If your device no longer receives security updates and cannot move to a supported operating system, replacement is normally the safer choice, as the National Cyber Security Centre advises. Before choosing another device, check the exact model’s remaining support, then plan how you will retain access to accounts, essential apps and files. A refurbished device can also work if its support status and condition are clear.
Your phone, tablet or computer has stopped receiving security updates, or cannot move to a supported operating system. The National Cyber Security Centre advises replacing devices that are no longer supported; check your exact model before deciding.
You depend on email, banking, authentication, photos or essential software and need more than a copy of your visible files. Apple, Google and Microsoft provide transfer guidance, but the steps depend on your devices and accounts.
You are open to refurbished equipment but need to establish its remaining manufacturer support, condition and seller terms. As Citizens Advice explains, a warranty adds to your legal rights rather than replacing them.
Confirm whether the old device is still supported before replacing it. If a replacement is needed, check the candidate’s remaining support first, then make sure your accounts and data can move with you.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Remaining security support | Find the exact model’s OS and security-update policy, including when its stated period began. For a Windows PC, check whether it can run Windows 11. | If my current device has stopped receiving fixes, I need a replacement that will stay supported for the time I intend to use it. Around 29% of consumers would put remaining support first. |
| Accounts and essential apps | Check app compatibility and prepare passwords, recovery methods and access to authentication codes before moving. | I cannot afford to lose access to email, banking or sign-in codes while changing devices. For roughly 29% of consumers, account and app continuity would be the primary concern. |
| Refurbished condition | Match the listing to the supported model and configuration; check battery condition, included accessories and the trader’s warranty and return terms. | If I choose refurbished, I want to know what condition the device is in and how much support remains. That would come first for around 18% of consumers. |
| Backup and transfer capacity | Check how much data needs copying and whether your chosen cloud account or external drive has enough usable space. | My photos and files need a workable backup path before I erase the old device. Roughly 24% of consumers would make backup capacity their first concern. |
Update commitments differ between models and manufacturers. Google and Samsung publish policies for particular ranges, not every device bearing their names.
Record the candidate’s exact model and check its manufacturer’s update policy against how long you plan to keep it.
Moving files does not necessarily move installed apps, passwords or access to authentication methods. Microsoft identifies exclusions from its PC transfer process, while Apple sets out steps to take before removing personal information.
Keep the old device available until you have tested essential accounts, apps, messages and files on the replacement.
A seller’s warranty does not extend the manufacturer’s operating-system or security-update period. Citizens Advice also distinguishes warranties from statutory rights.
Check the exact model’s support status separately from its condition, warranty documents and the trader’s return terms.
Microsoft says a free personal Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. A larger collection of files may need another backup arrangement.
Check the amount of data you need to keep, choose sufficient cloud or external-drive capacity, and verify the copied files before wiping the old device.
An Android phone range with published model-specific update commitments.
An Android phone and tablet range whose update commitments need checking by model.
Relevant when deciding whether an older Windows PC can be upgraded or needs replacing.
Relevant to iPhone and iPad owners planning an account and data transfer.
These phones relate to replacing an unsupported smartphone. Compare their exact model support policies and your migration needs before choosing; a phone does not replace a tablet or computer needed for different tasks.
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For a phone replacement, check how much of this exact model’s update period remains and plan access to your Google account before transferring data.
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If you need a replacement phone with dual-SIM capability, check this model’s remaining update support and how your essential accounts will be set up.
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If you need 256GB of phone storage, compare this model’s remaining support with your intended ownership period and check its installed OS version.
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For a replacement phone, confirm this exact model’s remaining support and prepare account recovery and app access before retiring your old device.
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If you are moving to this Galaxy A17 variant, check its own security-update policy and confirm how essential accounts and app data will transfer.
Not necessarily: Microsoft says Windows 10 PCs can continue operating after support ended on 14 October 2025, but they no longer receive its security updates. The concern is continued use without those fixes, not an automatic shutdown.
Find its exact model and operating-system version, then check the manufacturer’s support information for that device. If it is a Windows PC, also check Windows 11 eligibility before deciding it needs replacing; the National Cyber Security Centre notes that Android update schedules vary by manufacturer.
Back it up and transfer your information before removing personal data, following Apple’s UK guidance. Test access to important accounts on the replacement first; if your phone number is changing, check your trusted numbers before giving up the old one.
No. Microsoft says its PC transfer process does not automatically transfer installed applications, saved passwords, OneDrive files or BitLocker-encrypted drives. Check software access, credentials, cloud files and encrypted data separately before wiping the old PC.
A warranty does not establish how long the device will receive security updates. Check the exact model’s remaining support and the trader’s description and warranty terms separately; Citizens Advice explains that a warranty is additional to your legal rights, while GOV.UK sets out remedies for faulty or misdescribed goods.