Why does Android update need access to the phone?

Kernel_Sanders

I have Nougat on my phone but could just as easily had it on a tablet!

Neil_Jones

Due to the way Android works the permissions are somewhat fragmented, so while an app may say it needs access to "make and receive phone calls", it probably just needs access to the microphone (for example), as that's how Android arranges it.

Carrot007

Is "android update" something you installed. Updates an android beingg opart of the OS never ask for anything. Or are you just being nosey into permissions?

DoaM

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I have Nougat on my phone but could just as easily had it on a tablet!

How does that statement align with the thread title?

Kernel_Sanders

DoaM wrote: »

How does that statement align with the thread title?

'Nougat' is one of the many versions of the Android OS.

Kernel_Sanders

Carrot007 wrote: »

Is "android update" something you installed. Updates an android beingg opart of the OS never ask for anything. Or are you just being nosey into permissions?

I don't understand half of that but I've not installed any updates, in fact I don't have room for this. I don't need either of the new features and am only interested in security.

molerat

It needs access to your phone because it is updating and adding features to the phone part of the operating system. On a tablet you do not have a phone so it would not be updating that part of the operating system so would not ask for access.
https://www.4g.co.uk/what-is-volte/
https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/technology/vowifi/

Kernel_Sanders

I can't even download it because it won't let me use any of my ample mobile data allowance to do so! I do not want to make a 2 mile round trip to the nearest Wi-Fi just to find out that I cannot pick and choose which of the updates I want.

RumRat

Is you phone set to only download updates when connected to WiFi?

Kernel_Sanders

RumRat wrote: »

Is you phone set to only download updates when connected to WiFi?

I don't know, I can't find any settings which just relate to updates. I can download apps and their updates on mobile data but not programmes on BBC iPlayer, which I believe has this specific restriction for everybody.

[Deleted User]

The OS updates settings are under System>System Update (perhaps dependant on version).

If you need the security updates then updating to the latest version is usually the first place to start. Due to the size of OS updates (or even the monthly security patches) using WiFi is usually the best option.