This article will teach you how to install the latest version of the Android OS. The easiest way to update Android is by connecting it to Wi-Fi and using the "Settings" app to find and apply the update, but you can also use the manufacturer's desktop software to force an update.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the "Settings" Application
Step 1. Check if Android is connected to Wi-Fi
To download and install an update, your device must be connected to a wireless network, not your mobile data plan.
Depending on your Android device, you may also need to plug it into a charger or charge it to some extent (such as 50%) before you can install the update
Step 2. Open the "Settings" app on Android
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap settings
, which is in the upper right corner of the resulting drop-down menu.
On some models, you may need to use two fingers
Step 3. Scroll down and tap System at the bottom of the "Settings" page
- On Samsung Galaxy, tap Software update.
Step 4. At the bottom of the page, tap About phone
- If you are using a Google Android (such as the Pixel phone), tap Advanced.
- On Samsung Galaxy, tap Download updates manually.
- If you are using an Android tablet, tap about the tablet.
Step 5. Tap the Update option
The name of this option may vary, but it's somewhere on the "About Phone" (or "Manually Download Updates" page on Samsung Galaxy) page.
- Maybe you need to touch first Check updates.
Step 6. Follow the onscreen instructions
Depending on your Android model, you will need to go through some screens (such as entering your passcode and confirming the update) before starting the update.
Step 7. Wait until Android is updated
This process can take about half an hour. At the end of the update and reboot, the latest version of the operating system will be installed on your device.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Computer
Step 1. Download desktop software from your Android device manufacturer
This step varies by phone model, but you can usually find the desktop software from the "Download" section of the manufacturer's "Support" page. Some common options include:
- Samsung: open Kies download page, scroll down, click KIES DOWNLOAD (on Mac, click SMART SWITCH).
- LG: open the LG PC Suite page, scroll down until you find your operating system (like for example Windows).
- Sony: open the Xperia Companion download page and click and Download for Windows or Download for Mac OS.
- Motorola: Open the Motorola Device Manager download page and click Download for Windows (Download for Windows) or Download for Mac (Download for Mac).
Step 2. Install desktop software
To do this, double-click on the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions.
On Mac, you usually just click and drag the icon to the "Applications" folder shortcut. You may also need to check the software before you can install it
Step 3. Find and download an available update file
If you have an update available, it will usually appear in the "Downloads" section of the "Support" page; you may need to select your device type and model to get the appropriate update.
- Click on the update filename or the button Download to download it.
- If you don't see anything listed on the page then there are no new updates available.
Step 4. Connect Android device to computer
Connect the device to the computer using the USB cable.
If you have a Mac, you will need to use a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter
Step 5. Open the manufacturer's desktop software
Click once or twice on the software icon in the "Desktop".
-
You can also type his name in the menu. Start
Windowsstart (Windows) or spotlight
Macspotlight (Mac), and then click once or twice on his name in the result.
Step 6. Find and click the Update option
The exact location varies depending on the software used.
- For example, on Samsung Kies, you must first click on the dropdown menu Tools, and then on Update.
Step 7. Select the update when prompted
Click once on the update file to select it, then click Open to confirm.
- You may need to click first Browse file or To search for to select the update file.
Step 8. Follow the onscreen instructions
The installation process varies by software and Android model, so follow the onscreen instructions until the installation starts.