How to Update an Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Android OS updates offer system enhancements and bug fixes that can improve your overall experience. You can find your device's Android version number, security update level, and Google Play system level in your Settings app. You'll get notifications when updates are available for your device. You can also manually check for updates.

In this guide you'll learn how to check for updates on your Android device.

Before proceeding with any system updates, make sure that the battery level of your device is sufficient. Updates can usually be performed safely when the battery is charged to or above 80%. Ideally, your device should be connected to power while any update is being performed.

Tools You'll Need:

• An Android phone or tablet
• Access to the internet

-->

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

Before You Begin:

You must have this thing before you whatever.

• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Title of GP User Should Do First
• Each individual prereq should have its own box like this. Not all will contain multiple links.
• Comment out prerequisites section if no prereqs are necessary

-->

2. Update your Android Device

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Scroll to the bottom, and select About.
   

1. Select System update.
   

1. You'll see if there's any updates available, as well as when your device last checked for updates. You can select Check for update to have the device manually check for any available updates.
   

1. If an update is available, you can download and install it here.Do not turn off your phone during an update, it can result in serious problems that would require a qualified technician to fix.

3. Connect your Device to WiFi

Due to the file size of certain updates, it's best that your device be connected to WiFi before checking for updates.

1. Open Settings.
   

1. Select WiFi.
   

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is toggled On.
   

1. If your device was previously connected to a WiFi network at your current location, it should automatically connect to the same network it was previously connected to. That network will be displayed with a Connected status.
   

To Connect to a New Network

If you're connecting to a particular WiFi network for the first time:

1. Select the connection from the list.
   

1. Enter the password for the network, then select Connect.
   

To Connect to a Hidden Network

If the WiFi network you wish to connect to is a hidden network, it won't appear in the list of available networks. However, if you know the network's exact name and password, it can be added manually.

1. Select Add network.
   

1. Enter the Network Name (also called the SSID) you wish to connect to, the type of Security it uses (usually WPA2), and the Password for the network, then select Save.