How to check if your mobile device supports app updates

As part of a wider effort to continue to strengthen the foundations that help keep TrustedHousesitters secure, reliable and running smoothly, we’ll be making some important security updates to our app soon.  This article explains why we’re making this change, and how you can check if your mobile device will stay supported and receive future bug fixes and security updates. 

If you find your mobile is not supported, then we’ve got some advice on what you can do to continue enjoying your online experience as a member of TrustedHousesitters. We’re here to support, so reach out to Membership Services if you have questions or need advice. 

What you need to know

To keep our platform secure and reliable for our members, we’re updating the minimum operating system (OS) versions on Android and iOS mobile devices that are necessary to run our app. This change follows recommendations from our third-party security partners to protect personal data from digital threats.

This change won’t impact the vast majority of our members. Around 98% of our active users are already using supported Android and iOS mobile devices.

If your mobile is affected, the app will still work for now, but you won’t receive future app updates. If this is the case, we advise you to switch over to using the web experience which will always be up to date. 

How to check your OS version

If you have an older phone, it’s worth checking the OS version to see if you may be affected. The earliest versions that will be supported are:

• Android 11
• iOS (iPhone) 17

Follow these steps to check your mobile’s operating system:

Android 

Android 11 came out in 2020, and the last pixel phone to receive android 11 was the pixel 2, launched in 2017.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap About Phone or Software Information.
3. Look for the Android Version. If it is 11 or higher, you’re all set.

iOS (iPhone)

Currently iOS 17 is supported by iOS devices from 2018 and newer.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General, then About.
3. Look for the Software Version. If it is 17 or higher, you’re all set.

When’s it happening?

We’re planning to make the initial update in June. The current version of your app will continue to work for a while, but you’ll no longer receive new features, bug fixes, or security updates. 

We are always working on updates to improve our member's experience. We plan to review device compatibility at least once a year, which means we may occasionally phase out support for older versions.

What to do next

If your mobile device supports the updates, you can carry on as usual.
If you find you do have an older operating system, which will not be supported, then it’s advisable to switch to using the web experience. Although the current version of your app will still be usable for a while, over time, the version on your device will eventually stop working.

Our top recommendation for staying supported without upgrading your mobile is to use the web experience. It’s always up-to-date and offers a secure way to manage your account from any mobile browser.
Our goal is to keep your experience secure and seamless. If you have any questions about how to check your version, Membership Services is happy to help guide you.