Using smart devices with outdated software can create security risks: that’s why app versions can’t be supported indefinitely and why you also need to keep your operating system up to date.
If your Smart-ID app has become outdated, you’ll see an error message explaining the issue every time you try to use Smart-ID. To fix this, simply download and install the latest version of the app, which will always be available for free in Google Play and AppStore.
You can check the installation instructions and device requirements for the latest Smart-ID app on our download Smart-ID page.
What are the operating system requirements for Smart-ID?
Smart-ID works on Android and iOS devices, other operating systems are not currently supported.
New app versions for Smart-ID get released throughout the year – and each new app version comes with specific requirements for your smart device. We’ve listed the minimum requirements for the latest Smart-ID app version on our download Smart-ID page. Don’t panic if your device does not meet those requirements: you might still be able to download and use Smart-ID, you just won’t be able to get the latest app version.
The Smart-ID app is distributed through the AppStore (for iOS devices) and Google Play for Android devices). Those service providers will automatically check your device and offer you the download link to the app version that best matches your device.
Keep in mind that once your operating system becomes so outdated it is no longer supported by the device manufacturer (you can’t update it any longer), you’ll also be unable to update your Smart-ID app or to register an account with it!
Dangers of using an outdated Smart-ID
We release updated versions of Smart-ID app several times a year: you should allow automatic updates both for the app as well as your operating system to ensure your smart device is always up-to-date and secure. If your device is not compatible with newer operating systems, you will also lose the ability to update your Smart-ID.
So what may happen as a result?
Your app stops working
As new versions of the app get released, the older ones expire. Once an app version has reached a point where it is no longer supported, it will stop working. You will see the “outdated app” warning beforehand, but there is no timer and no way to know exactly when an outdated app will cease to work completely.
Unfortunately, the only solution once this happens is to upgrade your device.
Limited functionality – update required but unavailable.
Depending on how outdated the app and/or your operating system are, you may have limited use of Smart-ID. For example, you may be able to use it to access e-services and sign documents, but not be able to use it to register a new account or update your expiring Smart-ID account.
It is a known problem with outdated iOS devices: your app requires an update, but App Store redirects you back to your existing app because there are no updates available for your operating system. While your Smart-ID still works on a day-to-day basis, it can’t be used to renew or create accounts – which becomes a real problem when your account is about to expire. The best solution, of course, would be to update your operating system and then updating the app before renewing your account. If you can’t update your operating system and as your very last resort you may try deleting your account, uninstalling the app and then downloading it again from your App Store before you register a new Smart-ID account – it works for some but not all. Unfortunately, if this doesn’t resolve the issue there are no alternatives available: if App Store does not offer you an app version to download, you need to upgrade your device before you can use Smart-ID again.
You are more vulnerable to security risks
Using an outdated operating system and expired apps means that you are more vulnerable to hacking, data leaks, hardware damage etc. Keeping your operating system and apps up to date helps to keep your data safe!