We will tell you in the article how to update the Android version on your phone to the latest version! Many Android smartphones and tablets receive regular updates. The only exceptions are devices from little-known Chinese companies and very budget devices.
Why update Android
Some users of devices running this OS are wondering: should they update Android, and if so, why do it? This is highly recommended, since installing updates:
- fixes security issues;
- improves system performance and stability;
- brings new features.
As a result, after updating, the device is less susceptible to security threats, runs faster, and provides better usability.
You can check this in three ways:
- on the official website of the device manufacturer;
- on specialized forums (for example, w3bsit3-dns.com);
- by launching the application to update the device over the Air.
How to find out the current Android version of your device
To check which OS version is currently installed, do the following:
- go to the settings menu;
- scroll through the items to the last one - which is called “About phone” and tap on it;
- Opposite “Android version” you can see the one present on the device.
Important: many Chinese manufacturers create their systems based on Google's OS. Therefore, in addition to the version of the “Green Robot”, you can also find out about the version of the operating system itself from the specified menu. Often, after an update, it is the latter that changes, while the former remains the same.
Why doesn't Android update automatically on my phone?
Most often this happens for three reasons:
- First– the manufacturer did not provide for the possibility of an update over the air. In this case, the system does not have a proprietary application and the standard one has been removed, which checks, downloads, unpacks and replaces the corresponding files.
- Second– the corresponding function is disabled. To activate it, you need to go to the program that performs the update, find this option there and enable it. You can read about activating the standard Android update tool in the “Over the Air” subsection.
- Third– the software updater is prohibited from accessing the Internet. Many phones/tablets can be used to block network access using a built-in application.
Separately, it should be mentioned that automatic updates may not occur because the device manufacturer simply does not release updates.
Updating a system is not reinstalling it. Therefore, after it, absolutely all data that was present on the phones at the time of initialization of the process in question is saved.
Moreover, 90% of users have contacts synchronized with the Google cloud. The only exceptions are those who intentionally disabled this feature or use a device that completely lacks services from the specified search giant.
That is, when synchronization is enabled, contacts will be saved even if the OS is completely reinstalled. They will even appear on another phone if you log in with your GMAIL account.
Methods to update the Android version
There are three ways to install updates: over the air - the easiest, through a PC - the most complex, using applications - very unsafe.
Updating Android over the air
In order for the device to receive updates over the air, it is necessary that the developer provide for this possibility. It, in turn, is available in almost all devices over $100.
Over-the-air update involves checking for the latest patches via the Internet (wi-fi) using the phone's built-in tools. If they are, then a special program downloads them to the device and replaces the files present in the system partition with those located in the downloaded archives.
However, the presence of the corresponding opportunity does not mean that updates will come forever. Typically, the device support period is 3 years, and for some manufacturers it is even less.
If Android is “clean”, then you can try to update it through the settings menu. To do this, you need to go to the “About phone” section, select “System update” there and switch the switch to the active position.
Update Android via PC
To update via computer you need:
- drivers for mobile devices;
- special utility;
- archive with update.
Also, before this, you may need to unlock the bootloader, which is done through the developer menu.
The specific steps that need to be performed in this case depend on the phone model. To obtain the appropriate instructions, you must refer to the manufacturer’s official website or the relevant topics on the forums.
It should be noted that you can install updates from the archive directly from your phone. But this will require the TWRP bootloader.
Update Android using apps
This is the worst way to get updates. Serious companies do not develop such programs, and those applications that exist were created by someone unknown. This method should be used as a last resort.
The principle of working with such applications in most cases is as follows:
- downloading and launching the corresponding application;
- selecting a device model (if it is not detected automatically);
- Click on the Update button and wait for the update process to complete.
The easiest way to install patches on the Green Robot is to run the OTA update utility (OTA utility is a standard application for updates provided by the manufacturer). If Android is “clean”, then you need to go to settings, then select “System”, and then “System update”. If the switch present there is active, then, provided there is a connection to the Network, information about patches that have not yet been downloaded will appear on the screen. To install them, you will need to click on the checkbox and agree to download and install the files.
If the manufacturer has provided its own program for updating the system, then you need to run it and follow the instructions it offers.
If, after opening, it has not loaded information about the packages, you will need to click on the button with the image of an arrow wrapped in a circle. After this, all that remains is to agree to install updates if they were found.
How to update Android on a tablet
How to update Android on a tablet is no different from how to update Android on a phone - these are almost identical devices, just different sizes.
Everything is quite simple, the procedure is as follows:
- Download the update and save it on your phone;
- Turn off the phone and use the key combination (see the combination on the website of the manufacturer of your device) to go to the engineering menu;
- Find the “Apply update” item and indicate the location of the downloaded update - you’re done.
If OTA does not work, then you can update via your computer. For information on how to do this, read the “Via PC” subsection.
Android custom firmware update: where to download, how to install
Attention: It will not be possible to update a custom OS system; a complete reinstallation of the system will be required.
As you already understand, it will not be possible to update the system with custom firmware, and to completely flash the device you will need to obtain RTH rights. Mobile phone manufacturers strongly discourage using custom firmware, much less reflash devices yourself.
In what cases is it not necessary to update Android?
There are several such cases:
- The phone already has the latest firmware.
- The operation of the device is completely satisfactory and there is no valuable information on the phone.
- Your phone is old and will most likely slow down a lot after the update.
- You can't connect to wi-fi, and mobile traffic is expensive.
How to disable Android updates
This can be done either by changing the position of the switch in the “About phone” – “System update” menu to inactive, or by disabling the corresponding option in the proprietary application.
How to roll back an Android update to a previous version
In fact, there is no way to do this. However, it is still possible to return to the old system. To do this, you need to reflash the device. But you will need to find the firmware that matches the previous version.
You can also reset the firmware to factory firmware, for this:
- Find the “Privacy” item in the settings (parameters) menu;
- Click the “Reset settings” item in the “Reset settings” tab and wait for the device to restart.
Be sure to backup your data, as after a rollback they will be erased from the device’s memory.
Third-party programs for updating Android
Now we will briefly consider the option of how to update Android on a phone/tablet using special programs.
The first of them is Android Update Manager. Through it you can update Android for free. Its advantage is that it allows you to roll out custom firmware. That is, even if the developer no longer supports the device, through AUM you can install a more recent version of the software on it than provided.
Upgrade for Android Go Next– through this application you can get acquainted with the features of different OS versions for a specific phone and install them. However, of course, not all devices have new versions.
If you want to update Android as quickly and easily as possible, it is not recommended to use any applications. This is due to the fact that it is far from a fact that the updates will install normally, and if this happens, you will have to remove the phone from the “bricked” state.
As you can see, there are many ways to install updates. However, it is better to use either those provided by the device manufacturer, or popular, proven ones.
All Android users sooner or later think about updating the system. This is not surprising, because software developers do not hesitate to release the next new version. New updates usually open the door to new features, so users are often looking for a software update solution. In this article, we will offer you two options to solve this problem.
1) Software update via phone settings
This method is one of the simplest and most accessible for all users. You don't need to put in much effort, just follow the instructions. Screenshots were taken on Android 4.4 - KitKat.
Step 1
Backup. Typically, updating software through your phone settings is a virtually harmless process, but to avoid unwanted problems, you need to make a backup.
Step 3
Once you've opened Settings, scroll down the settings panel to System. Click on the "About device" item. Typically, depending on your device, this item may be titled "About Tablet" or "About Phone"
Step 4
Click on the "System Update" option.
Step 5
Next, click the “Download” or “Check Now” button. After this action, you will receive a message indicating that there are available updates for your system. It is worth noting that updating the system may take you a little time. It is also necessary to connect the device to Wi-Fi. After all the steps, reboot your devices.
That's probably all. If you experience any performance issues, errors or freezes after updating your device, then you need to reboot your device again.
2) Software update via computer
You can also use special programs to install the latest updates. The most famous such programs are Kies, as well as New PC Studio.
Step 1
Download the program to your computer. Install it.
Step 2
We connect the phone via a USB cable to the computer. If you have installed the Kies program, you need to open it and click the "Tools" tab.
Step 3
Next, select “Firmware update and initialization”. As a rule, after completing this procedure, the program itself will determine if there are available updates for your device. After all the steps, you need to restart the phone. Also, do not forget that even if you update the software via a computer, you still need the Internet.
Attention!
Whatever software update option you choose, remember that the slightest error or glitch can lead to your phone losing important data or simply turning into a brick. So be careful when installing updates. Don't forget to make backups. Good luck!
How to update Android is a question of interest to users of devices running this OS. Although this is not necessary, sometimes an update is necessary. For example, some applications only work starting from a certain version of Android. In addition, with each global firmware update, developers strive to get rid of various shortcomings and improve performance.
Before starting the firmware update, make sure that the smartphone is fully charged, and also back up your data and create a backup. This will help avoid all sorts of problems.
To change the firmware, three options are used: automatic, manual, and updating from a computer. Usually the second method is used:
- The required OS version is downloaded from the manufacturer's official website.
- The system is reset to the device, then the latter switches to recovery.
- In the apply update from item, select an SD card or Storage, depending on where the OS is loaded.
- In the next window, select the required file and start the installation.
When the process is complete, the device will reboot.
How to update Android to 6
The sixth part of the OS is called Marshmallow. You can install it on any device, although most smartphones are produced on the seventh. The sixth is used for outdated phones with a small amount of RAM, since the seventh is much more demanding, although more ergonomic. You can perform the installation using the method suggested above or use a computer. A detailed description of installing Android via PC is presented below.
How to update Android to 7
Most Chinese smartphones run on this version of the OS. This refers to Chinese companies, for example, China Mobile. This is due to the quality of the operating system and its prevalence. Android 7.0 works on the vast majority of smartphones, although it is demanding on RAM. Setting the seven is similar to the six and is done in two ways.
How to update Android to 8
There are two eights: Android 8.0 and 8.1. Both are only available for a limited number of phones:
- Nexus, Pixel from Google.
- Samsung Galaxy S7 and S8, S8+, as well as all devices released in 2017.
- Sony XA1 and Xperia X series.
- Xiaomi Mi 5S, Mi 6 series.
- LG V10, 20; G6, 5; Q6.
- HTC U series and tenth series.
- Nokia 3, 5, 6, 8.
For most of these devices, the eighth version of Android has become final, so to install it, just go to the settings, open the software update and perform an automatic system update.
How to update Android to 9
The ninth version of Android is gradually becoming officially distributed on all devices, serving as the main operating system. To install it, just go to your phone settings, scroll down and open help. Usually, the software update item is listed first, but sometimes it is located below. Make sure that version 9 of Android has been released for your device, charge your smartphone and run the automatic update. Don't forget to turn on Wi-Fi to boot the operating system.
How to update Android to 10
The tenth version of Android is in development and it is impossible to install it on a mobile device, since the current, ninth version of the software has not yet been distributed to all smartphones. In addition, OS developers are busy creating patch 9.1, which will eliminate the shortcomings of 9.0.
Testing of Android Q, the tenth part of the operating system, is planned for spring 2020. If developers are able to achieve API 29, it is possible that version 9.1 will be skipped as it will only be able to support API 28. A stable 10.0 system should be expected to be released in the summer or fall of 2020.
How to update to the latest version
The easiest way to update your Android device is to go into its settings:
- Select About phone and proceed to system update.
- Check for updates by pressing the appropriate key. Make sure your smartphone is charged.
- If a new OS version is detected, the device will begin the installation procedure.
If one device received an update, but a similar one did not, check the settings:
This option installs the latest available version.
How to update Android on your phone via computer
If the options suggested above do not work, you will have to use a complex method. To do this you will need a computer, a cable and a special utility. And you also need to download drivers for a specific phone model.
General principle of updating Android:
- Download a specialized program to install the firmware.
- Install drivers to recognize a specific device.
- Download the firmware from the company website.
- Enable USB debugging on the device in the developer section.
- Connect your smartphone using a cable and install the firmware through the program.
How to return to the old version of Android after updating
If there is a need to roll back the system, you will need to perform a backup. This allows you to return all files and settings. But you can perform a recovery only if you have a backup copy, what is called a backup. Creating backups is necessary when working not only with smartphones, but also tablets and computers.
Backup copies of files are created by many, but not by all. If the operating system was updated without creating a backup, and then you needed to roll it back, you need to find the user who created backup copies on a similar device. This will help restore at least the system and settings. But it’s better to avoid rolling back from someone else’s backup, since you can catch malware.
Various programs are used to create and restore backup copies of files. Let's look at the principle of action based on Titanium Backup, which not only saves files, but also allows you to return the previous version of the OS.
Unlike the standard copying of files performed by a Google account, creating a backup in the program allows you to save more information. The synchronization performed by Google saves contacts and data of some applications, as well as information about the Play Market and other applications of the Google family. A full backup saves not only this, but also the application itself, which allows you to save game saves and other data that Google loses. The backup restores pictures, text documents, music and videos that were stored on the device, as well as Wi-Fi network settings, system settings, etc. This is especially useful if you have several similar applications, especially instant messengers.
Creating a backup
To make a backup, you will need to install root on your phone; it will allow you to access the settings that are stored in system files. And you also need an SD card installed in the device. To create a backup you need:
The process takes from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of information. Make sure you have enough space on your SD card. Copy the data to your computer to have access to the information if the memory card is lost or damaged.
Titanium Backup can be used as an everyday file backup tool. To do this, you need to find a schedule in the menu and set the program the frequency of saving information to the memory card.
Android and file recovery
If you need to return the old version of the system, go to the program menu and again find the “Processing” item. Open recovery and press the restore key to restore all software and data. This action will completely roll back the device to the time the last backup was created.
If restoring the operating system is not necessary, but you want to return certain applications, go to the backup section. Select the files you want to recover and start the process. Typically, the program prompts you to reboot the device for the changes to take effect.
Sometimes the program does not perform a full recovery of the operating system. To solve the problem, you need to install the ClockworkMod Recovery application or any equivalent. The utility interface is very simple. Such programs are specially designed to recover lost data, including old phone firmware.
How to update Android if there are no updates
If there is reliable information about the release of a new update, but the phone has not started installation, you need to visit the manufacturer’s specialized forum. Make sure that there really is a new version of Android and find the download link. Check that the OS is suitable for the device, download it and install it.
To do this, you need to go to phone update in the settings and open the additional menu. Then you need to select local updates for Android 5.1 and below or select the firmware file for other versions. The item name may vary slightly due to different localization options on devices.
The system will check the selected file for suitability and begin installation. Make sure the device battery is charged to avoid interruption of the process.
Which phones support versions 6 to 10
The vast majority of Android devices work with the specified versions of the operating system. It should be remembered: new smartphones have a negative attitude towards outdated software, but are able to interact with it. And modern OS versions can ruin an outdated device due to high performance requirements.
How to update Android? This question arises for many users of smartphones and tablets based on the Android operating system. In this article we will talk not only about how to update the Android operating system, but also consider the update system as a whole.
In order to understand how Android is updated, you need to start with theory. The Android operating system is developed by Google and a consortium of interested companies called the Open Handset Alliance. The Android operating system is completely free and open source. Naturally, all Android updates are also free and open.
But there are also pitfalls in the Android operating system update system. Before an update reaches a user's phone or tablet, it must go through the device manufacturer. In other words, the manufacturers who produce these devices are responsible for Android updates directly on the devices themselves.
Google and Open Handset Alliance logos
For example, in order for the Android 4.4 update to reach the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini smartphone, Samsung must receive this update from the operating system developers and optimize it for the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini smartphone. At the same time, Samsung has hundreds of different models of Android smartphones, each of which needs to be updated. All this takes a huge amount of time. As a result, this leads to many months passing from the moment an Android update is released until it appears on users’ smartphones. Some Android updates appear after a year or even later.
And in some cases, the update does not come out at all. Some time after the release of a new smartphone or tablet model, the manufacturer stops releasing updates. This is due to the technical obsolescence of the device and the company's reluctance to spend resources on releasing updates. In addition, an outdated operating system is an excellent reason to buy a new model, so manufacturing companies are not interested in releasing updates for a long time. As a rule, flagship models receive Android updates within 1.5 – 2 years. Models from the middle and lower price ranges stop receiving updates even earlier. As a rule, manufacturers update them within 1 year, after which they are successfully forgotten about.
How to update Android through official updates
In order to check if there is an Android update for your smartphone, you need to open the Android settings and go to the “About device” section (in some cases, this section may be called “About the tablet” or “About the smartphone”).
After this, you will be taken to a section with information about your device. Here you can find out the version of Android that is already installed, as well as other information about the firmware. To check for updates for Android, go to the “Software Update” section (in some cases, this section may be called “System Update” or simply “Update”.
After this, the system will check for Android updates for your device model. If there is such an update, you will be prompted to install it; if there is no update, you will see a message stating that you have the latest version of Android installed.
How to update Android using unofficial firmware
If the speed at which updates are released for your device does not bother you or updates do not appear at all, then you can install non-official firmware based on a newer version of Android. But installing non-official firmware is quite a troublesome and risky business.
If you decide to install non-official firmware, then be prepared for a long study of various instructions that explain how this can be done. Moreover, these instructions may vary greatly depending on the model of your device and the firmware that you want to install.
In addition, you need to understand that if you make an error when installing non-official firmware, you may end up with a completely non-functional device. Even if the installation is successful, there is no guarantee that the installed firmware will work as you expect it to.
You also need to take care of the safety of all contacts, photos and other data stored in the device’s memory. When installing non-official firmware, they will all be deleted.
Therefore, before deciding on such a risky move as updating Android by installing non-official firmware, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Many experienced Android owners are often forced or intentionally updating the firmware to fix bugs or get new features. You will learn how to update the firmware on Android from this article.
Why update firmware on Android
Here is a partial list of reasons:
- Get new and/or previously unavailable features/features.
- Fix identified errors and problems in the firmware.
- Close vulnerabilities and security holes.
- Improve device performance or speed up an outdated device.
- Download some games and applications that do not work on outdated versions of the system.
Types, differences and features of updates
Standard firmware
There are 2 types of updates:
- Intermediate.
- Complete.
The interim update contains fixes and improvements within the current OS version. For example, if Android is 5.0, then updates are applicable only to this version. Typically, builds of this type contain only fixes and rarely seen innovations. Interim updates also contain security fixes that close possible holes for hacking the device.
The full version includes more changes than the intermediate version. The package contains all the necessary files for a clean installation. Suitable for restoring a device after unsuccessful firmware or for updating to a new version of Android, for example from 7.1 to 8.0.
MIUI firmware
The system is presented mainly on Xiaomi devices. The firmware is also often installed on models from other manufacturers in the form of a custom modification. As with most other standard firmware, the system is also available as an intermediate and full package.
At the same time, MIUI uses a distinctive approach in the development and distribution of firmware, in comparison with other manufacturers. Two types of firmware are available:
Chinese. The firmware is intended for users/developers/testers from the Middle Kingdom, since it contains only English and Chinese localization. Release order: Alpha build - Beta, for developers - Stable version.
Global. The system is designed for users of other countries, as it contains an expanded language package. Release order: Beta, for developers - Stable version.
Distinctive features of the firmware
Alpha version. The firmware contains the latest innovations and is updated more often. The system is only available to some Chinese testers/developers.
Beta version. Test build, where previously found errors are fixed. The firmware is available to everyone, and a new build is released weekly on Friday, with the exception of major Chinese holidays.
Stable version. Usually comes out every 3-6 months where most of the bugs are fixed. The system is better debugged compared to weekly builds and is more suitable for constant use.
Third party firmware
There are also many different firmwares on the network, developed by companies, experienced developers or a group of enthusiasts. Builds are also classified into alpha, bata and final. The latter is the best option and contains fewer errors. The quality of implementation and support of the system is influenced by the experience and interest of the developers.
Firmware update methods
An Android owner has 4 ways to update the firmware:
- Built-in FOTA option.
- Through factory recovery.
- Using a computer.
- Using third party recovery.
Firmware update via FOTA
Abbreviation FOTA (OTA), translated from English Firmware Over The Air - firmware over the air. The standard method for obtaining and updating firmware for most Android devices.
The principle of operation is to download the firmware from the manufacturer’s server and then install it. The process is automated and does not require the participation of the owner. All you need to do is check for updates, download the file if available, and allow installation. To do this, open the settings section, select “updates” and click on the check for updates button.
For Xiaomi devices with MIUI, in addition to OTA, a second update method is available. If you have the firmware, just download the file to your phone, and then go through the standard update menu, where you can select and install the firmware.
The advantages of the method are complete automation. The owner does not need to delve into the process of installing the firmware and does not have to worry about losing the warranty.
The disadvantage is the lack of long-term support from most manufacturers. Some models do not receive the update at all. Often, in fact, there is an update, but it is not possible to get the file from the server.
Firmware update via factory recovery
Android devices are equipped with a recovery mode. The section is used primarily for resetting settings when the system does not boot, and also for quickly clearing user data. At the same time, factory recovery mode allows you to install firmware updates, usually only intermediate types. And for Xiaomi smartphones, this method is one of the main ones for installing a new firmware version.
The method is relevant when there is an update for the phone, but it is not downloaded via FOTA. Then just download the update file called “update” into memory, it will boot into recovery mode, where you select the file and start the update process.
The disadvantages include some difficulties in finding the update file. More steps are required. Also, only official firmware can be installed; modifications cannot be installed. And since the device support cycle rarely exceeds more than a year, 1.5-2 years for flagships, it is not always possible to update the firmware.
Firmware update using a computer
A computer is required to install the full firmware package or some sections. This method is most often used during official updates. And for some models, firmware for semi-custom assemblies is available - partial modifications assembled on the factory firmware.
When using this method, you will need a laptop. Also drivers for the device being flashed, a program for installing the system and the firmware file itself. The process is also not complicated. All you need to do is connect the device, run the program, specify the path to the file location and confirm the action. The rest will take place without user intervention.
The most crucial moment is the correct choice of firmware. Typically, protective mechanisms prevent the installation of an incorrect assembly, but sometimes there are exceptions, and the device has to be restored.
The advantages include the ability to install a full firmware package, which is important when the update is not available via OTA. You can also flash an “improved” stock, where the author can remove unnecessary programs and services, and in return install a better version of applications.
The disadvantage is the same - the update is limited by the availability of firmware released by the manufacturer. You also need a computer, a program, drivers and a synchronization cable.
Firmware update using modified recovery
The previous three methods described updating a standard system, where the installation depended on the presence of an intermediate or full firmware package. If the manufacturer has stopped supporting, you will not be able to update the system. In such a case or when there is a desire to try an alternative firmware, for example MIUI instead of standard Android, custom, modified firmware is available.
The development and support of such systems is carried out by enthusiasts or experienced programmers. The level of firmware debugging cannot be compared with large electronics manufacturers. But it allows you to install the latest version of the OS on an old device and take advantage of new functions.
You will first need to install a modified version of recovery, which requires unlocking the bootloader. The unlocking method is different for each model - hacking through a vulnerability, paid remote unlocking or free unlocking through the manufacturer.
The advantages lie in installing new versions of the system, which is important when the manufacturer has stopped supporting the device. Also installing “kernels” and other modifications, creating a backup copy of the system and restoring the system at any time.
The disadvantages are the need for third-party recovery and an unlocked bootloader. Also some time and knowledge on the part of the owner.
