Many users want to know how to update Android on their phone. Owners of various devices such as the Galaxy S3, Nexus 5 or HTC One usually wonder if they will receive updates. Users of iOS devices that are managed by Apple make upgrades easy.

But in the case of Android, everything is much more complicated. There is no guarantee that the device will receive the next update, and that the system version will be increased without problems.

There are 2 main ways to change the firmware on Android: OTA and a more complex manual installation. The upgrade process may differ on different devices.

How to update the system version

Those who want to know how to reflash Android should keep in mind that usually updating software automatically installed on devices using OTA. The user should find a notification that will indicate that the upgrade is ready to be installed on the phone. In such cases, all you have to do is tap on the notification and start the installation process to update the Android version on your phone.

If for some reason the message did not appear or was accidentally deleted, you can manually check for updates. To do this, you need to open “About device”, “System updates”, “Check for updates”. The names of these sections may vary slightly depending on the type of smartphone.

Often people are interested in how to change the Android version manually. There may be various reasons for this, the most common of which is the lack of stable mobile communications or Wi-Fi signal, automatic OTA updates and obtaining root access rights.

Anyone who wants to know how to flash Android needs to keep in mind that the first step to performing a manual update is to find the ROM that needs to be installed on the phone. If you plan to use the official ROM, you need to visit the website of the manufacturer of the mobile gadget to find the firmware suitable for it. For example, Samsung phones use SamMobile software, Sony uses Xperia Firmware or Flashtool, LG uses LG Phone Firmware, and Motorola uses Motorola Firmware.

The best programs for updates

Those interested in how to reflash an Android tablet will need to find a specific program suitable for it to install the ROM, or use a custom recovery mode after unlocking and rooting the device.

The KIES application is used to update Samsung branded devices. It allows you to download the ROM and install it on your phone using personal computer. The application will automatically download the firmware required for a specific model.

Odin program is another tool that allows you to install ROM on a Samsung device for a user who wants to know how to update Android. The advantage of this application is that, unlike KIES, it allows you to install firmware that you downloaded yourself. IN in this case you need to root the device.

The installed Flash Tool is used to flash Sony Xperia products. Those looking for a way to update the Android version should keep in mind that this method will only work on Xperia devices with an unlocked bootloader. The app has completed beta testing and is now running on most Windows PCs.

HTC Sync Manager is used to install updates only on devices of the corresponding brand. This application can be downloaded from the official HTC website. After installation, you will need to connect your smartphone to your computer via USB and run the program. It will independently search for official software updates for the device.

The HTC One Tool Kit Android app was developed by enthusiasts on the XDA forum, and it only works with phones from the respective brand. Using this set of tools, you can unlock your bootloader, gain root access rights, and install official or custom firmware on your device. Those who want to know how to change the Android version should download the HTC One Tool Kit from the XDA forum.

Other programs

LG PC Suite can update the corresponding brand devices. This program can be easily found and downloaded using the Google search engine, but you must try to find a version that fits your phone model.

Immediately after installing the program, you should click on the Check Phone Update option. For those asking how to update the firmware on Android, it is important to note that LG PC Suite will only install factory updates.

The KDZ Firmware Updater program provides the ability to update and flash ROM on LG devices, not only official, but also custom versions. The installation process for this program is relatively simple, but problems may occur with Windows 7 and Vista operating systems if you do not have administrator rights. Those curious about how to change the firmware on Android can download the application on the developer’s official website.

Users of Motorola devices usually have no problems receiving updates, and the RSD Lite tool will allow you to flash your phone again if any difficulties arise. If it is not clear which update and how to install it, you should download it from the developer’s website.

None of the above programs are suitable? This means we reflash the device using a custom recovery mode. This is the easiest way to install firmware and create backups. Ideal for those wondering how to update their operating system.

To enter the modified recovery mode, you need to restart the gadget. You can download official and custom firmware directly onto it, and then install them without using a PC as an intermediary.

The ROM Manager application, designed for devices with root access, can determine and suggest which update is available and how to upgrade the operating system version. With it you can view and test various firmware. The user has the opportunity to update without leaving the program.

The Android operating system is very popular and the reason for this is its many advantages. Many modern smartphones and tablets run on this operating system, which indicates its reliability, otherwise well-known gadget manufacturers would not use Android. In general, this OS has enough advantages, but the purpose of this article is not to describe the advantages and disadvantages of Android. This rather voluminous manual is intended for users who want to know how to update Android.

From time to time, every owner of a smartphone, tablet or other device running on the Android platform needs to update the operating system version. Of course, updating is not mandatory and if this is not done, any device will continue to function normally. However, the old version of the OS often becomes a problem. For example, it may be difficult to install new programs or games whose developers did not take care of later versions of Android. In addition, developers regularly release new versions of the Android OS for a reason. First of all, this is done to eliminate all the shortcomings of previous versions and add new, user-friendly features.

So, we figured out the need to update Android, now let's find out how to update Android on different devices. In this article we will look at using the official and non-official firmware versions. You will be presented with step-by-step instructions on the basis of which you can update Android on your phone and tablet. We will also tell you how to update Android via a computer. So let's get down to business.

Before you update Android, you need to choose the most suitable method for yourself, and there may be several options here. Perhaps the most convenient is automatic software updates directly through the phone. That is, this method does not require the use of a computer and pre-loading new version firmware, since all necessary actions will be performed in the smartphone settings. This OS update method is suitable for all devices with Android version no later than 4.0. The software update procedure is extremely simple and will take very little time.

It should be noted that the Android update process may vary slightly depending on your specific smartphone model. We have prepared step by step instructions using the most common software as an example, but you can easily figure it out if your device has a slightly different interface. So, to update Android on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Go to the “Settings” of your smartphone. This is usually done through the main menu of the phone or using a special button on the phone. It all depends on the model of the gadget. In any case, there will be no problems with this.

2. After entering the phone settings, find the “About phone” item (in some cases, this section may be called “About tablet” or “About smartphone”). Here you will find the build number and android version. After clicking on the “About phone” item, the following window will appear in front of you:

3. Next you need to find and go to the “System Update” section. (in some cases, this section may be called “Software Update” or simply “Update”). Now you need to click on the “Update” button (in some cases this button may be called “Check for updates” or “Check now”). If an update is available for your device, your smartphone will automatically download and install it. In some cases, automatic downloading is not possible and you will need to confirm the software update. If there is no update for your smartphone, you will see a message indicating that you have the latest version of Android OS installed.

Note: before installing Android, you should make sure that your phone is connected to the Internet and that you have enough traffic to download the new firmware.

It should be said that some devices require certain features of updating the Android operating system. For example, some Samsung smartphones require you to enable a Samasung account before updating Android. Please note that we are not talking about a Google account, but about account Samasung. If you have not yet created a Samsung account, then follow these steps:

• In your phone settings, find the “Account and synchronization” item and go to it.
• Now click on “Add account” and in the window that opens, select the “Samasung Account” section.
• Now follow the prompts on your smartphone screen. After activating your account, you can start updating your Android, following the previously given instructions.

Also watch the Android update video on your smartphone.

You already know how to update Android via your phone. Now let's find out how to update Android on your tablet. It should be said that the process of updating software on a tablet computer does not imply significant differences from updating a smartphone, however, there are still some differences, so we decided to prepare separate instructions.

Quite often, tablets are almost constantly connected to the Internet. In this case, the Android update procedure is greatly simplified. The fact is that while in constant network access mode, the device can itself find a new version of the operating system and notify you about it. All you have to do is accept or reject the new software. If a similar offer has already been received, but at that time you decided to refuse it, then there is nothing wrong with that. Just go to the “About Tablet PC” section and select “Update Software”.

If automatic updating does not occur, this procedure can be performed manually. Again, the process of updating Android on a tablet may involve minor differences depending on the specific device model, but the meaning is the same and you will not encounter any difficulties. To update Android on your tablet computer, you need to follow these steps:

• Go to “Settings”.
• Find "About your tablet." Go to this tab and click on “System Update”.
• After this, the tablet will begin searching for the latest software version.
• If the device has the latest version of Android installed, the device will tell you that no updates were found. If a new version of Android OS is detected, you will be prompted to install. install. Once the installation is complete, your tablet may restart.

Note: to eliminate problems with the device, before updating Android on your tablet, you need to make sure that the battery charge of the tablet computer is more than 50% of the permissible capacity. It is advisable to connect the tablet to a charger when updating the software. This rule is also relevant when updating the OS on your phone.

You can update Android not only directly from the device itself, but also from your computer. To do this, you will need a special program and a disk that comes with the device. You can also download the Android version from the Internet, for example, if there is no corresponding disk or you want to install a specific version.

Today, there are several programs for updating Android, but we use the special Kies application as an example. You can download the program on the Internet, just use the Yandex or Google search. To update Android via your computer, you need to follow these steps:

1. Connect your smartphone or tablet to your computer and launch the Kies application. The program will automatically check if there is a software update available for your device and the result will be notified to you in the appropriate window.

2. If there is a new version of the operating system for your device, then the “Update” button will appear in front of you. Click on it and a new warning window will appear. Carefully study the information provided and only then proceed to the next step.

3. If you agree with everything, check the box next to “I have read all the above information” and click on the “Start update” button. After this, the latest version of the operating system will begin downloading, fully matching your smartphone or tablet model.

4. Once the Android OS files are downloaded, the software update will automatically begin. If the automatic update has not started, a corresponding button should appear, clicking on which you will confirm the start of the software installation.

5. That's all. You have updated Android to the latest version. Now you can evaluate the benefits of the new software.

Android is updated in the same way through Sony PC Companion and other programs.
Also watch the video on how to update Android via Kies.

Many modern gadgets, for example, Nexus, HTC, Samsung, etc. have the opportunity to get Android 5 Lollipop. Meanwhile, often for unknown reasons, many users cannot install this software, since the long-awaited update simply does not arrive. That is, the corresponding section reports that there are no updates available for the device. If you are sure that your smartphone or tablet supports this version of the operating system, but automatic updating does not occur, then you can try updating another simple and in a safe way, which, moreover, does not require .

We are talking about a forced update, and there will be no need to manually install the image and use non-official firmware. Since we did not find a device that does not already have Android 5 Lollipop installed, the screenshots presented in the instructions will already be with this version of the software, but there is no significant difference and the contents of the menu are no different, so you will cope with the task without any problems.

So, go to “Settings” and select “Applications”.

Open the list of all applications. Now you need to find an application called Google Services Framework. Click on it and select the “Erase data” option.

After that, turn off the smartphone and immediately after turning it on, check for software updates again; to do this, follow the following path: “Settings” → “About device” → “System update”.

Note: In some cases, there may be a delay in receiving the update. As a rule, after 10-15 minutes you can start updating.

If your device does not support Android 5 Lollipop, and the previously specified file is deleted, nothing bad will happen. True, for further correct work Google Play You may have to log in again, that is, you just need to enter your login information Google account, and not re-register in the system.

You can also watch the video to see how the firmware is updated to Android 5 lolipop.

How to update Android using unofficial firmware

This is where we will end this article. We hope this rather lengthy manual helped you and now you know how to update Android. If you have any problems with the update, ask questions in the comments.

Google releases major Android OS updates to a new version every year. Users of the Nexus (and now Pixel) series devices receive the latest firmware releases promptly and quickly, which can be installed without the need for a computer. However, other manufacturers are in no hurry (and often do not have time) to quickly create OS builds adapted for their devices, and updates have to wait for months. Some companies do not bother at all about releasing new firmware; users of their devices find themselves hostage to the old version of the operating system. However most of Such problems can be easily solved with a little effort. Our material will tell you how to install a new version of Android.

How to update Android using standard means

The Android OS functionality provides the ability to receive updates from the manufacturer’s server via the Internet. The item responsible for receiving updates is usually located in the settings menu, next to the phone information. Depending on the system modification, appearance This item may differ, but the functions are the same everywhere. This is what the update menu looks like in pure Android 5.1 Lolipop (top item).

And this is the appearance of the entrance to the update submenu in MIUI8 OS from XIaomi (bottom of the screenshot).

After entering the submenu, the system will contact the manufacturer’s server and check if a new firmware version has appeared. If it is available, the phone will report this and begin downloading it. After this, the installation will occur (it is advisable to charge the battery to 50% or higher) and the device will reboot.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to update Android on a tablet or phone in this way. Even if the new firmware has already been released, manufacturers do not send the update to everyone at once, since their servers may not be able to withstand the heavy load. Sometimes it takes days or even weeks for an update to reach the end user. However, in this case, you can outsmart the developers and avoid the wait.

How to update Android if there are no updates

Before you update Android, if there are no updates, forcefully, you need to make sure that only you do not have updates, and that other owners of a smartphone or tablet of this model have already downloaded the firmware. To do this, you can visit the profile forum (XDA, w3bsit3-dns.com, forum for fans of your brand, etc.) and see if there are any messages about the release of updates. If they are, you need to find the update file for your smartphone. Make sure that the version matches: many devices are produced in several modifications, the firmware for which is incompatible! When the firmware file is found, you need to download the Android update and save it to the phone’s memory or to a flash drive. After this, go to the above system update item and click the ellipsis icon. On stock Android 5.1, the additional options menu looks like this.

The menu interface for selecting update options over the air and on MIUI is implemented in a similar way.

In the first case, you can update Android from a flash drive using the “Local updates” item, in the second case, “Select firmware file”. Captions may vary depending on the translator, but the general meaning of the title should be approximately the same. After selecting the firmware file, the system will check its integrity and compatibility with the smartphone, reboot the system and install the update. Again, this must be done with a charged battery to avoid sudden shutdown of the device.

How to install a new version of Android if there are no official updates at all

If the manufacturer “forgot” about customers and does not release firmware updates for old devices, there is still a chance to get a fresh OS. There are many enthusiasts developing alternative Android builds for many smartphones. The most famous is the CyanogenMod project, the OS build of which is installed on more than 15 million devices.

Also, quite often, alternative OS builds are made by small groups of enthusiasts or individuals, using as a basis the firmware from another similar model equipped with a more recent version of the OS. However, before you update Android on your tablet or smartphone to such a build, you need to take into account that it may be unstable. The fact is that it is very difficult to assemble 100% working firmware alone, because such assemblies often have bugs and shortcomings.

To update the Android version to an unofficial build, you need to follow the firmware instructions for your specific smartphone model (for different phones the flashing procedure is different). The easiest way is to install the update from the Recovery menu. First you need to download the Android update and save it to your memory card. To enter recovery, you need to turn off your smartphone, hold down the volume up and power buttons at the same time, and wait to enter the menu. Sometimes, in addition to the above two, you need to hold down the home button under the screen (for Samsung smartphones). To update Android, you need to find an item in the menu containing something like “Install from sdcard” (navigation is carried out with the volume rocker, selection is made by briefly pressing the power button), find the firmware on the flash drive and install it.

Sometimes, to flash the firmware, you first need to install an alternative recovery menu, for example, TWRP, since the native one may not support the installation of unofficial updates. Once the Android update is installed, you need to select “Wipe data & cache” and reboot. Before updating in this way, carefully read the instructions so as not to break your phone or tablet.

Another way to install official and unofficial Android firmware updates is through a computer.

When each new version of the Android operating system is released, many users immediately begin to look for information on how to update Android on their phone. The fact is that very rarely, immediately after the release of a new version of the OS, it becomes available for download and installation.

At first it comes only to a limited number of people, and then to everyone else, but, again, not immediately, but gradually. Some people do not receive a notification about the new version at all. Then you have to resort to independent, manual installation of a new version of the operating system. Let's look at several of the most effective and, accordingly, popular methods for performing this process.

Automatic update

As we know, the system can be updated automatically. At least, when a new version is released, the user will see a notification about this and the opportunity to install it. All this is done, by the way, for free.

So, to enable this feature, you need to do the following:

• Connect Wi-Fi so that the update is not downloaded later using mobile internet, and the operator did not withdraw extra money for this.
• Go to settings and find the item “About smartphone” (or “About tablet”).
• Find the “System Update” item there.

Clue: The names of the items may differ depending on the version of the operating system already installed. But based on the meaning, you can still guess which point is responsible for what. In the latest versions of the OS, by the way, these items are called “About the device” and “Download the update manually.”

• After this, it will check for updates and, if there are any, offer to install them. In the future, when a new version is released, the user will see corresponding notifications on his screen.

The secret of this method is that the system, in forced mode, begins to search for system updates. Even if your phone is not yet included in the list of “favorites” that received a notification, you will add yourself there. All this, as mentioned above, is done absolutely free.

Additional Applications

There are also a number of Android applications that help you check your system for updates and update it if possible. Let's look at the most popular of them.

"Update for Android" from Womboid Systems

A very unusual application that allows you to check the system and update it if necessary. In this case, the user will be able to see information about what hardware is installed on his phone.

To use this application, you must do the following:

1. Download (here is the link) and install the “Update for Android” from Womboid Systems.
2. In the main program window, click on the “Check your Hardware” button. After this, the system will be checked, and you will be able to see real data about it (it happens that the real information differs from that indicated by the seller).
3. Further in the “Upgrade to” block it will be shown full list options for operating system versions that are available for updating on your device.
4. Once selected, the update will either start automatically or you will need to enter three more texts shown below. In the second case, after each test the result will be displayed, and if the test is successful, the message will say “You can upgrade”.
5. Next, in the main menu, you need to click on the “View android firmware” button to see the available system updates. There you just have to click on the selected OS version to begin its installation.

It was not possible to find other truly working programs for the phone that could update the system. Therefore, we recommend updating the system in the standard way (described above) or through a computer.

Using a computer

Android Update Manager

As they write on the Internet, this is not a very reliable program, but it works well. Another disadvantage is the fact that Android Update Manager does not support all modern smartphone models.

To use Android Update Manager to update the system via your computer, you must do the following:

• Download and open the program. Select the device model from the list. This is done by clicking on the select button and selecting among the proposed options.
• View the list of available firmware for the selected device.

• Click on the desired version. After this, you will be taken to a page with its description. You don't have to read all of this. All that remains is to click on the download button.
• After the download is complete, you need to download the resulting file to your phone and install it like any other program.

Kies

This is a much more proven method. You can download the program here.

After downloading and installing, you need to do the following:

• Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable. After this, you will need to wait a little so that the program can recognize the connected phone. It will also check to see if an operating system update is available for the device. If it is available, the user will see the corresponding notification shown in Figure 5. There you need to click on the “Update” button.

• The user will then see a large warning text. It is advisable to read it, check the box next to the inscription “I have read…”, as well as next to the inscription “Allow saving”. Then you can click on the “Start update” button at the bottom of the window.

• Then you will need to wait a certain time while the program downloads the necessary files and installs them. At the end, a window will appear where you need to click on the “Confirm” button.

This process can be seen clearly in the video below.

There are two types of smartphone owners. The first people are completely indifferent to what version of the operating system is installed on their device. All that matters to them is that the device functions stably. Well, users of the second type want to be at the forefront of modern technologies. They want to ensure that their tablet or smartphone has the latest version of Android available at the moment. Today's material is intended for people of the second type. With this text you can understand how to update Android on your phone or tablet.

Many manufacturers almost forcefully offer to update Android. In this case, you will not need this guide - one day you will simply receive an appropriate offer that is almost impossible to refuse. Even if you click the “No” button, the prompt to update will appear in the notification panel every day.

If the system has never prompted you to update the Android version on your phone, then you can try the following steps:

1. Go to " Settings" - the corresponding shortcut is in the menu, as well as in the notification panel.

2. Go to the section " About the phone" On tablets it may be called " About the device».

3. Click on the item " System update" On some devices, the item may be called “” or something else.

4. Follow further instructions that the system will provide you with. If it says that there are no updates, then you are using latest version operating system available for this device.

Note: For a successful update, a certain amount of free memory is required, as well as a sufficient level of battery charge (it is advisable to charge it completely to avoid any problems).

Why is it necessary to update Android?

We have all heard about viruses that can attack the system. Malicious utilities try to steal personal information(name, surname, number bank card etc.), and also interfere with the stable operation of the operating system. If you regularly update the system, then the device will always have fresh patches. They eliminate security holes, thereby preventing viruses from operating freely.

Updates also significantly expand the functionality of the operating system. Here is just the most basic list of innovations that Android 6.0 received:

Android update via computer

Some users are not at all happy that the manufacturer no longer releases software updates for their smartphone. People also want to update Android manually, but through a PC. In fact, nothing prevents this, because everyone remembers that Android is a free operating system, and therefore getting its image is not difficult. But everything is not as simple as it seems.

By default, Android does not have support for numerous mobile processors and graphics accelerators. In this regard, you will have to look for a special custom assembly, which precisely contains drivers for all the components that make up your device. The best place to look for such firmware is on sites dedicated specifically to your device. Then the Android assembly must be downloaded to your computer.

You will also need a special computer program that can be used to flash the firmware. Depending on the smartphone manufacturer, this may be Flashtool, ODIN, Fastboot or some other flasher. Well, then you need to follow the instructions that come with the custom build of the operating system you downloaded. If you do everything correctly, Android on your smartphone will be updated.

Attention: reflashing will void your warranty. This process is also associated with risk; if you do it incorrectly, you may end up with a “brick”. Therefore, you should be careful and as careful as possible!