Update an Android
Updates for your phone or tablet can be exciting events. They usually bring new features and functionality, as well as increased performance. Your device normally informs you when an update is available, but these messages can be delayed. If you know an update is available and you need to get your hands on it ASAP, follow this guide.
Steps
Over the Air (OTA)
- Make sure the backup option is checked. While updating your Android OS is usually a painless process, there is a small chance that your device may crash. To protect against this, ensure that your device is properly backed up.
- Open your device’s Settings. You can find the Settings app in your app drawer, or you can press your device’s menu button when you are on the Home screen and select Settings.
- Android updates are typically only available through the device itself. There are some exceptions, such as downloading the update through Samsung Kies on your computer for Samsung devices. Updating happens automatically on Kies if there is an update available when you connect your device to your computer via USB.
- Scroll down to About phone and tap it to open your device’s information screen. This is located at the bottom of the Settings list. It may be labeled About phone or About tablet.
- Tap the System updates option. This may also be labeled Software updates.
- Tap Check now. Your device will check to see if any updates are available. Update availability is dependent on your device’s manufacturer as well as your mobile service provider. New updates may not always be available for all devices.
- If there is an update available, the update will begin downloading to your device. For larger updates, this could take a while, and you should have your device connected to a Wi-Fi network so that you avoid going over your data allotment.
- Tap Restart & install. Once the update has finished downloading, the device will need to restart in order to install the software. This will render your device inoperable for a few minutes during the update process.
- Plug your device into its charger during the installation process to ensure that the battery doesn't run out while the update is being installed. Sometimes mobiles may hang and will not switch on, in this circumstance you have to reboot your device. In the rebooting process all the updated data is erased and your phone is switched on. To reboot phone, long press the power key + up or down sound button.
