4 to 8 years
- Samsung – 3 to 6 years
- Google Pixel – 3 to 5 years
- Huawei – 2 to 4 years
These are averages, meaning your mileage may vary.
Find your number
Your phone’s lifespan clock starts from when it was made, not when you purchased it. That makes keeping track of all this a little tricky. If you’re unsure when your phone was made, you can find out with some sleuthing.
- Still have the phone’s original box? The manufacture date should be listed on the package or in any included documentation.
- If you tossed the box, the information should be listed within your phone’s settings under “About” or a similar option.
- You can also use your phone’s serial number to decipher when it was made. Many manufacturers hide the date or year within these numbers. The serial number is tucked in your phone’s settings.
- There are special dial codes and boot logging menus that can show you this info.
Are your eyes glazing over? I thought so.
How many more years can you get out of your phone?
Trying to squeeze every last drop of life out of your smartphone? I know many of you put up with crappy battery power and random glitches longer than you should to avoid costly upgrades.
But using your phone past its end of life is risky business. I did the work to figure out the lifespan of popular models, plus I’ll help you find out how old your phone is and if you’re still using a model you need to ditch. Why? Because I want to help you.
📅 Support for Windows 10 ends Oct. 14, 2025: You’ll be able to pay $30 for one year of extended security updates, but that’s as far as it goes. Heads-up: Windows 11 works on CPUs made in 2018 or later. Here’s a budget pick and a high-spec model (25% off) if your laptop is older.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Update roundup: Windows, iOS, macOS, Google, Adobe and more
When it rains, it pours — and I’m not talking about the weather! A bunch of operating systems, apps and programs just released critical security updates. To make your life easier, I rounded up the most important ones right here.
U.S. Cyber Trust Mark 101: All about the latest legislation for tech products
Finally, some legislation around tech products! The White House announced its latest labeling and cybersecurity safety program: The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark.
It’s one wild world out there. Many people don’t realize the high-tech products in their homes could open them to a massive hack attack. This new program aims to help consumers identify safe Internet of Things (IoT) devices for purchase.
Weak signal? How to get better Wi-Fi on your Android
You rely on your phone for a lot. It helps to give your tech a checkup now and then to avoid more severe and costly problems later. Tap or click here for six ways to get started.
What’s more frustrating than lousy Wi-Fi when you’re trying to get something done? Your Android phone loses much of its functionality without a solid network connection. The problem could be coming from several sources, and we’re here to help you narrow them down and get your internet back on track.
All the best new emojis for your iPhone
Apple just released iOS 16.4, and with it comes 21 new emojis. Comparatively sparse to emoji releases of previous years, this expansion does not disappoint.
At last, we have a plain pink heart! Widely recognized as a significant gap on the already vast emoji keyboard, you can now send your loved ones a simple, sweet pink heart. The update also introduces complimentary light blue and gray hearts.
Don't use these shady health tracker apps with 10 mil downloads
We’re in the first month of a new year, and you know what that means. Tons of people are focusing on fitness and living a healthier lifestyle. Many turn to health-tracking apps for guidance. Unfortunately, some popular health trackers have been caught spreading adware.
The beginning of the end: Windows 10 no longer on sale
It’s official: Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10 or at least getting the ball rolling in that direction. Windows 10 is slated to be retired on Oct. 14, 2025. On this day, users will no longer enjoy dedicated support for Windows 10 systems, which is what we’re here to discuss.
Delete this productivity app NOW
Like millions of other Americans, you probably made a few resolutions entering the new year. If you want to start 2023 right, include better cybersecurity on your to-do list.
Start by deleting these five redundant apps from your smartphone. That’s just the beginning. A productivity app that made its way to an official app store was recently caught hiding malware. It’s designed to steal banking credentials to rip you off. If you have it on your device, remove it ASAP!
Never lose your Apple gadgets again when you enable this simple setting
The Find My app has long been a part of Apple’s ecosystem. The app helps you find your missing devices even if they don’t have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. It works using your device’s Bluetooth signals, which nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs can pick up to relay the signal back to you.
App warning! 52 dangerous downloads spotted - Check your phone
While the safest place to download apps is from an official store, this is not always foolproof. Hackers and scammers can slip in malicious apps and cause severe damage before they’re caught.
Getting an app onto the Google Play Store is easier when compared to Apple’s App Store. Apple has higher standards for entry plus iOS is a closed ecosystem, while Android is open source. Tap or click here for eight dangerous malware apps you need to remove right now.
Quick tip: Transform your iPhone into a white noise machine
With every new iOS, Apple introduces more features, tools and security updates. Developers are constantly pushing the envelope to compete with each other, and one way to keep users excited is to put on a show.
Apple’s 2022 Worldwide Developers Conference took place recently. Highlights of the keynote are new operating systems for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. With iOS 16, you’ll finally be able to unsend text messages! Tap or click here to check out our roundup.
If you own one of these external drives, here's why you should update it ASAP
Considering all the components that go into making your computer work, one of the most important is the hard drive. And by extension, it can often be the addition of even more storage through an external drive.
Because if something goes wrong and you don’t have a backup either locally or in the cloud, you could lose important files forever. Tap or click here for three ways to save lost files from a failing hard drive.
Want a TV that lasts? This brand promises 4 more years of updates (even for older models)
Technology from companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Google has spoiled many of us into demanding faster, better, and more powerful gadgets. Sometimes features can be added through firmware or operating system updates.
Use Photoshop, Acrobat or another Adobe product? You need to update now
Adobe’s suite of products is used all globally by professionals and hobbyists. The word Photoshop has become the de facto term for editing photos. Adobe created the Portable Document Format, which is most simply known as the PDF.
Millions of iPhone users will soon lose access to Outlook - How to make sure you don't
There is a real danger when you use outdated software, whether on your computer or your mobile phone. Operating systems get updated frequently, and they usually include security updates and new functions.
Known as Patch Tuesday, Microsoft updates its operating system on the second Tuesday of every month. Google and Apple don’t usually follow this trend, but they still update their mobile phones regularly.
Update your iPhone now to fix zero-day flaw being exploited by hackers
Updated 7/27/2021 – Apple released updates for iOS, iPadOS and macOS this week. iOS 14.7.1 includes a fix for iPhone models with Touch ID that cannot unlock a paired Apple Watch using the Unlock with iPhone feature. There are also security updates included, one that fixes a zero-day flaw that would allow hackers to hijack your device. Read on for ways to get these updates.
4 reasons to upgrade your old PC or Mac - even if it still works
We use computers for everything from checking email, work, school stuff and more. But as your computer ages, it gets more difficult to install new programs and operating system updates. Tap or click here to see how Microsoft ending support for Windows 7 is impacted users.