Checking whether your smart devices still get updates

Whether a smart device still gets updates depends on its manufacturer, not on how well the device performs in everyday use. Many connected products receive security fixes for a set period after launch, and once that period ends, known weaknesses in the software can stay open. The fastest way to see where a device stands is to check its support information, confirm the firmware version it runs and make sure its update settings are switched on.

Build an inventory of connected devices

Start with a complete written list rather than checking devices as they come to mind. Include everything that joins your network or reports to an account: plugs, bulbs, cameras, doorbells, thermostats, speakers, hubs and anything controlled from a phone app. For each product, note the model number, the approximate purchase date and the app or account it uses. Model numbers are usually printed on a label on the device or its box, and the companion app often shows them in the device details. A written list turns a vague worry into a set of specific checks you can finish in one sitting.

Forgotten gadgets are often the ones with the longest gap since their last update, so scan your phone's list of apps and your router's list of connected devices to catch them. The router's admin page usually shows the names of devices that have joined the network, although some of those names may be generic.

Mark each device with one of three statuses after the checks below: updates current, updates unclear or no longer supported. This simple column makes the next steps easier to follow.

Add the room where each device sits as well. A forgotten camera in a guest room or a plug behind a cabinet is easy to overlook, and a location note makes it quicker to find the device when an update notice or a product recall appears.

Find each manufacturer's support period

Many manufacturers publish how long a product will receive software and security updates. The information may appear on the product page, in a support article, in the setup guide or in the terms shown during account setup. Look for a phrase such as a support end date or a statement about how many years of updates a product will get. If a company gives no commitment at all, treat that as a reason to plan for a replacement sooner rather than later.

Support can end well before the hardware fails. A device that still works may already be outside its update coverage, and its owner may not notice until a feature stops working or the app shows a notice. Write the end date next to each device on your list so upcoming changes are visible in advance.

When the support details are hard to find, search for the model number together with the words support or security updates, and prefer the manufacturer's own website over third-party listings, which may be out of date. If you still find no commitment after checking, write that next to the device on your list.

Check update settings in the app

Open each device's companion app, then look for a firmware or software section, often under device information, settings or about. The screen usually shows the installed version, whether an update is available and whether automatic updates are enabled. Where automatic updates are offered, turning them on is usually the simplest way to keep up with fixes.

Automatic updates still need some attention. Some devices install updates only when they are idle or during a set window, and a failed update can leave a device offline for a while. Choose a time when you are home and can check the device afterward. Install every update the device offers, whatever its release notes say, because security fixes are often described only as bug fixes or performance improvements. Use the dates of recent releases as evidence instead: if the app still publishes updates for the model, the device is probably still supported, while a long gap with no release is a reason to check the manufacturer's support period.

Recognize signs a device is aging out

A device nearing the end of its useful life tends to give warning signs before it stops working. The app may show no firmware updates for a long stretch, the manufacturer may announce that the product has been discontinued, or the app may display a notice that the device is no longer supported. Features can disappear after an app update, and a device may stop pairing with newer phones or newer app versions.

Another important question is whether the device needs the manufacturer's servers to work at all. Some products handle basic functions locally, while others stop working if the company shuts down its cloud service. Knowing this helps you judge how much an end of support would affect your daily routine.

Decide what to do when support ends

When a device no longer receives updates, you have a few practical options. You can replace it with a product that has a clear support commitment, keep it but limit what it can reach on your network, or remove it from the network altogether if you no longer need it. Limiting access is a sensible middle step: put the device on a separate network where it cannot reach laptops or phones, and turn off any remote access you have enabled.

Keep the list current when you add or retire gadgets, and review it twice a year. Checking the support period before you buy a new device, and comparing it with the rest of your inventory, is often the easiest way to avoid this problem in the first place. A short review of the list takes little time and can keep a weak device from quietly staying online for years.