Q&A for How to Manually Upgrade an Android Device Operating System

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Why would someone root a phone?

Community Answer

There are many reasons. For example, rooting your phone would allow you to uninstall a pre-installed app that cannot usually be removed. Rooting is also required if you want to run any Android versions that aren't supported in your phone.

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What would cause a parse error when I try to install an apk file on my Android tablet? How can I stop it?

Community Answer

This can happen because when you are trying to install the incomplete file you need to check whether the apk file is complete. If not, download again or send it again. Or, if you are trying to install the application, your device might not have met the minimum requirement and your phone does not support that application.

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Question

How can I upgrade the phone from 4.4.2 to the latest version?

Community Answer

Some phones are incompatible with the latest version of Android. You can try to upgrade your phone via Settings, but there might not be any updates available.

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What can cause a Samsung to refuse to update its Android version?

Community Answer

Most likely, your smartphone is outdated and can't support the newest version of the operating system.

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Question

What do I do if I don't have WiFi?

Community Answer

If you do not have WiFi, using mobile data such as 3G or 4G is also an option. It is not recommended, however, because the size of the download is usually rather large, meaning additional data charges. Otherwise, just use someone else's WiFi.

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How do I identify the version of my phone? Do I use the kernel version or the Android version?

Community Answer

Go to Settings > About Device > and click on Android version repeatedly. You can also check your device manufacturer's webpage and read the specs of each model.

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Question

How can I change my Galaxy J-3 Prime Android version 7.0 to the Pixel?

Community Answer

Sadly, you can't change the type of phone over android updates. To get the Google Pixel, you will have to go to your carrier's store and buy it -- and it can be very expensive, especially for the Pixel (up to $800)!

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What is highest Android version for Samsung SGH-T599N?

Community Answer

The highest Android version for that mobile is Android 4.1.2. That mobile phone is very old.

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Question

I have a dell streak tablet with Android version 3.2. How can I update it to the latest 5.1 version?

Community Answer

You need to have internet access and you should make sure your tablet is plugged in to charge. Then you can access the setting on your tablet and click system update.

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Question

What do I do if my phone can't connect to my laptop?

Community Answer

Install the latest USB drivers for your phone on your computer. If you've got a Samsung device, install Kies on your PC. Install MDM on your PC if you've got a Motorola device.

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Will updating my Android device result in lost data?

Community Answer

Yes and no. If you upgrade over the air you will not lose data unless you choose to remove data. Updating over the computer is different. If you download the file and upgrade you do not lose data, but if you flash it it will erase everything and installs that version of Android.

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Question

How can I update my phone if it is not detecting my WiFi or even the data network?

Community Answer

Wait for the connection. You will not be able to update without internet access.

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Question

How do I upgrade my Android's OS?

Community Answer

Your smartphone should automatically tell you when to update.

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Question

Does my phone need to be rooted?

Community Answer

Not likely -- this is a supported feature by default with most phones.

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Question

How do I know if my phone needs updating?

Community Answer

Your phone will notify you when an update arrives then you could download it then install it or go to settings go to about device.

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Question

Is it possible to upgrade an Android that doesn't accept upgrading?

Community Answer

If you mean a device that does not have an unlocked bootloader, maybe. Someone with that device may try to create a program that will unlock it and enable you to flash custom ROMs, but it might not happen.

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Question

Is it possible to download an operating system for my phone on my PC and then move it to my phone?

Community Answer

Yes. You can download a .ZIP file which contains a custom ROM for your phone to your PC, install custom recovery such as TWRP on your phone, copy the custom ROM to your phone and use TWRP to flash it.

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Question

When updating my Yoga Tab from Android 5.1.1, it says "This update will erase all data." What exactly does that mean? Will it erase all my photos, apps, and settings?

Community Answer

Yes, if it says "all data," that means everything. Back up all of your data/settings before updating.

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Question

My google play store has stopped on my mobile. How do I turn it back on?

Community Answer

Try doing a hard reset on your phone. If that doesn't work, you may have to do a factory reset.

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Question

Can I upgrade my Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-i537) to the latest version of Android if I root my device?

Community Answer

You should be able to if your device has the capacity to handle the latest version.

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Question

Can I install a higher Android version on an older phone?

Community Answer

It depends whether the phone meets minimum requirements (Android versions 5 and above require 1 GB RAM but 2 GB is recommended, for example). Running a higher version of Android may be possible if rooted, but may not run smoothly and has greater chance of ending up hanging with high battery drain, no good for a phone. It's better to check compatibility. It's recommended to use the default OS on devices to avoid issues.

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Question

Can I upgrade an Ellipsis 8 Verizon 4G light to Android version 6?

Community Answer

No, you cannot change the brand of a phone or tablet, sorry. You would have to go and buy a new phone or tablet. I myself enjoy the Ellipsis 8 Verison 4G Light better than any Android device. My friend has the Android Version 6 and I do not like it. She says it lags a lot and that you can't go on Amazon with a Android Version 6.

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Question

If I have unlimited data, can I do a system update without using WiFi on an Android?

Community Answer

Yes, it will just use a lot of data and power. Make sure you have plenty of battery left, or that your device is plugged in.

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Question

Where do I get the update for my Android?

Community Answer

1. Hit the "Settings" button. 2. Scroll to the bottom of the resultant list, and hit "System". 3. Select "System Update" from the resultant list.

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Question

Can I upgrade my Samsung J2 from version 5.1 to 7.0?

Community Answer

Yes. Back up your data to your computer (a custom ROM will wipe all your phone's data), and use TWRP to flash a 7.0 custom ROM on your phone.

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Question

How do I know if my Android device can support the Google Play store?

Community Answer

If it supports the google play store, it will likely have come pre-installed, and will be available on your apps screen. If it doesn't, which is rare, you can download and install the Play store via a browser, as long as your settings are configured to accept third-party applications.

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Question

Can I upgrade my Kindle Fire 8 HD to the next generation?

Community Answer

No. The only way to get a newer Kindle Fire is to buy one.

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Question

Can I change my version from 4.4.2 to 7.1?

Community Answer

You could either buy a new device or root your device and download a newer version of Android. The latter is not advised, as you risk destroying it and voiding the warranty.

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Question

How do I manually upgrade my Android operating system if I get a message that says "latest upgrade installed" when there is a new update?

Community Answer

Either the new update isn't available for your device or your carrier hasn't pushed out the update yet.

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Question

Can I update my Samsung Note 8 to Oreo 8.0 with a Chromebook?

Community Answer

It does not appear Kies is available for ChromeOS. If your Note 8 still has internet connectivity, you should try updating from the phone.

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