How to Manually Upgrade an Android Device Operating System

Method1

Updating Your Device Over the Air (OTA)

1. 
   1
   Connect your device to Wi-Fi. Do so by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the Wi-Fi button.

   • Check out this guide for details on connecting to a wireless network.
   • Updating Android over Wi-Fi is the simplest and most recommended way of doing so.
2. 
   2
   Open your device’s Settings. It's typically a gear-shaped (⚙️) icon but could also be an app that looks like a series of slider bars.
3. 
   3
   Scroll down and tap About Device. It's near the bottom of the menu.

   • On a tablet, you may need to tap the General tab at the top of the screen first.
4. 
   4
   Tap Update. It's at the top of the menu, and depending on the version of Android you're running, may read "Software Update" or "System Firmware Update".
5. 
   5
   Tap Check for Updates. Your device will search for available system updates.

   • Many versions of Android are device-specific. Your device will only search for updates that are compatible with your device.
6. 6
   Tap Update. If there is an update available, this button will appear at the top of the menu.
7. 7
   Tap Install. The button may also read "Reboot and Install" or "Install System Software". This starts the download and installation process.
8. 
   8
   Wait for the installation to complete. Your phone will automatically reboot when the installation finishes.

Method2

Updating Your Device Using a Computer

1. 1
   Go to your device manufacturer’s official website from a desktop browser. Once there, follow links to its support and downloads page.

   • You may have to enter specific device information or register your device to access software updates.
2. 2
   Download and install device management software. The names and functions of such software vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

   • For example, Samsung's device management software is called "Kies," Motorola's is called "MDM," etc.
3. 3
   Return to the device manufacturer's official website. Once there, return to the support and downloads page.
4. 4
   Search for available updates. These updates come in a downloadable file that you can install using your manufacturer's device management software.
5. 5
   Connect your device to your computer. Use the cable that came with the device. In most cases, it will be a USB to micro USB cable.
6. 6
   Open the device management application.
7. 7
   Locate the update command. It will typically be listed in a tab or drop-down menu along the top of the window.

   • In Kies, for example, it's under the "Tools" drop-down menu.
8. 8
   Click on the update command. Doing so will start the update process. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Method3

Update Using a Rooted ROM

1. 1
   Back up your device. Do this in case you want to revert the rooting process later on.

   • Rooting an Android phone or tablet is different for every model.
   • Rooting to upgrade is not supported by your carrier's or manufacturer's technical support and may void your warranty.
2. 2
   Search online for rooting software. Using a browser on your computer, look for rooting software that is designed to be used with your specific device model.
3. 3
   Download the software. Follow on-screen instructions to download and install the rooting software to your computer.
4. 4
   Connect your device to your computer. Use the cable that came with the device. In most cases, it will be a USB to micro USB cable.
5. 5
   Open the rooting software. Do so on your computer.
6. 6
   Start the rooting process. Follow the on-screen prompts in the rooting software to complete the process.

   • If the software does not provide instructions, search online for a tutorial about rooting your specific device.
7. 7
   Restart your device. Now your device will run on the Android version you installed.