This article shows you how to install the latest version of the Android operating system on your device. The easiest way to perform this type of update is to connect your device to a Wi-Fi network and use the "Settings" app to start the update process. However, you may be able to install the update manually using the management software released by the Android device manufacturer for desktop and laptop systems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using the Settings App
Step 1. Make sure your Android device is connected to a Wi-Fi network
In order to download and install the new version of Android, the device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network and not to a cellular data network.
Depending on the Android device you are using, you may also need to connect it to the mains or that the remaining battery charge is above a specific value (for example 50%) before you can perform the update
Step 2. Launch the Device Settings app
Swipe down on the screen starting from the top, then tap the "Settings" icon
located in the upper right corner of the menu that appeared.
With some Android device models you will need to use two fingers to open the notification bar
Step 3. Scroll the "Settings" menu down to select the System item
It is located at the bottom of the menu.
If you are using a Samsung Galaxy, you need to select the option Software update.
Step 4. Tap About Phone
It is located at the bottom of the "System" menu.
- If you are using an Android device developed by Google (for example a Google Pixel), you must select the option Advanced.
- If you are using a Samsung Galaxy, tap on the entry Download updates manually
- If you are using an Android tablet, you need to select the option About the tablet.
Step 5. Tap Update
The precise name of this option varies by device brand and model, but it should be located within the "About phone" menu (or "Download updates manually" if you are using a Samsung Galaxy).
You may need to press the button to start the search for a new update Check the updates.
Step 6. Follow the instructions that will appear on the screen
Depending on the model of Android device you are using, you may need to follow the instructions on some screens before the actual update begins (for example, you may need to enter the device passcode and confirm want to install the update).
Step 7. Wait for the device update procedure to finish
The time required to complete this step could exceed thirty minutes. After the device has been updated and the automatic restart is complete, the latest version of the Android operating system should have been successfully installed and available for use.
Method 2 of 2: Using a Computer
Step 1. Download the Android device management software for desktop and laptop systems created by the manufacturer
The procedure to follow varies according to the manufacturer of the smartphone or tablet, but you will normally find the client installation file in the "Download" section of the "Support" page of the manufacturer's website. Below are the instructions to download this program from the sites of the major Android device manufacturers:
- Samsung - access the download page of the Kies app, scroll down to be able to click on the button KIES DOWNLOAD (if you are using a Mac you will have to click on the button SMART SWITCH);
- LG - access the LG PC Suite product web page, scroll down and click on the link corresponding to the operating system installed on your computer (for example Windows);
- Sony - access the web page to download the Xperia Companion program, then click the button Download for Windows or Download for Mac OS;
- Motorola - go to the web page to download the Motorola Device Manager software, then click on the link 32-bit / 64-bit for Windows platforms or Mac for Apple computers.
Step 2. Install the software you just downloaded
Double-click the installation file icon, then follow the on-screen instructions.
If you are using a Mac, you will probably need to drag the application icon (featuring the device manufacturer's logo) to the "Applications" folder. You may also need to manually authorize the installation before the program is actually installed on your computer
Step 3. Update your Android device if a new version of the operating system is available
If your device manufacturer has released an update for their Android version, it will normally be displayed in the "Downloads" section of the "Support" page. In many cases, you will need to select your device model in order to locate the correct update file.
- Click on the link with the name of the file corresponding to the update or press the button Download to save it to your computer.
- If there is no file listed on the page indicated, it means that there is no update available for your Android device model.
Step 4. Connect the Android device to the computer
Plug the connector of the USB cable you use to charge your device into a free USB port on your computer, then plug the other end into the communication port on your smartphone or tablet.
If you're using a Mac, you'll most likely need to purchase a USB 3.0 to USB-C adapter in order to connect
Step 5. Launch the Android device management software
Double-click the app icon you just installed on your computer.
-
Alternatively, you can type the program name into the menu Start
(on Windows) or the field Spotlight
(on Mac) and double-click the icon that will appear in the results list.
Step 6. Locate and click on Update
The precise location of this option varies depending on the software in use.
For example if you are using the Samsung Kies, you must first click on the drop-down menu Tools and then on the voice Update.
Step 7. Select the update installation file when prompted
Click once on the icon of the file you downloaded to select it, then click on the button You open.
You may need to click on the button Choose file or Browse before you can select the update file.
Step 8. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen
The installation procedure varies according to the client and the model of the Android device, so to complete the update follow all the instructions provided on the screen.
