Updating android to latest version

How to Update Your Android OS

Getting the latest Android update can be a simple task or a tedious one

In general, Android updates will come courtesy of your carrier. How you access OS updates will vary, but you should prepare your phone or tablet in a few ways before you start downloading.

The newer your phone is, the sooner you’ll receive OS updates; Google’s Pixel smartphones gets them first. Those with phones running on older OS versions will have to jump through a few hoops first or might not be able to update at all.

Here’s how you can find out which version of the Android OS you’re running, get OS updates, and what to do if you don’t want to wait for your carrier to issue the OS update.

The directions below should generally apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc. Each handset may have slightly different names for things, however.

Updating Your Android OS

On a Pixel smartphone, you’ll get OS updates within days of their release. You’ll receive a notification with a prompt to download the update. On most Android smartphones, you can check for system updates in Settings; if one is available, you’ll see information on what the update is with a download prompt.

Whether you got a notification or went into Settings, you can download and install the update right away or schedule it for later. Just follow the on-screen prompts.

Before you proceed, there are a few things should you do:

• Back up your Android phone
• Make sure your battery is at least at 50 percent
• Plug the phone into a power source
• Make sure you have enough space on your phone
• Connect to Wi-Fi unless you have an unlimited data plan.

Google outlines how much space you need to download an update. If you don’t have enough, you can offload some of your apps, pictures, and other files to make room using Android’s file manager.

Find Out Which Version of Android You Have

If no update is available, you should check which version of Android you have, which will help you figure out if and when you’re eligible for an update. On most smartphones, you’ll find this under About phone in Settings.

Finding Your OS Version on a Pixel

Depending on the brand of Android phone you have, the process is a bit different. Here’s how to find your OS version on a Pixel phone. The interface will vary depending on the Android version you have.

Open Settings

Scroll down and tap System > About phone. Towards the bottom of the screen, you’ll see your Android version.

Finding Your OS Version on a Samsung Galaxy Phone

On Samsung Galaxy phones, the process is similar, though again, the interface might vary.

Open Settings.

Tap About Phone > Software Information. You’ll see both your Android version and One UI version (Samsung’s custom skin).

Updating Other Android Devices

If you have a phone that’s not from Google or Samsung, the process will be similar; check for your specific device’s instructions from the manufacturer or carrier. The «About phone» section of settings contains your phone’s model number, which can also help you figure out how to update your device (and if you can). Your carrier should also have information about whether you’ll receive an OS update.

When Will You Get the Latest Android Version?

When the latest Android version is available, you’ll receive a notification on an eligible phone; you can check for system updates by going into Settings.

If you own a Pixel, you probably already know that your device receives updates as soon as one is available. In this case, you will be alerted to updates within the first few days of an OS release.

Otherwise, if you own a newer non-Pixel phone, you’ll be first in line when your wireless carrier starts rolling out OS updates. The older your hardware, the longer you’ll have to wait. And if it’s old enough, you might not receive updates at all. The same applies if you have a lower-end device; again, check with your manufacturer and carrier to determine their policy.

Get an Android Update by Rooting Your Phone

If you want the latest OS as soon as it’s available, you can still choose to root your phone, enabling you to access updates when you want them. That’s just one of the many benefits of rooting your Android device. You’ll also be able to access features not yet available to unrooted Android smartphones and tablets.

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How To Manually Update Android To Latest Version

In this guide we will see how you can manually update Andriod to the latest version using Device settings, using the computer, or using the device upgrade package. We see a lot of software update notifications popping up on our Android devices from time to time. The need for these updates becomes significant because it is due to these updates, the security, and speed of our device increases. These updates also bring a lot of new features for our Android Phones and ultimately improve the performance of our device.

It is important to note that updating a device is a simple process, but one needs to make sure that they have created a backup of their files and other personal information so that it does not get deleted during the update. The update will not cause any harm to the device, but one must take all the measures to keep their data safe.

Once you have backed up all the important files, follow the steps mentioned in the guide to manually update your android to the latest version.

How To Manually Update Android To Latest Version

Checking the version of Android on your Phone

Before installing the updates for your phone, you need to first check the Andriod version of your phone. Follow the instructions to find out about the Android version on your device:

1. Click on Settings and then system.

2. In the system menu, you will find the About Phone option, click on it to find the version of your Android.

The different methods to update the Android device methods are similar for all the devices but may vary slightly due to the Android version differences. The methods given below are general and work on all the Android Devices:

Method 1: Updating Device Using Device Settings

To use device settings to update the Android device manually to the latest version, follow these steps:

1. First of all, you need to connect your device to the Wi-Fi by swiping your notification tray and tapping on the Wi-Fi button. Once the Wi-Fi gets connected, the icon will turn blue. It is necessary to update the device on a wireless network as these updates consume a lot of data. Also, cellular data is way slower than the wireless network.

2. Now, open the Settings app on your Android phone. Under Settings, tap on About phone or Software update option.

3. Under About phone or System updates, tap on Download and Install updates option.

4. Your phone will start checking for updates.

5. If any update is available, the Download update option will appear on the screen. Tap on the Download update button, and your phone will start downloading the update.

6. Wait till the download process completes. It may take a few minutes, and then you need to install the update.

7. After the installation is complete, you will get a prompt to reboot your device.

After completing all the steps, when your device will restart, it will be updated to the latest version of the Android. If your phone is already updated, then a message will appear on your screen stating the same.

Method 2: Updating Device Using the Computer

You can update your Android device to the latest version using a computer by visiting the Device Manufacturer’s official website.

To update the Android device to the latest version using the computer, follow these steps:

1. Open any web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, etc. on your computer.

2. In the web browser, visit the Device Manufacturer’s official website. The Manufacturer’s website may vary according to the Manufacturer’s brands.

3. Once you open the Device Manufacturer’s official website, look for the support option. Click on it.

4. In the support section, you may be asked to enter specific device details about your device and register your device so that you can access the software according to your device.

5. Now, check if any update is available for your device.

6. If an update is available, download the device management software. You will be able to install the update on your phone via the computer using the device management software only. The device management software varies from one manufacturer to another.

7. Once the Device Management software is installed, open the downloaded folder. It will have the update command.

8. Now, connect the Android device to your computer.

9. Locate the update command inside the Device Management software. Generally, it is available in a tab or a drop-down menu.

10. Your connected device will start to update once you click on the update command option.

11.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update installation process.

12. Once the installation is complete, disconnect your device from the computer and reboot your device.

After completing these steps, your device will restart, it will be updated to the latest version of the Android.

Method 3: Updating the Device using Upgrade Package

The Website of your Android manufacturer will have certain files and updates which you can directly download & install to update your Android Version. It would be best if you go to the Download menu of the manufacturer’s Website and then download the latest upgrade package from their site itself. You need to keep in mind that the upgrade you install must belong to your device model.

1. Download the update from the Website and save it on the Phone’s memory card.

2. Open the Settings menu on your Phone and click on About Phone.

3. In the About Phone menu, click on System Update or Software Update. Once you see the Upgrade Package, click on Continue to install the Package.

4. Your Phone will reboot and will be updated automatically.

Method 4: Updating the Device with the Rooting Device.

Rooting is another method by which you can update your device. When the latest version of Android is available for your system, you can try rooting the device and thus gain access to super administrator permission, and you can also enable updates without any issue.

To root the android phone, you need to follow the instructions given below:

1. Install a root application on your computer and connect your phone to the system using a USB cable.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions and root the phone.

3. Reboot the phone, and you will have the updated version of the Android on your device.

Hopefully, using these methods, you will be able to update your Android device to the latest version manually and can enjoy the improved features of the updated version.

Elon Decker

Elon is a tech writer at TechCult. He’s been writing how-to guides for about 6 years now and has covered many topics. He loves to cover topics related to Windows, Android, and the latest tricks and tips.

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What is the Latest Android Version? And How to Update to the Current Android OS?

Over the last few years, Android OS has come to dominate the mobile OS landscape with over 86% market share as of 2019. The system provides high-performing and secure usage and comes with regular version updates with new features.

Because of this, many Android users want to know how to check their current Android version and update it to the latest one.

So in this article, we will learn how to figure out which version your smartphone is running and how to install an Android OS update. But before that let’s get a quick overview of the history of Android versions.

A Brief History of the Android Operating System

Google first introduced the revolutionary Android operating system as an alternative to Apple’s iOS in late 2008.

Since it’s existed, Android has had 12 versions since its humble beginning with sometimes even more than one release in a year.

The constant support from Google developers made the system the top OS with almost 3 million apps in the Play Store. This helped switch Android app development from Java to Kotlin and ensured that Android developers were highly paid and quite in demand on the market.

Here I’ve gathered an abridged listing to demonstrate how the operating system has been changing and evolving to provide users with advanced functionality. For much of its lifetime, the OS version was designated by a number and a codename.

• Android 1.0 to 1.1 — Google’s original mobile OS offered basic capability with integrated apps like Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and YouTube.
• Android 1.5 or Cupcake — Released in early 2009, this was the first-named version of the OS. It included an on-screen keyboard and introduced the framework for third-party apps to be run on mobile devices.
• Android 2.0-2.1 or Eclair — Version 2.0 added real-time traffic information, voice-guided navigation, and pinch-to-zoom capability to the OS.
• Android 2.3 or Gingerbread — The 2010 release of this OS focused on the black and green interface as Android began to develop a distinctive look.
• Android 3.0-3.2 or Honeycomb — Released in 2011, this version of the operating system was specifically for tablet devices and introduced on-screen buttons.
• Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich — This was a unified OS for phones and tablets all released in 2011 which featured a holographic appearance and made extensive use of swiping when using the system.
• Android 4.4 or Kit-Kat — Late 2013 saw this update which lightened the interface’s color scheme and introduced the world to “OK, Google” support.
• Android 5.0-5.1 or Lollipop — Major changes were made with 2014’s upgrade. Google introduced the card-based Material Design standard employed to unify the appearance of items displayed by the OS.
• Android 6.0 or Marshmallow — This relatively minor update in 2015 was the beginning of Google’s patterns of relaying a new, numbered version every year.
• Android 7.0-7.1 or Nougat — 2016’s entry in the Android OS lexicon added native split-screen mode and launched Google Assistant.
• Android 9 or Pie — Google released this last-named version of Android in August of 2018. The most visible updates of this version for users were the large Home and small Back buttons to the user interface and new security features.
• Android 10 — is the last live version of OS and we will cover it in more detail below.

Main Features of Android 10

Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019. It has many new and improved features that are good reason to upgrade your Android OS if you are still using version 9.

Here are some of the highlights of the current Android version.

• Live Caption gives users the ability to automatically caption media playing on your device.
• Smart Reply helps streamline communication by suggesting responses and recommending actions.
• Sound Amplifier lets you fine-tune the audio settings of your phone to allow you to hear more clearly.
• Gesture Navigation introduces more intuitive ways to swipe and pull and provides added flexibility to the Android interface.
• Dark Theme uses true black to save battery power and give your eyes a rest. Some users may prefer it to Android’s normal look.
• Enhanced security settings let you exert more control over the privacy of your data. You can control how data and location information is shared from the same settings area.
• Digital Well-being is a tool that strives to help users find the right balance between work and the rest of their lives. It has features that can help you be more productive or unplug for some much-needed relaxation.
• Focus mode is designed to help users stay focused on specific tasks by minimizing distractions. It lets you temporarily pause apps that may distract you by simply tapping on them.
• Family Link enables digital ground rules to be set and can help parents guide their children’s online activities. Set limits on screen time, restrict content and manage apps for your family.

If you have recently purchased a new Android comparable device, it probably came with Android 10 installed. If that is not the case, these features might persuade you that you need to update the Android OS on your phone or tablet.

Checking Your Current Android OS and updating to Version 10

When you are preparing to upgrade your mobile device, you need to know what is the latest Android OS version that can run on your machine. Some older devices may be restricted as to the version that they can handle.

Depending on the type of device and its age, the method of obtaining an Android OS download may vary. Newer devices will receive updates more quickly and users of Google devices will get notifications when they are available.

Here’s how to update your Android OS. Some preliminary steps should be taken before performing the actual update.

Check Your Android Version

The exact steps needed to perform a version check will be determined by your type of device. You want to get to the About phone information which is found in the device’s Settings. The model number can also be found here and should be noted before you begin your update.

1. Go to the Settings and scroll down to find out the System category.

2. In the System Settings section click on About device

3. Here scroll down to the end of list until you see Android version which means the version your mobile is running now.

If you decide to update your OS manually, here are a few tips to keep in mind before that:

Back up your data — You should be backing up your data regularly. Before an operating system upgrade is always a good time for a backup. You never know what might happen, so don’t take chances with your important data. Many backup apps are available. Get one and use it.

Verify your available space — The upgrade will detail how much space is necessary for your upgrade. Make sure you have enough space or move some things off of the device to free up enough for the update.

Updating the OS — If you have received an over-the-air (OTA) notification, you can simply open it up and tap the update button. You can also go to Check for Updates in Settings to initiate the upgrade.

Note: Some users may prefer to root their device to obtain updates as soon as they are available as well as being able to have more control over the device and what apps run on it.

What to Expect in Android 11

Even though there are considerable technical advances in version 10, Google plans to release the newest Android OS according to plan sometime in 2020. As you may have noticed, the company does not like to stand still.

Android 11 will focus on changes to privacy and security, application behavior, and new features including APIs. The operating system will provide support for 5G and foldable devices, positioning it to capitalize on the move to faster networks. Some specific features are:

• Biometric authentication capabilities to more securely protect your device;
• Restricts repeatable permission requests to make apps more user-friendly;
• Allows temporary permission to be given to the camera, microphone, and location services;
• Apps can automatically run authentication and connect to an available secure WiFi hotspot;
• Expanded camera support;
• Chat bubbles can be turned on and off for individual apps.

These are just a few of the new Android 11 features that the users will expect. App designers will also enjoy the extended functionality they can bring to their creations.

Wrapping Up

Except in very rare cases, you should upgrade your Android device when new versions are released. Google consistently provided many useful improvements to the functionality and performance of new Android OS versions. If your device can handle it, you just might want to check it out.

Co-Founder and CEO at Softermii. Slava has over 9-years of experience in the web and mobile development industry with focus on MVP, mobile development and design.

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