How to Update an Android Device to the Latest Version

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Do you want to install the latest version update on your Android phone? While your Android will typically update automatically, you can speed up the process by manually updating as soon as an update is available. You can easily check if you have any system updates available to download, though this will vary depending on your device. This wikiHow will show you how to check your Android version on an Android phone or tablet and update your device to its latest version.

Things You Should Know

  • To check your Android version, go to "Settings", "About Phone", then "Android Version".
  • To update your Android, go to "Settings", "System”, then "System Updates". Tap "Download and Install".
  • If your device is older and does not support the newest update, you will not see an update available.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking Android Version

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Update-an-Android-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Update-an-Android-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do so, swipe down from the top of your Android's screen and look for the Wi-Fi icon; if it has a slash through it, tap it to enable Wi-Fi before continuing. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Update-an-Android-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Update-an-Android-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will receive notifications when updates are available. You can also manually check. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Update-an-Android-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Update-an-Android-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Update-an-Android-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Update-an-Android-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll be able to see your Android version.
    • You can also find your Android security update and Build number .
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Updating an Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Update-an-Android-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Update-an-Android-Step-5-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-5-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do so, swipe down from the top of your Android's screen and look for the Wi-Fi icon; if it has a slash through it, tap it to enable Wi-Fi before continuing. [4]
    • It's a good idea to back up your Android before updating it, just in case you have to restore a previous version of your Android's operating system later.
    • Be sure to charge your device .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Update-an-Android-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Update-an-Android-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a light-purple app with a white gear on it that's in the App Drawer. The app icon may look different if you are using a different theme for your Android device.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Update-an-Android-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Update-an-Android-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the bottom of the menu next to the "info" icon that resembles a lowercase "i" in a circle. [5]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Update-an-Android-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Update-an-Android-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's next to the image that resembles a smartphone with an arrow pointing down on the screen. [6]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Update-an-Android-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Update-an-Android-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If an update is available, it will say System update available at the top of the screen. Tap Download and Install at the bottom of the screen update your phone.
    • If no update is available, you'll see a message that says: This device is up to date.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting an Update

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Update-an-Android-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Update-an-Android-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you receive the notification not enough space available , you'll need to free up space on your Android device. [7]
    • Delete unused apps by uninstalling in the Google Play Store.
    • Clear your App Cache by going to Settings → Storage & USB → Cached data .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Update-an-Android-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Update-an-Android-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Reboot your Android. You can perform a standard restart or a forced shutdown.
    • To perform a standard restart, press and hold the Power button. Tap Restart.
    • To perform a forced shutdown, press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button. The screen will shut off in about five seconds.
    • Press the Power button to turn it back on.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Update-an-Android-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Update-an-Android-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If an update begins downloading but doesn't finish, your device will try again within the next few days.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Update-an-Android-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-an-Android-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Update-an-Android-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-an-Android-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Updates require plenty of power from your phone. Ensure your phone is at least 75% charged for enough battery life to complete the update.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How does a software update help Android?
    Community Answer
    Software updates help your device become faster and more efficient. Some updates even give your device additional features.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 113 Helpful 326
  • Question
    It says my system is up to date, but I don't have the latest version of Android. What's happening?
    Community Answer
    Not all devices support the latest Android version. You can check with the phone manufacturer to see if they have plans to release an update soon.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 172 Helpful 385
  • Question
    My device says I have "insufficient space" but I should have plenty of room. Why won't it update?
    Community Answer
    Your phone storage is divided into two or more partitions, so there may not be enough room left in the partition where it installs updates. Try deleting some apps or moving them to the SD card. You can do this through an app such as App2SD, or by rooting your phone to get manual access.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 45 Helpful 93
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Avoid updating your Android over cellular data, since using data to update will likely incur additional fees on your monthly bill.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Add Widgets on Android
      How to
      Add an App Back to Home Screen: Tips for Finding Apps
      4 Simple Ways to Turn Off Safe Mode on Any Android
      How to
      Find Your Phone Number on Android
      3 Ways to Unlock an Android Tablet
      How to
      Connect Android Phone to Computer
      How to
      Copy an Entire Text Conversation on Android
      6 Ways to Fix "Insufficient Storage Available" on an Android
      How to
      Change Number of Rings on Android
      A Guide to Copying and Pasting with the Android Clipboard
      How to
      Block All Incoming Calls on Android
      The Ultimate Guide to Hiding Caller ID on Android
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00077582/
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en
      4. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00077582/
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7680439?hl=en
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4457705?hl=en
      7. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7431795?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
      2. Open Settings .
      3. Tap System .
      4. Tap System Update .
      5. Tap Download and Install .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,095,065 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Lisa Lawma

        Mar 21, 2016

        "Very informative. I recall the periodic operating system updates I'd receive on my many Apple devices. It was ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement