The present invention provides systems and methods for notifying mobile devices of the presence of software and/or firmware updates using Mobile-IP extensions. When a mobile device seeks to engage in a Mobile-IP session, it sends a Mobile-IP registration request message. When it receives a reply to the registration request, the reply includes a Mobile-IP extension that indicates whether an update is available for the mobile device. If the extension indicates that an update is available, the mobile device responsively obtains the update.