How to update Android OS on your smartphone

How to update Android OS on your smartphone

A step-by-step guide to updating your Android's OS

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Updating your Android operating system (OS) is imperative to the safety and natural working order of your smartphone. OS updates are important because you want to ensure that your apps and other functions run smoothly, and to protect your phone from vulnerabilities. This is because updates often contain patches and address specific identified risks. This guide is meant to help you identify available updates for your Android, which will enable maximum performance.

Install updates as they become available

Typically, you’ll be notified when your Android’s operating system update is available. At this notification, you’ll be prompted to either install the update or delay it. While it’s always a good idea to install these updates as soon as possible, it’s also smart to make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network. OS updates can consume more data than usual, especially for the more data-heavy updates.

Is your device up-to-date? 

Depending on the age of your device, newer versions of the Android OS may not be compatible. For example, if you’re using an older Android smartphone, the latest Android OS might not work for your phone. If your device isn’t functioning properly or you suspect you have missed an update for any reason, you can also force your device to search for available updates. Before you do, however, it’s always a good idea to back-up your data, such as your contacts and photos. You don’t want to inadvertently wipe out your important information or photo memories.

Manually search for and install available updates

Before you force your smartphone to search for available software updates, you should first check what version of Android OS your device is currently running.

Go to Settings > About Phone (depending on your device, this may be found under the General or System subcategory). On the following screen, information about your phone is displayed. The information should include network status, your phone’s name, model number, and Android OS version. Some devices will also show the Android security patch level and security software version. This added information is helpful if you’re searching for security updates.

Go back to Settings > System updates > Check for system updates. Your device will then search for the latest Android OS updates.

If a newer update is available that’s also compatible with your device, you’ll be prompted to install it now or later. It’s important to note, you won’t be able to make or receive calls or use other features while your device is updating. Depending on the update, it can take up to 15 minutes (sometimes longer, depending on your connection) to fully install and reboot your phone.

If there are no new updates available for your device, you’ll see a notification informing you that your device is up-to-date.

Checking your system update history

So are you wondering if you’ve installed the latest Android update? Fortunately, you can also check your system update history from the System updates screen. Go to Settings > System updates > Show system update history. The last system update installed is displayed on this screen. This means you can quickly verify if a previous update was installed successfully.

Select Show system update history to view more history. On the following screen, you can verify the dates, times, and the updates that were previously installed. This information is helpful if you’re ever troubleshooting or on the phone with a wireless representative.

Keeping your smartphone’s Android OS up-to-date is an important factor in smartphone security, and it keeps your device running at peak performance. If your device is sluggish or experiencing glitches, it’s a good idea to check if you’re running the most current version available for your device. If not, updating your Android OS is a simple process that often fixes any glitches or timing issues.