Manually Upgrade an Android Device Operating System

This article teaches you how to search for and download the latest available operating system for your Android device.

Steps

Connect your device to Wi-Fi. Do so by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the Wi-Fi button.
- Check out this guide for details on connecting to a wireless network.
- Updating Android over Wi-Fi is the simplest and most recommended way of doing so.
Open your device’s Settings. It's typically a gear-shaped (⚙️) icon but could also be an app that looks like a series of slider bars.
Scroll down and tap About Device. It's near the bottom of the menu.
- On a tablet, you may need to tap the General tab at the top of the screen first.
Tap Update. It's at the top of the menu, and depending on the version of Android you're running, may read "Software Update" or "System Firmware Update".
Tap Check for Updates. Your device will search for available system updates.
- Many versions of Android are device-specific. Your device will only search for updates that are compatible with your device.
Tap Update. If there is an update available, this button will appear at the top of the menu.
Tap Install. The button may also read "Reboot and Install" or "Install System Software". This starts the download and installation process.
Wait for the installation to complete. Your phone will automatically reboot when the installation finishes.

Go to your device manufacturer’s official website from a desktop browser. Once there, follow links to its support and downloads page.
- You may have to enter specific device information or register your device to access software updates.
Download and install device management software. The names and functions of such software vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- For example, Samsung's device management software is called "Kies," Motorola's is called "MDM," etc.
Return to the device manufacturer's official website. Once there, return to the support and downloads page.
Search for available updates. These updates come in a downloadable file that you can install using your manufacturer's device management software.
Connect your device to your computer. Use the cable that came with the device. In most cases, it will be a USB to micro USB cable.
Open the device management application.
Locate the update command. It will typically be listed in a tab or drop-down menu along the top of the window.
- In Kies, for example, it's under the "Tools" drop-down menu.
Click on the update command. Doing so will start the update process. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Back up your device. Do this in case you want to revert the rooting process later on.
- Rooting an Android phone or tablet is different for every model.
- Rooting to upgrade is not supported by your carrier's or manufacturer's technical support and may void your warranty.
Search online for rooting software. Using a browser on your computer, look for rooting software that is designed to be used with your specific device model.
Download the software. Follow on-screen instructions to download and install the rooting software to your computer.
Connect your device to your computer. Use the cable that came with the device. In most cases, it will be a USB to micro USB cable.
Open the rooting software. Do so on your computer.
Start the rooting process. Follow the on-screen prompts in the rooting software to complete the process.
- If the software does not provide instructions, search online for a tutorial about rooting your specific device.
Restart your device. Now your device will run on the Android version you installed.

Rooted ROMs are most of the time unstable and may frequently cause system failures or freezes on your phone.

Always remember to backup your files on your computer first before doing any update as this process may delete all the data on your phone.