Updating your Android smartphone or tablet regularly is essential. The updates allow to correct the security flaws used by cybercriminals to steal your personal data. They also allow you to take advantage of the latest features and improvements made by Google. Problem is, you don’t know how to install the latest version of Android. In this guide you will discover the procedure to follow to update an Android phone in a few clicks.
How to know if an update is available for my phone
Android smartphones like any other electronic device are vulnerable to computer attacks. Not a month goes by without an expert or a security company discovering a new security flaw affecting Google’s mobile OS.
The risks for users are very high: information theft, remote control of the device, modification of certain data, phone blocking. Faced with these threats, manufacturers and software publishers like Google regularly offer patches to close these loopholes.
These security patches are made available to users free of charge. The problem is that the general public is often unaware of the existence of these updates. And yet, it only takes a few clicks to install them on your phone.
An important detail is that the updates do not only correct possible security flaws, they also allow you to take advantage of new features (new themes, smoother interface, dark mode, etc.).
Manually update your smartphone
The vast majority of phones sold on the market are automatically updated without human intervention as soon as a new Android version is available. On some models and depending on the options selected, users will receive a notification to warn them of the arrival of a new patch.
Of course, nothing prevents you from searching and installing updates manually on your smartphone. This operation can be done very easily and without any computer knowledge.
- Make sure that your device is connected in Wi-Fi (downloading updates requires a reliable and fast internet connection)
- Open your phone’s Android settings
- Click on the System section
- Then press the Advanced Preferences link
- Select the System Update option located at the very bottom of the window
Your smartphone or tablet will search for all available software updates for your device (security patch, system update). If it detects a new file, it will offer you to download it. You will just have to follow the instructions displayed on the screen to finalize the installation of the Android update.
Be aware that some updates can cause bugs or slow down your device. This is why it is recommended to regularly make a full backup of your smartphone.
Reverting to an older version is technically possible but very complicated to implement. This complex procedure is reserved for people with a solid technical background. Don’t take unnecessary risks if you don’t feel able to do it.
How to update your Samsung Galaxy
The steps to update a cell phone vary slightly depending on the device you are using. The Korean manufacturer Samsung distinguishes itself from its competitors by its One UI user interface. Here is the procedure to install the different updates offered by the manufacturer.
- Click on the gear icon to open the settings of your Galaxy
- Select the Software Update section
- Press the Download and Install button
Your Samsung Galaxy will search for available software updates. You will then see on the screen of your smartphone, the different files to download and their weights. You will then just have to click on the download button to start the update installation process.
How often are Android phones updated?
Recent Android smartphones benefit from a software support ranging from 2 to 5 years. Each manufacturer has its own software monitoring policy. But generally speaking, high-end devices benefit from longer support.
All too often, low-end models are completely abandoned by manufacturers just a few years after their release. Don’t hesitate to contact the customer service department of your phone or tablet manufacturer to find out how long and how often they release updates.
You should know that Android smartphones benefit from two different types of updates. Depending on your phone model, you may not have automatic access to either of these two categories.
Security patches are generally released every month. They do not bring any visible novelty. They just fix security flaws and protect your phone against malware and other viruses.
System updates (rarer) are released when Google presents the latest version of its mobile operating system. In addition to offering a new look, these updates add some extra features to your device.