Update Android Version on Tablet

This article teaches you how to update the operating system on your Android tablet.

Steps

Connect your tablet to Wi-Fi. Do so by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the Wi-Fi button.
- If you're not automatically connected, select a Wi-Fi network and enter a password, if necessary.
- Updating Android over Wi-Fi is the simplest and most recommended way of doing so.
Go to your tablet’s Settings. It's typically a gear-shaped (⚙️) icon but could also be an app that looks like a series of slider bars.
Tap General. It's a tab at the top of the screen.
Scroll down and tap About Device. It's near the bottom of the menu.
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 tablet will search for available system updates.
- Many versions of Android are device-specific. Your tablet 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.
- When installation is complete, your tablet will restart with the new update.

Go to your tablet 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 tablet 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 tablet 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 tablet to your desktop. 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 allows you to install versions of Android that were not designed for your device.
- Android versions from manufacturers are restricted. This prevents you from installing programs not suitable for your specific model of tablet. In case the Android version you use is not compatible with your device, a backup will allow you to revert to the device’s original factory settings.
Search online for rooting software. Using a browser on your desktop, look for rooting software that is designed to be used with your specific tablet model.
Download the software. Follow onscreen instructions to download and install the rooting software to your desktop.
Connect your tablet to your desktop. Use the cable that came with the device. In most cases, it will be a USB to micro USB cable.
Open the rooting software.
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 tablet.
Restart your tablet. Now your tablet will run on the Android version you installed.

Rooting voids your tablet’s manufacturer warranty.
Rooting allows you to update to any version of Android, but updates that were not designed for your model may slow down or damage your tablet.
Since the tablet hardware is not upgradeable, you may not be able to upgrade your tablet beyond a certain version of Android.

Updating by root is done the same way as updating your tablet, by connecting it to your computer and using specific software and the Android version you want to install.
Always back up your tablet's data to your google account or computer before updating Android.