How to update Android phone or tablet

To get the best performance from your Android phone or tablet you should make sure you're running the latest version of the software - or at least the latest available to you. Here's how to update Android.

 

In this article we'll guide you step-by-step through how to update your Android device, starting with checking which version of Android you are runninYou can force your Android phone or tablet to search for an update in the Settings menu, but you should note that just because a newer version of Android exists it doesn't mean it will be available for your device - now or everIt is entirely dependent what device you have (and sometimes which operator you are with) as to whether your device will be due a software update. Unfortunately, about two years into the device's lifetime you might see updates becoming rarer. There are no obligations from the manufacturers to support updates for older models.

Check Android is up to date

If you don't already know, you can see what version of Android your phone or tablet is running in the Settings, About phone/About tablet/About device menu. You may have to tap on 'Software information' if the version is not displayed.

The latest version is Android 7 Nougat, which will become available for more devices over the coming months. 

Android O is available in beta form, and will be released later this year. Meanwhile, Marshmallow is version 6.x, Lollipop is 5.x, KitKat is 4.4.x, and 4.3, 4.2 and 4.1 are all Jelly Bean.

If your device is running anything older than Jelly Bean, then unless you've simply never updated the software it's unlikely that an update will be available. The manufacturer probably doesn't support this device any longer.

Back up your data

As a precautionary measure, it's good practice to back up your data such as contacts and photos. The upgrade shouldn't affect your data but there are no guarantees.

Check out our complete guide to backing up an Android device to find out how.

Enter Settings

Navigate to the Settings menu on your device. On most Android devices this can be done via the app menu or notification bar.

Typically the Settings app will have a cog or spanner logo.

About Phone or Tablet

Scroll down the Settings menu and click on 'About Phone', 'About Tablet' or perhaps 'About Device'.

If you have a tabbed settings menu this will appear in the 'General' section.

Software Update

The menu can vary from device to device, but look for and click the 'Software Update' or similar button.

Search for an update

Your phone or tablet will now search for an available update. If you are taken to another menu, select the 'Software update check' button or similar.

If an update is available your device then you will be asked whether you wish to install it. If you select yes then the system will download and install the new software and reboot.

Note: You device may require a Wi-Fi connection to search for an update. We also recommend downloading the software over Wi-Fi because the file size can be large.

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