Do you feel like you‘re always several versions behind when it comes to your Android operating system? You‘re not alone. Research shows over 40% of Android devices are running an OS that‘s at least two years old.
While it may seem harmless on the surface, neglecting your Android updates can have serious consequences. From missing out on exciting new features to leaving your device vulnerable to security threats, staying current is crucial.
Fortunately, updating your version of Android is easy – when you know the steps. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the entire update process from start to finish in just six simple stages. Whether you have a smartphone, tablet, or other gadget, these tips will help you upgrade to the latest and greatest OS version in no time.
Let‘s get started! Updating your Android begins by understanding exactly why it matters in the first place.
Why Android Updates Are Essential
Before diving into the how-to, let‘s explore some key reasons why regularly updating your Android OS is so important:
Access Exciting New Features
Each new version of Android comes jam-packed with tons of shiny new features. For instance, Android 12 added a refreshed visual style, more privacy controls, quick settings changes and much more. By updating as soon as possible, you get to start enjoying all the latest additions and innovations from Google‘s talented team of developers.
Boost Security
Along with cool new capabilities, Android updates also incorporate vital security patches that protect your device and personal data from emerging online threats. Research by Duo Labs found phones that were not updated posed significantly higher safety risks with some patches mitigating over 100 vulnerabilities! Keeping current is one of the best defenses you have against malware, hacking, and other cybercrime.
Fix Bugs & Glitches
Beyond adding new things, Android updates also focus on smoothing out bugs in the previous OS version. Updates squash annoying glitches, remedy performance issues, extend battery life, and generally make your device run more stably. For instance, Android 12L aims to specifically optimize Android for large screens improving the experience on phones, tablets and foldables.
Maintain App Compatibility
Developers frequently update their apps with support specifically targeted at new Android releases. If your OS is too far behind, some apps may crash unexpectedly or display interface quirks. Updating ensures seamless compatibility with both current and future app updates as developers move forward.
Stay Current Longer
Last but not least, keeping your Android OS updated will also prolong the lifespan of your device by several years. Google themselves only guarantee providing the latest Android security patches to devices that are running a version less than two years old. If you value keeping your current phone or tablet for as long as possible, routine updates are a must.
Now that you know why staying up-to-date on Android matters, let‘s walk through the update process itself step-by-step. I‘ll be demonstrating on a Google Pixel phone but the general principles apply to any Android device whether made by Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola or another manufacturer.
Step 1: Connect to a WiFi Network
Updating your Android operating system requires downloading a large file, often over 1 GB in size for major version releases. To ensure fast and reliable download speeds, you‘ll want to be connected to a stable WiFi network rather than relying on cellular data.
Here are the steps to get connected to WiFi:
- Pull down the Quick Settings shade at the top of your phone‘s screen then tap the WiFi icon.
- On the WiFi screen, select the name of your desired wireless network.
- If prompted, enter the correct WiFi password or login details and tap Connect.
You‘ll know WiFi is connected when the network name appears displayed below the Quick Settings icon. The WiFi bars will fill to indicate connection strength.
With WiFi ready to go, you‘re set for managing the large download ahead!
Step 2: Check for Android Updates
Now it‘s time to check whether your specific Android device has any software updates available.
Here‘s how to check for updates:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet. This is the gear icon usually found in your app drawer.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Choose Advanced.
- Tap System Update.
On the System Update screen, you‘ll see one of two messages:
- "Your system is up to date" – No new Android OS update is available for your device at this time.
- "Update available" – Shows the latest Android version ready for download and installation.
If you don‘t see a notice for an available update, tap Check for update to manually force a check. This prompts your device to look for the latest Android version available from Google.
Step 3: Download the Update
When an Android OS update is available, the next step is to download it directly onto your device.
The download itself is quite straightforward:
- On the System Update screen, tap Download.
- If prompted, read the overview of what‘s included in the update and tap Continue.
- The download will now commence. Progress bars will indicate the download status.
The download speed and time required will vary based on your WiFi connection strength. For major Android version updates, expect download times of 10-20 minutes in most cases.
Once the download is fully complete, you‘ll be notified that the update is ready to install.
Step 4: Install the Android Update
With the update fully downloaded, it‘s time to install it and get up and running with the latest Android version.
- On the System Update screen, tap Install now.
- Carefully read any release notes summarizing what‘s new in this version of Android. Then tap Install.
- A terms agreement will appear. Review this and if you agree, tap I Agree to proceed.
- The installation process will now begin. Your phone will reboot into recovery mode to apply the update. You‘ll see the Android logo and progress bar.
Install times vary based on the size of the update and your device specs but expect around 10-15 minutes typically. Be patient and let the process run – do not reboot or interrupt it.
Once the installation hits 100%, your phone will reboot itself back into Android. Almost there!
Step 5: Wrap Up the Update
After your Android device restarts, you‘ll be at the final phase – just a bit more setup and you‘ll be all done!
Follow along with these last steps:
- You may need to walk through an initial setup wizard after a major OS update with new permissions and options to customize. Tap through each screen carefully.
- Open the Settings app and under System check that the Android version is now updated to the latest.
- Updates may include new optional features to enable. Take some time to explore Settings and toggle on anything new you want to start using.
- Check for app updates! Many apps push out updates to support new OS features so check the Play Store for any available.
That‘s it! With those final steps completed, your Android device is fully up to date and ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Make Future Updates Easy
Now that you‘re all caught up, let‘s talk about staying caught up!
Here are some tips to keep your Android device always updated going forward:
- Enable automatic background updates – Under System Update settings, toggle on "Auto-update apps" and "Auto-update system." This allows updates to install automatically overnight when you‘re not using your device.
- Schedule manual check reminders – If you prefer manual control, schedule monthly or bi-monthly calendar reminders to check for the latest update.
- Join the beta – Opt into the Android Beta program to get early access to upcoming Android versions before they are publicly released.
- Stay posted on releases – Bookmark the Android website and follow their social media accounts to stay posted on new versions as soon as they are announced.
Following these best practices will make the update experience smooth, convenient, and frustration-free moving forward.
The Importance of Android Updates: A Recap
Updating your version of Android regularly is one of the most beneficial things you can do as a user. To recap, here‘s a quick rundown of why it really pays to stay current:
- Exciting New Features – Access all the latest additions and innovations from Google‘s talented engineering team.
- Bolstered Security – Take advantage of vital security patches that protect your device and data.
- Squashed Bugs – Resolve glitches and performance issues that crop up over time.
- Top App Compatibility – Prevent conflicts with apps that support the newest API levels.
- Longer Device Lifespan – Extend the usable lifespan of your phone or tablet by 2-3 years.
So be sure to follow this guide and keep that Android version updated! If you have any trouble with the update process, don‘t hesitate to reach out to your device manufacturer or mobile carrier for assistance. Their technical support teams are there to help.
Let me know if you have any other questions down in the comments! I‘m always happy to help fellow Android users with tips and advice.
