No, I haven't misunderstood the thread title should be, but I just wanted to express my dissatisfaction with a computer/internet issue ... and realise that there's no troubleshooting possible to my problem, except for biting the bullet rather than aiming it elsewhere (hence my rant!).
I received the following email yesterday ... and don't think (unfortunately
) that it's a scam ...
We're upgrading the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app to keep it secure. This means from early 2026, the app will no longer work on devices below Android 10.0. Until then, you'll still be able to use your device. You just won't get any more app updates from November onwards. If this includes your device, you'll no longer be able to access our digital banking services.
What you need to do now:
If you'd like to continue to use digital banking and keep paperless statements, you can either: - Download the mobile app on a device running Android 10 or above or
- Get in touch to order a physical Secure Key so you can use online banking - see 'What if your device isn't compatible?' section below for contact details
If you don't do either, we'll start sending your statements by post.
So my trusty telephone that does all I want, without any additional bells and whistles, will now have to be put out to grass as it only has Android 9, and doesn't seem to be upgradeable (not that I would usually need it). Buying a new phone does not come cheap ... I don't have the knowledge to discern between 'safe' 'reliable' or 'secure' makers, nor the various multiple features and versions that they have. It really gets in my craw to have to consider buying a new phone just to continue internet banking (remembering that I do not live in the UK so can't 'just pop down to my bank'). Their suggested work round is a 'physical security key' which has to be acquired by telephoning a UK number (ALWAYS ENGAGED) to get what seems very close to the physical 'key' that they phased out a few years ago ... reinventing the wheel??
Would any forum members kindly like to point me to reasonable phones that are capable of Android 14 or higher, without compromising my data and being able to turn off any helpful interactive AI chat bots already installed? I'd be most grateful, and suggestions from where these phones could be safely acquired would also be appreciated.
Very many thanks in advance ....from your impoverished techie froggy dinosaur who is just struggling with updating to Windows 11 after many years of happiness on XP, 7 and 10!!