Google just fixed 180 Android security flaws, several rated critical. Here's how to get the patch on any phone, and why step 8 decides if it works.
The worst bug sits in Android's System component and could let an attacker run code remotely with no extra privileges. None is flagged as exploited yet.
Settings > About phone > Android version. Patched phones show a security update date of September 1 or September 5, 2026.
Settings > System > Software update. The Pixel 11 series already has its September 1 patch, in a download under 100 MB.
Settings > Software update > Download and install, then Install now. Samsung's build bundles 90 fixes and arrives model by model, region by region.
Google's default path is Settings > System > Software updates. Brands often rename it, so type update into the Settings search bar instead.
On Galaxy phones, turn on Settings > Software update > Auto download over Wi-Fi. Future patches download on their own; you just tap Install.
Settings > Security & privacy > System & updates > Google Play system update. It patches core modules and carries its own, separate date.
Charge up and join Wi-Fi first. The phone restarts mid-install and can be out of action for several minutes, so don't start one on 10% battery.
Pixels install updates quietly in the background, but Google says they only take effect after your next restart. Reboot, then recheck the patch date.
A September 5, 2026 date means every fix in Google's bulletin; September 1 covers the first 95. Still on August? Check Software update again next week.