At this point in the team, security means everything! Having a digital presence without security is creating trouble for yourself. Just like the online presence, mobile phones, which are a gateway to your professional and personal life, also demand perfect and robust protection.
Google Pixel smartphones are renowned for their features and UX capabilities, but they also prioritize security through comprehensive updates. This article is an introduction to Google Pixel’s prioritization of security and the timely updates that keep your device as well as your data protected.
1. Google Pixel Security Updates Including
Keeping the pixel safe requires much more than the robust operating system but a huge range of components that ensure that your device remains functional and protected from all the issues. The regular updates encompass the following updates:
- Security enhancement: Such updates target the security flaws as well as the vulnerabilities that are discovered in the OS, firmware, and core components. These are helpful to protect and prevent devices from security threats.
- New Features: Pixel introduce the new features to the functionalities in order to boost the User experience. This could include new camera capabilities, performance optimizations, and improved battery life.
- OS Updates: These major updates deliver the latest Android version, offering new features, enhanced platform stability, and improved security. Regular OS updates ensure your Pixel benefits from the latest advancements in Android technology.
- Patches: Pixel updates frequently include patches for specific vulnerabilities or issues that may arise. These rapid fixes ensure your device remains secure and protected even when unforeseen problems appear.
2. Get the latest updates Available for Your Pixel Device
To keep the security of your Pixel device at the top, you need to ensure that you follow abd check the installation of katets updates on the Pixel. Let’s go through the number of updates step by step.
- 1.
System Update
- In system update, you first need to open the settings app.
- After that, scroll down to System and tap it.
- On the interface, click on the system update.
- When you follow this process, the device will automatically check if there are any updates available. If you see any updates appearing, find the button download and install. After that, you will be taken to a whole new screen where you can follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- 2.
Security Update:
- Security updates are often included in system updates, but you can also check for them separately.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Security
- You will see the date of the last security update installed on your device. If a newer update is available, you will see a button to Update. Tap the button and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- 3.
Google Play System Update
- Google Play system updates include improvements to core system components like the Play Store, Google Play Services, and Android System Web View.
- These updates are typically installed automatically in the background, but you can also check for them manually.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to About phone.
- Tap the Build number seven times. You will see a message stating that you are now a developer.
- Go back to the Settings menu and tap System.
- Select Advanced > Developer options
- Scroll down and tap Google Play system update.
- You will see the date of the last Google Play system update installed on your device. If a newer update is available, you will see a button to Update. Tap the button and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
3. How Long Do Google Pixel Devices Get Security Updates?
When the talk is about how long these Pixels devices get security updates, then it differs from model to model. For example:
Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold receive a minimum of five years of security updates from the day they have been launched on the Google Play Store. It means you can expect 2026 for Pixel 6 and 2027 for Pixel 7. The Pixel 5a (5G) and earlier devices provide updates of at least three years from the day they were launched in play store in US. It means Pixel 5a will receive the updates until at least 2024. while earlier models may have already reached the end of their update period.
4. How Can Security Updates be Obtained for Old Pixel Devices?
In the case where the Pixels eventually reach their official update window, there are a bunch of tech-savvy people who provide a solution to this problem. The name of the solution is Custom ROMs. Custom ROMs are alternative operating systems that are made into running and are developed by independent developers, They offer a bunch of features and functionalities including all the security updates. Pros and Cons of Custom ROMs:
Pros
- Extended security updates: Stay protected against the latest threats even after official support ends.
- Access to new features: Enjoy the latest Android versions and features unavailable on your older Pixel.
- Customization options: Personalize your device's look and feel with various themes and mods.
Cons
- Technical expertise required: Installing custom ROMs requires some technical knowledge and can be risky if done incorrectly.
- Loss of warranty: Installing a custom ROM may void your device's warranty.
- Potential for bugs and instability: Custom ROMs may not be as stable or bug-free as official software.
5. Is Google Pixel Secure Enough for Business Use?
Pixel is one of the most secure smartphone devices, but you can still implement a number of other security measures to make sure that your devices stay secure.
Titan M2 security chip: Pixel devices come equipped with a dedicated Titan M2 security chip that stores sensitive information like passwords and encryption keys, making them hardware-level secure.
Regular security updates: Google provides timely and frequent security updates for Pixel devices, ensuring protection against the latest vulnerabilities and threats.
Android Enterprise Recommended: Pixel devices are certified as Android Enterprise Recommended, meaning they meet Google's strict security and management requirements for business use.
Advanced encryption: Pixel devices utilize full-disk encryption by default, protecting your data even if your device is lost or stolen.
Verified Boot: This feature ensures that only authorized software can boot on your device, preventing unauthorized modifications.
Additional Security Measures for Businesses:
Mobile Device Management (MDM): Using a robust MDM solution like AirDroid Business allows businesses to manage and secure their Pixel devices remotely. MDM solutions offer features like security policy, app management, remote monitoring, data encryption, and real-time location tracking.
Security policies: Requiring strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, configure the access rights for device functions, which can further enhance security for business users.
Employee training: Educating employees on best practices for using their devices securely and identifying phishing attempts and other cyber threats is crucial for overall security.
6. Pixel Update Issues: Effective Solutions and Fixes
While Pixel devices are known for their timely and comprehensive updates, a number of issues can arise in these devices. Here are a few of them.
6.1Unable to Download or Install Updates:
Symptoms:
- Your update download gets stuck or fails.
- Error message appears while installing the update.
- Device restarts repeatedly but doesn't install the update.
Solutions:
- Check your internet connection: make sure your device is connected to a robust as well as stable Wi-Fi network.
- Free up storage space: Insufficient storage space can prevent updates from downloading or installing. It can sorted out by deleting the unnecessary files or transferring them to another storage device which will create the space needed for the installation of updates.
- Force stop the Download Manager and Google Play Store: Go to Settings > Apps > Tap the three dots in the top right corner > Show system apps > Find Download Manager and Google Play Store > Force stop both apps.
- Restart your device: This can sometimes resolve minor software glitches.
- Wipe the cache partition: This can clear temporary files that might be interfering with the update process. No personal will be deleted in the cache deleting part.
6.2Battery Drain after Updating:
Symptoms:
- Battery life significantly decreases after installing an update.
- Apps are draining the battery more than usual.
Solutions:
- Identify battery-draining apps: Go to Settings > Battery > See all apps and check which apps are using the most battery. You can then restrict their background activity or uninstall them if necessary.
- Turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services when not in use.
- Reduce screen brightness and use adaptive brightness.
- Turn off the background app refresh.
- Restart your device.
- Wait a few days: Sometimes, battery drain after an update is temporary as the device optimizes its performance.
6.3Apps Not Working after Updating:
Symptoms:
- Apps crash or freeze after installing an update.
- Apps are missing or have disappeared after the update.
Solutions:
- Update your apps: Open the Google Play Store app and tap the "Menu" icon > "My apps & games" > "Updates". Update all available apps.
- Clear the app's cache and data: Go to Settings > Apps > Tap the app that is causing problems > Storage > Clear Cache/Clear Data. Note: Clearing data will delete the app's settings and personal data.
- Reinstall the app: Uninstall the app and then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
- Restart your device.
7. Why You Should Care About Security Updates?
Security updates are essential for protecting your Pixel device from the latest cyber threats. Hackers are constantly developing new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in software, and security updates patch these holes to keep your device safe.
Following are the strong points why should be concerned about the security updates of your Pixel update.
- To protect your personal data: Your Pixel device contains a wealth of personal information, such as your contacts, photos, and financial data. In order to make sure that your personal data is safe, you should care about security updates and do them as well.
- To prevent malware infections: Malware is malicious software that can damage your device or steal your data. Security updates often include patches for known malware vulnerabilities, helping to keep your device malware-free.
- To maintain the performance of your device: Malware infections and other security problems can slow down your device and impair its performance. Security updates help to keep your device running smoothly and efficiently.
FAQs about Pixel Security Update
What is the Lifespan of a Pixel Phone?
Google Pixel devices typically receive security updates for at least three years from the date they first became available on the Google Store in the US. However, some older Pixel models may receive updates for longer.
Does Google Pixel Have Built in Security?
Yes, Google Pixel devices have a number of built-in security features, including:
Titan M2 security chip: This chip stores sensitive data, such as passwords and encryption keys, in a secure environment.
Verified Boot: This feature ensures that only authorized software can boot on your device.
Google Play Protect: This service scans your apps and devices for malware and other threats.
Android Enterprise Recommended: Pixel devices are certified as Android Enterprise Recommended, meaning they meet Google's strict security and management requirements for business use.
What is Google Pixel Secure Folder?
Google Pixel Secure Folder is a feature that allows you to create a secure space on your device where you can store sensitive data, such as work documents, financial information, and personal photos. Secure Folder is protected by a PIN, password, or pattern, and it is isolated from the rest of your device, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your data.
How Secure is Google Pixel?
Google Pixel devices are some of the most secure smartphones on the market. They have a number of built-in security features, and they receive regular security updates. Additionally, Google is constantly working to improve the security of its devices and software.