Upgrading the operating system on your Android-powered device is key to getting the best performance. Wondering how to update your phone on Android? Let us walk you through the process.
Why does my Android phone need updating?
Upgrading your phone to the most recent version of Android provides the latest security updates, keeping your device and data safe. You’ll also receive fresh features, enhanced functionality, app updates and bug fixes. These help you get the most from your phone when a new Android update is released. Learn how to update your Android OS below.
How do I upgrade my Android version?
Before updating your operating system, it’s useful to check which Android version your device is running. Here’s how to check your current Android version:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap About phone > Android version.
- Find your Android version, Android security update level and Google Play system level.
How to update your Android OS.
You’ll get a notification when an update is available for your device. Open the notification and tap the update action to begin upgrading your OS.
If you cleared the notification or your phone’s internet connection has been offline, follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Launch the Settings app on your Android device
- Enter the System menu
- Tap System
- Find the Software Update screen
- Tap Software Update
- You’ll see the status of your available updates. Follow any steps on the screen to begin updating.
Important: If you have an older phone model, it might not be able to run the latest version of Android.
How to update your phone’s security and Google Play system.
System and security updates usually happen automatically, but here’s how to check for an available update:
- Open Settings
- Launch the Settings app on your Android device
- Access Security and Privacy
- Scroll to find the Security and Privacy settings
- Select System and Updates
- Tap System and Updates
- Choose which update to download and install
- Tap either Security update or Google Play system update
- Follow any steps on the screen to begin installing security updates
Tip: If no updates are available you can try restarting your phone.
When do Android updates become active?
Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet install operating system updates in the background and these become active when you restart your device. Other Android-powered phones and tablets usually restart during installation of the updates. These become active at the end of installation.
Why is my phone not updating?
If you get a notification that there is not enough space available on your device, you can free up storage on your Pixel phone or other Android phone.
If the update doesn’t finish downloading to your phone, it will automatically try again. When it starts again over the next few days, you’ll get a notification—tap the update action to begin installation.
If you’re downloading security updates, you’ll need the latest Android version for your device.