How to Update an Android Device to the Latest Version

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: September 15, 2024 Fact Checked

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

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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]
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You will receive notifications when updates are available. You can also manually check.^{[2]
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Tap Android version. You'll be able to see your Android version.
- You can also find your Android security update and Build number.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Updating an Android

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1
Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi
. 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]
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- 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.
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.
It's near the bottom of the menu next to the "info" icon that resembles a lowercase "i" in a circle.^{[5]
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It's next to the image that resembles a smartphone with an arrow pointing down on the screen.^{[6]
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Tap Download and Install. 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting an Update

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1
Free up storage. If you receive the notification not enough space available, you'll need to free up space on your Android device.^{[7]
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- Delete unused apps by uninstalling in the Google Play Store.
- Clear your App Cache by going to Settings → Storage & USB → Cached data.
2
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
Retry the update. If an update begins downloading but doesn't finish, your device will try again within the next few days.
- Follow the steps from Updating an Android to retry.
4
Let your device charge. Updates require plenty of power from your phone. Ensure your phone is at least 75% charged for enough battery life to complete the update.
- Keep your phone battery healthy by using it sparingly as it's charging.

Community Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tips

Avoid updating your Android over cellular data, since using data to update will likely incur additional fees on your monthly bill.

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